The New Wildcat HD Cast Iron block from Kenny Betts Racing

Introducing the Wildcat block.

 

Why you should choose The WC Block?

1. ALL your current parts fit the new KBR Wildcat block... with NO extra work or parts required.

2. KBR Wildcat block has indexed and bronze bushed lifter bores, your choice of lifter diameter and type (flat tappet or Roller) -- you don't have to put in an expensive roller cam. Bushed lifter bores are a $1000+ cost in other aftermarket blocks. The Ultimate choice for longevity, versatility and oil control.

3. Choose a stock Buick cam tunnel for direct changeover of your current parts. Or, the Wildcat block is designed to also accept the new 55MM cam core that is in final development at Competition Cams.. KBR is currently working with Comp to produce both a stock Buick size and 55MM core from the industry standard 8620 material. This material is the universal choice for performance roller camshafts, the only thing better is our tool steel cam, the ultimate cam for Severe Duty.

4. Going big bore? The KBR Wildcat block will take up to a 4.500 bore, with .300 of cylinder remaining in all critical areas. We save you money and time by providing a block that is rough bored to near your desired final bore size. We currently plan on stocking bores of 4.450 and 4.300. Want to build a real 455? The KBR Wildcat block will bore and deck plate hone at the stock factory size of 4.3125.

5. Since we are machining this block one at a time, under direct supervision of KBR personnel, we can machine and deliver a block to YOUR specifications. Available from rough finished to ready to do a final wash and install your parts. You chose your investment level, and have the option to take advantage of our world class machining facilities.

6. Our block will be thoroughly proven with in house builds and dyno tests, AND real world in car testing, to prevent "expensive surprises".

Available Spring of 2019. Just over a year from original design meeting, to reality. The Entire design and development/testing costs were/are being paid for by Kenny Betts Racing.

Specifications:

• High Quality Cast Iron material
• Cad Designed from Original Factory Blueprints
  
• Exact fit for all your current parts. No Modifications!
  
• Redesigned oiling with Priority main configuration. Dry sump in and out, aux rear oil pressure port on driver side.
  
• 4.312 to 4.500 bore size capability
• Fully water jacketed for street use.
  
• Relocated lifter bore oil galleys to the inside of the valley, for increase strength in critical areas.
• "flat bar" designed lifter bosses, allowing the use of multiple different roller lifer locating strategies. From link bars to Key slots, and every thing in between.
  
• Bushed and indexed lifter bores, machined with BHJ lifter true tooling. Lifter diameter range- .842 to .904 at no charge, larger sizes available at extra cost.
  
• Each block has the cam tunnel rough bored via CNC, and then final finished with custom fixtures, one at a time, to insure perfect cam tunnel placement and alignment.
• Cam tunnels sized from stock Buick thru Roller bearing sized 55MM- your choice-
• HD 4 Bolt mains on the center 3 caps- where all the force is located- This allowed KBR engineering to maintain the exact Buick designed oil pan rail so your current oil pan and pickup will bolt right on. The Wildcat block is a HD copy of the original Buick Engineering design study 4 bolt blocks, from the late 60's.
• 3" or 3.25" mains, your choice
  
• 5 Billet steel main caps, with ARP Studs.
• Additional inboard and outboard head bolt locations to fit all current stock and aftermarket cylinder heads.
• 100% USA made.

Price- $4495.00

 

Now We're Talking!!! Very Nice Ken.

Larry

 

Awesome. I waaaaaaannnt!

 

I am impressed.
Cliff

 

Curious about how the weight compares to a stock block. What does it weigh?

 

Yup, that was my question... as Kenny's engine builder, I have been a consultant on this deal.

The cad program pegs the weight right in line with the Dart Big M BBC block. That motor, which is the benchmark piece for the Bow Tie crowd, comes right in about 300 lbs. I think the cad program said this block would be 305ish..

140 lbs heavier than the naked stock iron block
50-60 lbs heavier than a fully filled and girdled factory block.

Gives you and idea of just how much more iron is in this block. All the scalloped out areas on the mains were filled in, plus the mains were widened as much as possible, and yet still have the stock crank spin.. plus thickening the deck surface, and all the cylinder walls, as well as the filled in lifter galley.

Lot of iron to work with in this one, can't wait to see the first one.

 

What's the maximum stroke? Also has 3" main option?

 

Ken, I can’t tell you how much your efforts are appreciated to the Buick community this is really needed I would like to personally thank you for getting this done!Tom

 

We are starting with a 4.4" and we hope for 4.5". Either way the block will be pre machined and no extra charge if the 4.5 will fit. 3" or 3 1/4" crank , and stock, 54mm and 55mm cam, your choice.

 

Excellent!

 

Wow! Great work Ken!

 

How many cubic inches could you get out of this monster?? Very nice indeed!!

 

Based on Wallace Racing it says 572 with 4.5" bore and 4.5" stroke. That's huge

 

More queries Ken..


How tall is the deck? Any options to go higher or lower?

 

And what about a raised cam block for even more stroke?

 

Between TA Performance and KBR, we may start seeing more really fast Buicks.

 

With a 4.5bore with the stock "470" crank you would net 515cid

Stock 3.9 stroke crank would be a 496

Would be a nice way to build a 500" street cruiser with 650to 700 hp with mild compression and cam if with a nice set of heads. And being able to use the stock crank would take a chunk of $ out if the build price

 

I was getting ready to pull the trigger to put a deposit down in the TA block special. Looks like I am going to have to wait for updates from the GS Nats

 

Are the caps doweled or pinned?