Grims OB report from K+B

[Jeff Torgalski]

Yeah, if you look really close you can see a set screw in the red carb. That's the old design that I asked Jerry about a few months ago. They probably just wanted to spruce it up.

 

[Jeff Torgalski]

Ok guys, it's been one month. So maybe someone should call K&B to try and order a .21 OB.

Tell us what happened when you call, and I'll tell you what they told me when I called.

 

[tunneldave]

I think maybe everyone should call them and bother them, it cannot hurt.

They told me that 3.5 SS should be available by the end of the year but there is no guaranty

http://www.modelengine.com/how2order.htm

1.800.359.6972

Dave

 

[izitbrokeyet?]

I’ve been on back-order for some 3.5 pipe timing pistons and sleeves for about 2 months.

I called today to “check on the status”. ;D

The response is that “we’ll begin shipping in 3-5months” I asked about complete 3.5 engines, and the answer was “we’ll begin shipping in 3-5 months.

I must say that I like this response better than the standard “call back next month”.

 

[Jeff Torgalski]

Come on, everybody take a swing. Give em a call, don't be a chicken.

 

[Propjockey]

I just got the same thing..."3.5 air cooled (SS) in process...3-5 months. Water cooled hopefully by the end of the year, maybe early part of next year."

I also asked about parts availability and was told "We have some parts in stock, and the rest is in process (they like that phrase)."

What'd they tell you Jeff?

 

[Jimmy Whitbeck]

So I wonder how long they are going to keep this up for ! seams like the old owners almost all ways had parts ! but what is the hang up as to me it looks like thay should off not bought the company when they can't deliver ! as i know I'm bad on deliveries but I'm just one person with one other helper on the weekend! and they have a full time cnc shop ! or do they?? or is it they make to many other motors to make any kb stuff??

and Yes I'm tired of the new owners all way putting every one off!!!

sincerly :

Jimmy owner of J&D machine and products

 

[[email protected]]

I calle, was put on hold and no one came back to the phone!! I got Disse'd

 

[Propjockey]

I wonder what would happen if someone in the area asked for a tour of their facilities...maybe get a little undercover info.

 

[TimD]

You guys have loads more patience than me!

I'm still amazed that no-one has decided to "tap in" on the business opportunity to make parts for these motors - clearly K&B wouldn't be much opposition as they can't supply now! There are plenty of them out there that would need parts.......

 

[Jeff Torgalski]

PJ and all

They told me exactly what they told you: they said there will be no engines until the end of the year. I said "you mean December of 2003?" and they said "yes, December 2003".

Grim, sounds to me like they weren't totally honest with you.

Now I see what's been going on, and it's pretty p*%@ poor.

 

[GTR]

Hi Guy's,

I agree with TimD and I've mentioned it before - what happened to the old McCoy manufacturers they used to make lots of this stuff. Great P&L, surely the tooling is still out there somewhere. What about some of the other specialist manufacturers - Nelson? maybe. Other than that you can source most other parts. Rods is a bit of an issue but that could be overcome. How come RPM don't make rods anymore? The market for these bits is still strong. Maybe Grim could lobby some of the contacts he must have to get some action from the specialist manufacturers. Sorry that it means 'stock' is dead but maybe we can all run super stock. Of course everyone could mortgage the car and buy a Mac they go hard and parts are available. LOL

Hi TimD - you have been quiet lately. Busy?

GT ;D

 

[[email protected]]

GTR,

RPM closed up shop and I heard that Dave Richardson only makes rod's for a few select people he is tight with. Apparently he also sold the name "RPM".

 

[TimD]

hi GT,

Yeah - I've been very, very busy lately both with work and after hours.

I started a thread on the main page a while ago about contacts for Russian manufacturers regarding engine parts. I don't know if you have seen the piston and liners in the Kalistratov's or the A motors but they are superb. If there is enough numbers out there we could get the piston and liner's made for the K&B's that should be superior to the original. Price would be comparable to the original parts (when available : )There are minimum orders that would be required.

Brad Christy can / does make the rods. Bearings are no big drama.

What other parts for K&B's need replacement or fail?

Tim.

 

[waterbug]

Tim - Guys if you look at the KB parts list they have just about everything but P/L's . Getting those would sure be a good thing and sell quick, excellent craftmanship and a big demand .

The only problem is getting KB to ship you the parts that they show they have in stock.

This is getting to the point that we as boaters need to petition the IMPBA and NAMBA and APBA to change the rules !!

If TT is our only choice of stock engines then they need to modify the class so mods could be made to make all the engines equal in performance .

I know this is a big endeavor but something needs to be done !!! Besides just sitting around hoping KB will produce something !!!!!

SUPER STOCK ??? SOMETHING !!!!!!!

Everybody don't have a KB SS to run !!

Every other engine is at a disadvantage, be it weight or power .

 

[Jeff Torgalski]

Hey Guys,

Last night I was strolling a dark alley in Downtown Buffalo, and you'll never guess who I ran into!

Remember that guy Randy from K&B? Well I sure am glad I bumped into him! I'm not so sure he was happy to see me though. Check out what I scored from him! And I sent him a little message from all of you, too! ;D ;D

 

[Jeff Torgalski]

pic

 

[topfuel443]

Jeff, is that the new 3.5 they came out with? I dont understand (once again) the whole story, whats up with the money and the engine. Im sure i missed something unless you robbed the guy ;D

 

[Jeff Torgalski]

You mean like took his money and stole his engine? Wow, that'd be weird.

 

[Propjockey]

OH, NOW THAT'S JUST GREAT! On behalf of all the Intlwaters members, Jeff mugged the K&B Rep in a dark alley! That'll help our cause!