~——— BLACK
PELE LTE ATA
PU a A eC)THE LEGEND OF
3 KEITH BLACK
RACING
ENGINES...
Few names command greater respect in the
motorsports world than that of Keith Black, the
most honorad of all professional engine builders.
But, as Black himself if quick to point out, the
many successes attributed to Keith Slack Racing Engines ars dus
to the combined efforts and skills of many individuals.
For Keith Black it all started as a teenager in postwar Southern
California, when, as a budding hot redder, he sought advice from
leading pioneers in the fi pling, performance, industry. And
fortunately, men like Roy Richter, Vie Edelbrock, Sr., Art Sparks,
Tony Campanis and Dick Jones made themselves available to
young Kelih, and gave him a solid foundation in the various
aspects of high performance engine building.
Black took his newly-gained knowledge and put it ta good use in
boat racing, where Keith reached the apex of his career as an
owner diver by amassing more poinis than any other competitor
in 1954, and with |t te A.F.6A. national championship. Keith
then decided to retire as a driver, and concentrate his efforts on
making others go fast.
The following years saw Black responsible for the winning
performances of a number of boats. But it wasn’t until the early
1960's that Keith got Involved in competition on drag strips~and
that was only bacause of a dare, no less! The net result of that dare
Was the now-famous Greer-Black-Prudhomme AA/Fuel Dragster,
Which compiled the most impressive win record (23%) the sport
has every seen.
Notoriety from these exploits saw a resulting demand for Black's
services, and in short order Keith Black Racing Engines became a
full-scala operation. And the efforts of customers like Foland
Leong, who won back-to-back Top Fuel titles at both the NHRA
Winternationals and Nationals with his ‘‘Hawallan"’ dragsters,
firmly established the South Gate, California shop.
In 1986 the Chrysler Carporation turned to Keith Black Racing
Engines for the first of many research projects. Over the years
these projects have coverod all forme of motorsperts racing. from
the Indy 500 ta Unlimited Hydroplanes to stock car racing, ato. Thy
positive results gained from these projects has enabled the
working relationship between Chrysler and Keith Black to
continue to this day.
It is said that you can judge aman by the company he keeps. Over
the years the staff at Keith Black Aacing Engines has grown to
Don Garlits 1975 elude respected specialists in all phases af custom engine
building, plus the design and manufacture of precision
components. The product line has swelled trom accessories for
sarly-styla Hemi ‘opines to complete race-ready aluminum
engines, and the list of Keith Black's customers reads like a who's
who of quia serte with men like Don Garlits, Richard Petty, Don
Prudhomme, ry Bock and countless others contributing to the
legend that is Keith Black Racing Engines.WHAT
KEITH BLACK
CAN DO
FOR YOU
While the reputation of Keith Black Racing
Engines has been established most convincingly
In the flelés of automotive and marine drag
racing, there are many ather areas of competition
where the products and services of Keith Black
Racing Engines havo achieved much success.
‘This includes NASCAR stock car racing, Formula
5000 and other forms of sports car competition,
losed-circuit and marathon boat racing, plus
“Indy 500" type championship cars
‘What this means for you is that personnel at Keith Black have had
extensive experience in the preparation of racing engines for all
forms of campetition, and have demonstrated the versatility and
know-how essential’ for pioneering winning combinations. It
should alsa be pointed out that development work in one area of
pombe: io can, and often does, lead to technological
break-throughs applicable throughout the entire spectrum of
racing engine preparation. The particular demands of one form of
racing contributes to the development of engines with increased
performance and reliability for all,
For sur, no firm can top Keith Black in experience with the 426-
type Hemi engine, as well as most other Chrysler Corporation
power plants. But the staff at Black's alsa boasts
Tremendous experience with large and smallDlock
Chevrolet engines (including exotic turbocharged
versions}, Ford and evan American Motors power
plants. Ada to this siperience gained trom
eyes on specialized for-racing-only engines
ike Offennauser, Weslake, clc., and you can
readily see that Keith Black Racing Engines is
capable of preparing just about anything
imagineable!
‘And while Kelth Black can and will provide
complete "turn-key" engines ready for competi-
tion, the shop is also geared to deliver engines
and’ components, in virtually every stage, of
completion. The old adage; '"No job is too large or
too small" holds true at Keith Black Racing
Engines.
In addition to having a fine staff of skilled technicians~each a
Specialist in their particular area--Keith Black Racing Engines has
a full compliment of specialized machinery. The shop has the
Gapability of performing every machining operation necessary In
the preparation of racing engines and related components. This
entire In-house capability ensures total quality control and prompt
expedition of all orders.
But the best news i thal the products and services offered by
Keith Black Racing Engines ara very competitively priced! An
examination of Black's price lst should convinces you that i is
Indeed possible to get Keith Black quality and know-how for less
than you'd think,
Keith Black and the entire staff stand ready to serve you.KEITH BLACK
THE
=, ALUMINUM
SS
Since its debut In 1973, the Keith Black aluminum 426
Hemi engine has bean responsible for more record-setting
performances on [and and in the water than any other specialty
engine. Recent milestones achieved by this power plant include
(Gon Garlit’s shattering of drag racing's 250 mph barrier and Don
Prudhomme's first-avar S-second Funny Car lacking.
‘There are many reasons for the tremendous success enjoyed by
this engine, But, perhaps the most important of these reatons Is
‘the fact that the Kelth Black Aluminum 426 Hemi, now In its ard
generation, Is the product of a never-ending development
ram. "As the only specialty engine manufacturer who
pI
additionally pre ‘and mainiains their own engines for
competition, Kerth Black is capi .
‘of keeping pace with ail
developments within tho sport, This firsthand’ working
knowledge, combined with additional racer Input, gives Kaiti
Black the flexibility to quickly take advantage of ' technological
advancements In ‘related areas (component, Improvements,
‘Systems development, tc.) or promptly remedy any potential
eo BMaR over 200 vita ine flies there 18a oiceable
nlormation-genersting network to benefit any future purchaser of
@ Kath Black engine.
Tho Keith Black engine itsolt is sophisticated version of the
famed Chrysler 426 Hami, and accepts ali standard internal and
external Hemi components. But here is where all similarity ends,
singe the Keith BI 1¢ is designed exclusively for racing
Purposes. To begin with, its aluminum construction (utilising &
‘Spécial aerospace-daveloped alloy) accounts for a whopping 130 Ib.
reduction in weight comparad to # cast Iron block. And any racer
knows that less weight means better performance. But aside from
that, the block Incorporates additional bracing in all critical areas
16 provide bonus strength and longevity. The Keith Black
‘aluminum engine also has a spectal oiling system designed for
high speed lubrication, as, well ea Internal ll control features
(windage prevention) for bonus power.
‘Another advantage of the Keith Btack aluminum engine ia the fact
that it has many features to facilitate rapid Detween-round
servicing at the races. Main bearing inspection is facilitated
through the use of individual extruded aluminum supports, while
fact eylinder has a quickly ramovable cast Iran liner, This engine
has been designed by and for racers who understand the
importance of proper ontrack maintenance,
OF course, precision machining, is, evident, throughout the
onstruction of euch and every Kelth Black aluminum eng! id
the entire assortment of Keith Black accessory components
compliment it pertectly.
Let the performances of the Keith Black aluminum Hemi in
‘com and the opinions of leading competitors stand as a
testimonial to this engine. After all, it’s the results that count!KEITH BLACK ENGINES ARE
AVAILABLE IN ALL STAGES OF
COMPLETION
The needs of today's racers often differs markedly {rom that of a
few years ago. It Is quite evident that the trend Is taward Individual
Independence, as opposed to the ‘‘camp"” situation that prevalled
in past years. Kelth Black recognizes and encourages this
independence, and has geared the operation of Keith Black Racin
Engines accordingly. With this flexibility in mind, Keith BI
offers each and every product and service listed In this catalog on
an’ individual basis.
There are, however, those racers who preter completed
assemblies. And it's no secret that many times a relative
newcomer has stunned more seasoned competitors by utilizing a
complete turn-key motor from Keith Black. Obviously, Keith Black
knows what it takes to field a winning combination. And often
times racers prefer to bypass expensive experimentation stages
and begin with a tried and true baseline.
Then there's the fact that Keith Black has one of the best -eaulpoed
facilities In the entire industry, Many racers, not having similar
equipment and technology available to themselves locally,
therefore rely on Keith Black for comprehensive services.
The choice is up to you, the individual. And whatever direction you
choose to ore can rely on Keith Black Racing Epes ta work
with you. And give you straight answers on everything!
Through experience, it has become evident that the Kellh Black
aluminum engine is most. requestad in either of three
configurations: (1) bare block, (2) assembled short block, (3)
complete race-ready engine.
KB ALUMINUM 426 BLOCK
The block le completely. prepared for competition, {nolusing
line-boring, parallel surfacing, de-burring, etc., and comes with al
necessary liners, studs, seals, main caps and hardware. Ready to
assemble
ASSEMBLED SHORT BLOCK
Includes a Keith Black aluminum block, plus a KB crankshaft,
rods, bearings, pistons and rings selected to best suit your
particular needs. The entire package is fully balanced, and
carefully assembied to exacting tolerances.
COMPLETE KB ENGINE
Available supercharged, injected or carbureted for any form of
automotive or marine ‘competition. Each complete engine is
tailored to the exact needs of the customer, and Is delivered ready
for installatio
OTHER ENGINES...
Keith Black also offers conventional cast iron Chrysler Hemi
‘engines, or any other motor (Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler or AMC,
‘8t6) In any stage of completion. Conventionally supercharged or
turbocharged as well.
NOTE TO PROFESSIONAL RACERS:
PRM ieee msl: Bea ame Un
Keith Black Racing Engines maintains a significant stockpile of all popular
component pieces, and has geared its order and shipping departments to
promptly expedite all orders. You can count on Keith Black as a reliable one-stop
ce ae atedKEITH
BLACK’S
CRANK
DEPT.
Perhaps the most vital link in today’s powerful competition engines is. the crankshaft. It
must withstand the tremendous fortes generated by each and every horsepower, and be
Capable of delivering maximum reliability. Keith Black has always recognized this, and
Subsequently committed more research, davelapment, and resources: to the manulacture of
crankshafts {han any other engine builder.
Today, a fully-equipped Crankshaft Department stands ready and capable of performing.
avery conceivable function with the utmost precisian. And Keith Black Racing Engines does
everything from building farged or billet steel crankshafts from scratch to performing,
routine rebuilding of streot-type units,
FORGED BILLET CRANKS
[Designed for blown fuel applications, the crankshaft is based
on 2 tremendously strong 4340 steel alloy forging, and
subsequently machined by Keith Black technicians to the
‘exagt needs of the customer, which include siraker cranks up
to 5/8” increase. Also available are Keith Black-prepared
Chrysler factory fergings for the Hemi and 340/360
‘smaliblock engines.
STEEL BILLET CRANKS
Proven in the rigors of competition as capable of
withstanding exteaordinary punishment is the KE. billot
< Crank, which has eared an enviable reputation for providing
exceptional engine longevity. The crank Is machined from a
solid 4340 chrome-moly steel billet, and finished in standard
plus 400, 112°" and 6/2" stroker assemblies. Unparalied In
material and’ workmanship! Alse available custom-made to
‘any engine or stroke configuration.
REBUILDING SERVICES
Keith Black offers complete maintenance services on KB
forged or billet cranks, as well as those crankshatts produced
by other manufecturers. Keith Black technicians are
nizant of the importance in maintaining, ultra-closo.
tolerances in the preparation of race-ready crankshalts, and
ach crank praduced by the shop reflects {his conscientious-
ness, Keith Black offers the entire spectrum of services,
including, reinforcing, stroke, altorationt, | special cll,
crass-drilling, grooving, hard-chroming and balancing,RESEARCH
NEVER ENDS AT
KEITH BLACK’S...
‘The key to maintaining a position of leadership in
motorsports competition is through the development of new
‘components and combinations that provide a winning edge.
Merely keeping paca with the competition is clearly not
sufficient,
For this reason, Keith Black Racing Engines has a full-scale
research and’ development program, whieh includes
widespread use of ith Black's own special engine
Synamometer and sophisticated telemetering equipment, &
staff of skilled engineer/technicians, plus the resources of
‘outside industry.
With over a decade's experience in extensive research
programs, dating back to the first Chrysler Corporation
project back in 1966, Keith Black Racing Engines has
continually displayed its ability to gain positive results. This,
is possible through having innovations properly evaluated by
qualified personne! ullizing he many resources available to
eith Black. And the Keith Black team can proudly paint to
many past accomplishments in virtually every field of
motorsports competition, as well as the development of
products like the Keith Black aluminum engine.
What does this mean to you?
First off, it tells you that even though Keith Black may
already have the “hot tip” for today, he's already working on
tomorrow. And thal gach and every product thal bears the
Keith Black name is constantly being evaluated and
improved upon, That's good news!
Furthermore, these same resources are available to you. If
u've got an idea you want tested and evaluated, Keith
jack's Research Department can be retained forte task, OF
course, all results will be kept in strictest confidence. And as.
‘a matter of fact, we can't jin to tell you about all the
projects Keith Biack Racing Enginas has done. The clients
wanted it that way.KB ALUMINUM RODS
Designed especially for use in the 420-type Homi engine (and
Rot a compromise made for universal big block usage), the
‘Keith Black forged aluminum rod represents aver a decade's
experience with this engine. The rod features a special beam
cross-section for significant improvements over more
conventional designs, and comes complete with extra-strong
fod bolts. Other features Include blind bolt hole drill
Precision machining to exacting tolerances, ang double col
Stabilization. Avaliable in both standard ‘and ‘‘long rod”
configurations for all popular streke Hemi eranks, and sized
‘for 1.094" diameter pins.
KB FORGED PISTONS
‘Also the product ot over a decade's experience with the 426
Hemi are Keith Black's forged aluminum pistons. After
experimenting with countless dome configurations, com-
pression ratios and ring combinations Keith Black now offers
@ thoroughly researched and race-proven series of forged
‘aluminum pistons for a variety of blown fuel, alcohol, and
unblewn applications. And in addition to receiving, top
quality components, purchasers of Keith Black forged
pistons gain access ta the technological expertice gained
rough actual competition use of these parts. Of course, all
necessary pins, butions, locks, etc. are available too,
KB PISTON RINGS
Proper engine sealing is of the utmost'importance, and Keith
Black has developed a series of piston ring combinations to
provide optimum combustion chamber seal while simultane
Sualy maximizing eyllnder wall fe, Kelth Black piston ring
sets are the ideal compliment to KB forged pistons, an:
feature high-quality stainless steel top rings, special eecand
rings, and dovetall scraper oll rings. Keith Black nes
carefully researched each and every combination offered,
and offers only those individual components which have
proven most effective. A complete selection of all popular
combinations is kept in stock,
KB SLEEVE & PULLER
Replacement sleeves for Keith Black aluminum engines are
available on an individual basis, and offered in a variety of
bore sizes. Each unit is honed and ready for installation, and
comes compiate with all necessary o-rings, Also available
from Keith Black is a handy sleeve pulling device which
facilitates prompt removal of sleeves from KB aluminum
‘blocks. An absolute ‘'must'’ for every racer with an
aluminum specialty engine.