Who Owns Bear Block Motors

[427HISS]

Anyone know ?

How much are they're blocks now ?

[mike7570]

Mine was over $4,200 with California sales tax.

[mn67]

Paid $3875 in Jan

[427HISS]

Is that for the aluminum ?
What's the iron cost ?
Why no prices on his website ?

[FrozenMerc]

With tariffs on steel and aluminum that change at our presidents whim, the prices for raw steel and aluminum have fluctuated a lot lately, literally by the hour in some cases.  I wouldn't want to put prices for heavy castings on my website that lock myself into a given price right now.  That seems like a good way to lose money quickly.  I am sure they are also working hard on re-organizing their supply chains, just like everyone else in the casting business right now.  Just to much variability to lock prices down right now.

[GerryP]

With tariffs on steel and aluminum that change at our presidents whim, the prices for raw steel and aluminum have fluctuated a lot lately, literally by the hour in some cases.  I wouldn't want to put prices for heavy castings on my website that lock myself into a given price right now.  That seems like a good way to lose money quickly.  I am sure they are also working hard on re-organizing their supply chains, just like everyone else in the casting business right now.  Just to much variability to lock prices down right now.

The price fluctuation in aluminum is statistically insignificant and is in fact slightly cheaper today than it was at the first of the year:  http://www.infomine.com/investment/metal-prices/aluminum/  Year-over-year, aluminum has been very stable.  Look at the five-year chart.  Some peaks there, but unless you are building big items, the cost difference isn't significant.

[mn67]

427HISS, That was for an Iron block.

[HarleyJack17]

The price fluctuation in aluminum is statistically insignificant and is in fact slightly cheaper today than it was at the first of the year:  http://www.infomine.com/investment/metal-prices/aluminum/  Year-over-year, aluminum has been very stable.  Look at the five-year chart.  Some peaks there, but unless you are building big items, the cost difference isn't significant.

Not saying you are wrong but there is more to it then what this graph shows. The graph looks wrong by about .18/Lb first off based on yesterdays close and today's open.  At least in the west Aluminum is supposed to be traded on the LME.  There are a lot of variables, like what type, what form, but like I said, the graph appears skewed a little vs. our numbers and for us in the USA a major price adder is missing.  The mid-west premium is not added.  This geographical adder is added to all sales.  That adder has fluctuated from .06/Lb upwards of .20/Lb in the past decade...I know of a .14/lb adder in the past 3 years.  So based on a range of .98-1.35 lb I would consider that a huge swing- over 35%.
Now what rules China plays by? Who knows, but what I do know, is that if production was here, and the supply of raw material then pricing would definitely change and quite rapidly even without tariffs.  I know today our July Aluminum is around .99-No MW Adder.  There are also fab costs but that is a by supplier/stock add in.

Even steel has moved pretty crazy the past 3-4 years.

I would think smart companies have some room built into their price but it can be very tough based on how you handle inventory/sales/etc.

 

[GerryP]

Not saying you are wrong but there is more to it then what this graph shows. ..

Commodities markets (oil, pork bellies, rubber or whatever) are by their very nature volatile.  Every commodity has its peculiarities when it comes to exactly what it is being offered and what happens in the process of delivery.  Spot prices do give you insight into the basics, but, yes, they don't define the actual "as delivered" product.

[BattlestarGalactic]

I'm not a market analyst, but I know the steel market is way off kilter from 10 yrs back.  We have a hard time getting 4140ht rounds at work.  What was always in stock is now weeks out(no one carries a large inventory anymore).   That same basic material is used to make bimetallic liners.  Those suppliers are quoting 30 weeks!!!!!  Yes, 6 months, compared to 3-4 weeks just a few years ago.

Or vendors never give us "common size' pricing anymore like they used to.  Every piece is priced when called.

[cj428cj]

I paid $3995 in November but that was purchasing through an engine builder rather than directly from BBM.

[Katz427]

Doug is pretty sure that the cost will fluctuate, so posting pricing is hard to do. Th BBM blocks are cast at Hyundai Heavy Industries, and he is never really sure of the final costs until the blocks arrive in port. As far as I know, no tariffs on these South Korean made blocks.

[427HISS]

Anyone have a BBM block that you want to give away ? 

[CDXXVII]

Move politics over to Non-Fe Discussion page.

[olman]

NO!  It would be more fun here!

[67428GT500]

I think many of us are old enough to understand the concept but I wouldn't buy "junk" for a long time. Some unions will cut off their nose to spite their face. We've been having an issue with maintenance. The passengers and the customer service people on the inside take the beating.

[CaptCobrajet]

No tarriff on South Korea.  They have free trade with us, both ways, and there is no tarriff.  Interestingly, our government is doing it's job by the way.  Doug had to give ICE proof of origin  recently for his blocks and the raw materials.  Nothing in a BBM block comes from China, in case you are interested.  There are American made fasteners and plugs in there though.  As with anything, prices increase slightly over time. Less than $4K right now for iron blocks before shipping.  Still a great value for a very nice piece.  The best iron FE blocks ever produced to date in my opinion. I have used and sold around 100 of Doug's blocks in the last five years.  Two thumbs up from my view.

[hwoods]

The cost of the BBM Blocks seems to be similar to other non FE Ford aftermarket blocks.  Dart, and the others.  Maybe a few dollars more.  I have one of the BBM Tunnel Wedges and it looks like a nice piece.  I had a Ford Original Tunnel Wedge back in the early 70's and had to do a little work to it it get it to sit right on the Ford  side oiler block I had back then.

[fairlaniac]

I'm not a market analyst, but I know the steel market is way off kilter from 10 yrs back.  We have a hard time getting 4140ht rounds at work.  What was always in stock is now weeks out(no one carries a large inventory anymore).   That same basic material is used to make bimetallic liners.  Those suppliers are quoting 30 weeks!!!!!  Yes, 6 months, compared to 3-4 weeks just a few years ago.

Or vendors never give us "common size' pricing anymore like they used to.  Every piece is priced when called.

I work for Carpenter Technology Specialty Alloys, Stainless and Titanium Steel Mill. We are pumping out finished 4140 ground rounds like they are tooth picks. Shortage must be in the distributor's hands. FYI - we also provide the material to APR for fasteners and you think I could get a discount ;-)

[jayb]

Forum rules state that political discussions are NOT allowed here.  Keep it on topic, please...

[Katz427]

I paid $3600 plus shipping for my block about 18 months ago. I waited about a year to receive it. I suspect there may be a silent partner, but one always communicates with Doug , so it is not a big operation, and Doug may be doing it all based off his connections. Pretty big undertaking for one guy, financial and engineering.

[427HISS]

I paid $3600 plus shipping for my block about 18 months ago. I waited about a year to receive it. I suspect there may be a silent partner, but one always communicates with Doug , so it is not a big operation, and Doug may be doing it all based off his connections. Pretty big undertaking for one guy, financial and engineering.

Did you buy it directly from BBM or a dealer ?
Can you explain more in detail on what you wrote, and can you or anyone tell me the story on what happened or what'shappening ?

I know nothing about them.

[Katz427]

I bought my block directly from BBM, talked with Doug, he let me know w9hen shipment arrived. First time he sold out completely in about a week! I then waited another 7 months for the next shipment. When he knew there was a block to fill my order, he called and asked to charge my credit card. He didn't charge for shipping to my shop until he actually shipped the block to me. I was ok with that, actually very satisfied with the transaction, and the block. Doug has a couple projects in the "fire", one being a block for modular Ford engines. That said, he is really at the mercy of his supplier Hyundai Heavy Industries. They set the schedule, and the big customers get preference, so Doug may have a date, to receive product, but his supplier doesn't care and push back to fill other larger orders. So, one waits. Such is manufacturing in the 21st century, with a global supplier base, as you probably well know.
The blocks, heads, and basically any part he sells is well made, with many satisfied customers.

[427HISS]

Move politics over to Non-Fe Discussion page.

Don't they make a FE engine ?  Hum...

[BattlestarGalactic]

I work for Carpenter Technology Specialty Alloys, Stainless and Titanium Steel Mill. We are pumping out finished 4140 ground rounds like they are tooth picks. Shortage must be in the distributor's hands. FYI - we also provide the material to APR for fasteners and you think I could get a discount ;-)

We deal with raw stock.   Specialty metals, Castle, and Timken(Latrobe) are places I know we have bought from in the past.  I'm not up on all of it anymore, too many other things on my plate to deal with.  I just hear the problems with our production waiting on material sometimes. 

It wouldn't surprise me that the distributors don't want to pay for a lot of inventory sitting around.   They wait for a big order then put in their order.  Then if the supplier happens to be back ordered it really slows it down.

[BattlestarGalactic]

Blocks are $3800 plus shipping.  Doug has one left as of the other day.  Mine is on the way ....

[ntheogen]

Just an FYI that even Shelby blocks are cast in Korea now. Pond is the only one left that is 100% made in the USA.

[427HISS]

Just had a conversation with Doug about his blocks.

The prices are...

Iron- $3,800
Aluminum- $5,000

None in stock, might have them in Oct.

[BattlestarGalactic]

Glad I got mine n July!!

[427HISS]

With even the iron block cost, crank and machine work, it add's up to a no deal. Maybe someday as I never give up on much in life. 

[BattlestarGalactic]

That's why I took the plunge this time.  I just said "what the hell" and bought it.   Glad I did.