Thanks ADDO.
The design engineer did a great job on his part, but just to be safe, we sent the port and chamber designs to a porting expert for his opinions. Then, when we were at the PRI show, we ran into Mr Mondello. When we told him what we were up to, his eyes lit up and he asked if he could be of any assistance. So to make a long story short, he too will be taking a peak at the new design and will be running wet and dry flow test on the first prototype when completed. He even went so far as to offer us his personal services when we are ready.
The pattern work began in earnest last week and we hope to have five prototypes ready about mid May. If all the testing goes well and no modifications are required, we should have the first batch of heads somewhere between mid June to mid July.
We also hired an expert in intake designs. His experience includes intakes for Edlebrock, Offy, Magnuson, and others. Right now, he is doing some basic work, but the biggest part won't happen until one of the prototypes are sent to him. But producing the intake patterns and match plates is realatively quick and simply in comparison and shouldn't hold back the first production run.
Still no final cost, but we are sure it will be aceptable. Somewhere between $1000-$1500, but much depends on what happens over the next couple of months (as so well explained by Addo).
Yes, we will be offering numerous intake options. Including a 2V and 4V (Holley), 3x2V (Webber), and an intake suitable for a Magnuson blower. All intakes will have injector bungs, and compatability for turbo boost (except the blower intake of course). We (DOES10) has already designed the turbo header, which fits the US log heads, the OZ cast heads, and the new FSPP aluminum head. But he is still doing some minor refinements to make sure its what we want before sending it off for a production run.
SI Valves has agreed to supply the valves and valve train components, even if custom pieces are required. So we can specify precisely what we want rather than chossing a shelf parts and making them work. Jessel and Harland Sharp have both offered to work with us on a new rocker designs, if needed. Jessel is also going to assist us in suppling the parts needed to run roller cams and Clay Smith Cams will be designing new cam profiles (including the roller cams) suited specifically for the new head and various intake options.
Hope that answers your questions.
