A billet collector is a type of automotive enthusiast who collects billets or unmachined solid aluminum blocks. Billet collectors search for rare and desirable billet blocks to add to their collections.
What is a Billet?
In automotive manufacturing, a billet refers to a solid chunk of aluminum that has not yet been machined into an engine block or other parts. Billets come in many sizes and shapes depending on their intended final use.
For engine blocks, billets usually weigh between 100-300 lbs and are cast to rough dimensions of the final machined block. The billets have no holes drilled or features machined into them yet – they are simple solid aluminum chunks.
Advantages of Billet Blocks
Billet engine blocks have several advantages over traditional cast iron blocks:
- Lighter weight – aluminum billet blocks can reduce engine weight by 100 lbs or more compared to cast iron.
- Better heat dissipation – aluminum conducts heat better than iron, improving cooling.
- Increased structural strength – billet blocks are solid chunks of aluminum rather than casts.
- Reduced distortion – billet blocks resist flexing and distortion better.
- Improved cylinder wall stability – cylinder bores in billet blocks stay round and precise.
These attributes make billet blocks popular for high-performance and racing applications where extreme power, high RPM operation, and reliability are crucial.
History of Billet Blocks
Billet engine blocks first started appearing in the 1960s and 70s as aftermarket race block companies began manufacturing them. Some early manufacturers of billet blocks included:
- Aluminum Blocks Corp.
- Autocraft Engines
- Griffith Engines
- KKK Performance
These early billet blocks were aimed at Top Fuel dragsters and other types of drag racing vehicles. They allowed much greater power output than production cast iron blocks of the era.
As technology improved in the 1980s and 90s, billet blocks spread to other forms of racing including circle track, offshore powerboat, rally, and road racing. More manufacturers entered the market and new CNC machining capabilities allowed billet blocks to become more mainstream.
Today, many major aftermarket block companies offer billet engine blocks including Dart, World Products, and Brodix. Even some OEMs like GM Performance offer limited production billet blocks for high-end vehicles.
The Billet Collecting Community
For some automotive enthusiasts, collecting rare and interesting billet blocks has become a hobby unto itself.
Some key aspects of the billet collector community include:
- Seeking out early billet blocks from the 60s and 70s when the technology was still new.
- Valuing blocks from noted manufacturers or used in famous race vehicles.
- Appreciating the artwork and machining craftsmanship of billet blocks.
- Restoring blocks to like-new condition through cleaning and machining.
- Researching the history and origin stories of blocks in one’s collection.
- Exhibiting collections at car shows or online forums.
For billet collectors, the blocks are interesting historical artifacts in their own right, not just as functioning automotive components. The connections to racing history and early manufacturers make them compelling to collectors.
Notable and Rare Billet Blocks
Here are some examples of rare, valuable billet blocks that billet collectors seek out:
1962 McKee Lite Block
One of the earliest aluminum billet blocks ever produced. Made by McKee Engineering in Southern California to save weight in the Mickey Thompson Challenger I record-setting car. Around 12 are believed to have been made.
Moon Mark I Block
This block was originally designed for Top Fuel dragsters in the mid-1960s. Made by Moon Equipment in Downey, California. The Mark I has distinctive siamesed intake ports and scalloped sides.
Keith Black Hemi
Considered one of the Holy Grail billet Hemi blocks. Produced in limited numbers by engine builder Keith Black in the 1970s. Used to break numerous Drag Week records.
Big Duke BBC Block
Rare big block Chevy variant made by Duke Racing Engines in the 1980s. Used 1/2″ thick billet sides for extreme strength. Only around 15-20 are believed to have been made.
Griffith Series B AJ Foyt Block
Special billet block made by Griffith Engineering for AJ Foyt’s Indy car team. Foyt won several Indy 500 races in the 1980s with this block design. Highly prized by collectors.
These are just a few of the many rare and desirable billet blocks sought after by dedicated collectors.
Finding Billet Blocks
For billet collectors seeking to add to their collections, here are some places to find blocks:
- Auctions – Collector car and automobilia auction companies may offer billet blocks occasionally.
- Online forums – Forums like NastyZ28.com have dedicated swap sections to buy/sell blocks.
- Racing connections – Knowing those involved in the racing world can lead to undiscovered blocks.
- Machine shops – Old-school machine shops that have been in business 40+ years are good resources.
- Classified ads – Sometimes blocks are found in newspaper or online classifieds from regular sellers.
- Garage sales – There’s always a chance of stumbling upon an old rare block at a garage sale.
- Word of mouth – Letting other collectors know what you’re looking for can spread the word.
It takes persistence and luck to track down rare billet blocks, but the thrill of the hunt is part of the fun for collectors.
Restoring and Displaying Blocks
Once acquired, many collectors will restore billet blocks to like-new condition before adding them to a display.
Restoration steps may include:
- Disassembly – Taking the block down to each individual component.
- Cleaning – Using solvents to remove grime, oil, and grease.
- Inspection – Checking for any cracks or damage needing repair.
- Surface Preparation – Media blasting or other techniques to prep surfaces.
- Machining – Precision boring, decking, or other machining as needed.
- Polishing – Polishing and buffing exterior surfaces for a shine.
- Assembly – Putting the meticulously cleaned and polished block back together.
Once restored, blocks may be displayed as centerpieces in collections. Some ideas for displays include:
- Mounted on an engine stand
- Mounted on a sturdy base or plaque
- Highlighted in a glass case with lighting
- Combined with period-correct parts
- Placed in a themed display with memorabilia
- Set up with photos or a storyboard describing the block’s history
Imagination and creativity can lead to eye-catching billet block displays.
Valuing Billet Blocks
The value of a billet block depends on factors like:
- Age and historical significance
- Rarity and desirability
- Manufacturer reputation
- Racing pedigree
- Mechanical condition
- Visual condition
- Completeness with original parts
In general, vintage and rare blocks from the 1960s or 70s in good condition tend to be the most valuable. For example, a Moon Mark I block or Keith Black Hemi can easily fetch $15,000-$20,000 or more.
More common blocks from the 1980s and up have lower values, ranging anywhere from $500 for basic blocks to $2,000-$5,000 or more for famous models.
Ultimately, values are subjective and set by how much individual collectors are willing to pay. As with any collectible, increased rarity drives up desirability and prices.
Future Outlook
Billet collecting shows no signs of slowing down. As time passes, the remaining population of vintage billet blocks only dwindles. This drives more interest among serious collectors trying to preserve important examples before they disappear altogether.
At the same time, rapidly advancing manufacturing technologies like CNC milling and 3D printing open new possibilities for bespoke billet blocks. This fuels further interest among automotive enthusiasts who appreciate the engineering artistry and performance potential of billet blocks.
The passion for these foundational pieces of high-performance engines will continue driving the billet collector community long into the future.
Conclusion
Billet collecting is a niche hobby that combines automotive enthusiasm with preservation of racing history. For those who participate, the appeal lies in researching, finding, and restoring rare early billet blocks which serve as important artifacts in hot rodding technology.
From the McKee Lite to the Moon Mark I to the Keith Black Hemi, landmark billet blocks reflect important steps in the development of high-performance engines. Seeking out these blocks, understanding their origins, and displaying them helps maintain respect for the pioneers and craftsmen who advanced the art of speed.
While billet engine technology continues advancing, billet collectors serve an important role in preserving where it all began. The hunt for these rare blocks and the skills to restore them make billet collecting a uniquely rewarding hobby.