Hi there Cyrus,
Many thanks and Happy New Year to everyone!
I can get rolling on making the first small test batch as soon as I've put some hard miles on it to ensure things are good. Ice on the roads and temps in the 20s are thwarting that plan as of now but seems like next week may see 40. Brief ride around the parking lot was an absolute blast- she surprised me! Pulled real hard right off idle, feels light, turned quick thanks to the shorter wheelbase, think this is as close to a Vince as my average ass will ever get.
Price...have to admit, have been deliberately avoiding/postponing discussing that issue. It is really tricky to figure out for a small niche product like this- that sweet spot where the maker can keep the business going, given the costs of low volume, made-to-order production, the time and effort invested and involved, yet also offer it at a price which the intended market will bear. Carberry were sadly forced to close their doors a few months ago. Even though this motor will be quite a bit lower in price, I have no illusions that life is unpredictable and it may or may not work out...hence I still haven't quit the day job :-)
If I have Kevin's permission and approval, this is a really good time for me to solicit the input of anyone on the forum who is seriously interested and could spare a few minutes and send me a private message here or through my website and let me know the ballpark they would be willing to play in. If asking for this input is not ok on the forum, please let me know, will gladly remove request.
Briefly, let's tentatively describe the kit as completely machined set of cases with main bearings installed, custom two-rod rebalanced and trued crank installed, cams installed and timed with dial indicator, pumps, ignition installed and timed- basically, the bottom end, ready to bolt on the top ends and trans. Plus, other random tidbits needed for the build.
This would be very useful in giving me some idea of what direction to take.
Many thanks in advance.
Aniket