Folks Of Interest Vic Edelbrock Jr. & the Edelbrock Co.

As I wait like a child on Christmas morning for my new Slingshot intake to arrive via the big brown van, I got thinking about Edelbrock's recent re-issue of some long sought after parts like the flathead Slingshot intake, block letter heads, and fuel blocks. Also as cool but, of course, all new are alum. heads for the famous (or infamous) Chevy 348/409's.

Yes, let's face it they are in business to make money. No one can fault them for that. But think about the limited market these parts truly have and yet this still American owned and operated company is putting these parts out for the few faithful.

Too often the media focuses on those who are the hardest hit and those of us who are really struggling to make ends meet in this new downsized economy.

I would like to publically acknowledge the efforts of the folks at Edelbrock for their committment to us guys and girls that can appreciate the old stuff and make it affordable for the majority of us car folks.

Thank you Vic Jr. & Co. I appreciate and applaud your efforts.

 

They refuse to repop the B262 dual quad intake for nailheads despite repeated pe***ions, suggestions, requests, and letters. "Not enough interest."

Whatever.

 

I don't know. As Nailheads and other vintage engines come on strong, they just may reconsider.

Really, who would have thought a company would reintroduce a pre-war intake 10 years ago?

 

Yes I'm with you banjorear, Thank you Vic Jr. for not taking your company out of the country, or having your products manufactured in china like so many have and for reissuing some of the vintage speed equipment. I soon will be buying an intake myself.

 

Edelbrock......................Made in The USA !!!!!

 

thanks Vic........

 

Yes! Thank You Vic.

 

Now if we can just get him to make a 2 x 4 set up for the MEL engine......we be in tall cotton then,,huh?

 

There are some unfounded rumors that a lot of patterns for manifolds and accessories for flatheads and other engines were thrown away during the move to the Coral Circle facility. Offenhauser really never quit making the old stuff and Carl Offenhauser made it a point to keep fixtures, patterns and jigs up to date.

 

One of the few remaining bastions of the traditional American performance market. Thanks Vic and family for staying true to the ideal when so many rats have left the sinking ship - I'm proud of ya!

 

And you're spreading them for what reason???????
Larry T

 

Buying American is super important, so thanks to Vic, and the others who still think it's the way we should be doing things.

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Vic and Cammie on Power Tour 06. Nice people, read his book, Edelbrock.....made in the USA.

 

Great book, agreed. A little ruffling of feathers when I noticed the book was printed in China, but looking at the bigger picture, at least it is not his company moving there!

 

I met Vic at his showroom and plant in Torrance back in 02.

The man, his company. premises and operation and profucts are first cl***.

A true gentleman and one of the last of a rapidly diminishing group of Pioneers.

I just grabbed a set of the Edelbrock deep chambered heads for my blown flathead and cant wait to get my hands on 'em.

Heres to Vic and Edelbrock Mng Co.

Rat

 

I bought a chrome Edelbrock banjo fuel line and fuel filter combination kit for an Edelbrock carb yesterday and though they are very nice pieces, they are all made in China, it says so right on the package and all parts had Made In China stickers on them.

 

Ultimately MADE in the USA was the reason I ended up with my brand new RPM Air Gap for my OT 408 ford.

Thank you Vic and Family for keeping it in the USA!!

 

That sorta thing doesn't really surprise me, that's probably the same fuel line that a dozen different companies market... Their big ticket items are still made here, my RPM intake in my Galaxie sports the big ugly sticker to prove it! Runs like hell though, and I've just uglied the intake up enough that a silly sticker doesn't much matter anymore.

EDIT: I have their cylinder heads in my Galaxie, too... You wanna talk about runnin' like stink, I routinely pound that motor above 6k! They make some monsterous power; I gotta do something to my rear suspension, damn thing'll wheel hop through 2 gears and only grab when I let up on the 2-3 shift. I uglied them up real nice to match, gotta love adjustin' solid lifters!

 

Great guy, I get to see him and his daughters run their Vintage race cars at Lime Rock Park at the Fall Festival. Nice to know we still make stuff in the USA!

 

I went to the Hot Rod & Resto show a few years back where Vic Jr. was honored with the HR&R/Petersen award. He sat on stage with other "Founders" but all they wanted to talk about was what great guy Vic Sr. was.

Senior started the business and was a hell of an innovator and racer. But Vic Jr. really built the business into the inconic brand it is today. Not everything they make is the endall in performance, but no other company has put the money and risk into developing the scope of products as Edlebrock has. And I too wonder how many sets of "W" heads they will sell to cover the R&D costs?

Also stopped by their pits at a vintage TransAm race to shoot a few photos. Next thing I know Vic invites me into the trailer and introduces the wife and shows me around and poses for pics with me and a buddy. He didn't know from **** - just great guy that absolutly LOVES motorsports.

Not much praise for "corporate" rodding on here so glad some of you guys get it.

 

They won't make a victor style intake for 351 Modifieds or 400s. But, what they do make intake wise and carbuerator wise are all great products. I've heard their cams are good too. I would stand behind anything they make. From the cheapo air cleaners to the most expensive cylinder head they are great products

 

I just emailed a link to this thread to Vic Jr. himself, hopefully it will brighten his day.

 

Thank you. I've been meaning to put it in letter form, just didn't get a chance to make it that formal. Will still send one out snail mail.

 

I'd love a new X1! Maybe they'll start making them again!

 

Yes, thank you Vic, it is very much appreciated that we have a GREAT alternative to the flood of Chinese **** on the market. I very proudly sport the goofy "Made in USA" sticker on my Performer 289.

I really try to buy American anytime I can, I do pay more, but I realize that it is keeping my neighbors employed.

If you're looking for suggestions, how about some multicarb Hemi, Buick, Olds, and Pontiac intakes?

 

I offer my respect AND MY LOYALTY to Vic and his company, no only does his company (still) ACTUALLY make stuff, (what a concept), he has the for***ude to MAKE IT IN THE USA, with enough ap***ude to not only be compe***ive, but to be the LEADER in his MARKET.

I think that there are a lot of people (CEOs, CFOs, etc,) who could stand to learn a thing or two from Mr. Edelbrock.

My and my kids projects have lots and lots of Edelbrock parts, (I really, really, like the Vic Jr. heads and air gap manifolds), and I LOVE his dedication to “MADE IN THE USA”.

Anyone who can not respect Mr. Edelbrock and what he has done is an a-hole...

 

I love the whole Edelbrock heritage and mystique thing. An American company that has a "soul". Hot dogs, apple pie and Edelbrock.

I love any engine dressed out in E. gear, finned aluminum VCs, intakes, etc.. My '37 pickup will have a 60's style Edelbrock dressed sbc, I love the look, BUT the valve covers..... I found some at a swap meet, the curved script finned jobbies (re-pops of the old ones), great! Flipped 'em over and "JAPAN" is cast in. Small fittings and such, sure, but I thought pretty much everything else was made here?

 

all sand cast finned aluminum covers are made in California. they have their own foundry in Hemet.

 

Ditto for the 318 Poly finned valve covers and 3x2.

~Jason

 

I have to say I'm also a big fan of Edelbrock but I wish they would market a dull finish AFB other than the gold colored marine carburetors. Preferably with a rough cast or *****brated finish like the originals.