Repairing a 10,000hp Top Fuel Billet Engine Block

I am repairing a previous repair that failed. Follow along as I repair, program, weld this $10k 330 mph top fuel engine block!

[@highwaymen1237]

I'm a retired engineer. I often fantasized about working on a top fuel team. My father was a mechanic and I watched him rebuild all kinds of things. I really enjoy your videos.

[@davidbryce6970]

My Dad would say to me, "there's never enough time to do it properly, but there's always enough time to do it again". He was right then, and he's right now.

[@robwendland]

I believe you have that backwards or your dad never believed in doing it right the first time. Help me out here to understand this a little. All with good vibes here to understand what you are saying.

[@davidbryce6970]

@@robwendland well, my Dad was one to take things quietly and patiently as the best home handyman I've every met. He could build almost anything with very rudimentary tools and the skills he picked up from others. As a youngster I was inclined, like most youngsters, to want to get the job finished as quickly as I could. Invariably, I would make a mistake, have to go back and make my mistake good. Hence, I wouldn't give the time to doing the job properly the first time, so I'd have to spend the extra time to do it all over again. As the years have gone by, I've followed my Dad as a very accomplished DIY practitioner and fortunately I've also learned to be quietly patient and methodical to get the job done properly and only once (mainly). I hope that makes sense. Thanks for asking.

[@eksine]

That's words of a hack, I would never trust someone like that to fix things for me.

[@davidbryce6970]

@@eksine perhaps you may wish to listen a little more rather than insult my Father. He was making the point that too often a person will not give a job the necessary time and attention to do a job properly the first time. Get it done quickly. Then he made the further point that people like this then have to spend even more time rectifying the poor job they did in the first place. Just like the clip. I hope that clarifies things for you. By the way, my Dad was not a hack, just as I am sure that your Dad isn't either.

[@eksine]

@@davidbryce6970 my dad left us when we were in high school, and he was an idiot

[@peted3637]

"Isn't she beautiful" That made me smile!

[@michaelmcdonald7132]

Awesome to see a crew chief who can do that amount of machine and fabrication work. Great work Rob

[@robwendland]

Sure appreciate that! All self taught.

[@michaelmcdonald7132]

@@robwendlandreally impressed. Do you have an email address that I could send you an email. I'm looking work experience in top fuel. I had messaged terry before and he had said to get in contact when I was able to come work

[@robwendland]

@@michaelmcdonald7132 [e-mail]

[@billclark5943]

I'm just going to guess and say he wasn't just handed the keys to "Crew Chief". Just like anything else you have to be well above average at all the lower levels (including fabrication and machining in this case) to make it to the top

[@Speeddemon3]

Outstanding workmanship! I usually never run a block again after damage but I wouldn't hesitate running a block you have repaired! Great job!

[@omegagavin]

Skills, you got em. Wife is solid, too.

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it! She is!

[@Barabbas7798]

Lol

[@benjamins9121]

@Sheldon W I think the issue is she's not a dude, that's probably more your speed friend. Its 2021, no need to be ashamed anymore.

[@dbracewell4591]

I've been a welder for 40 years and I can say that is one fine job ✝️🛐✝️✝️🛐🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍👍

[@robwendland]

That means a lot coming from you! Sure appreciate that!

[@CallofDoobie585]

Salute. Been 25 for me. And this guy is definitely getting props, i never seen this before

[@deegl]

I've not been a welder for all my life and I still can say that is one fine job :)

[@nickit22]

Not to mention fine machine work! Love the over-the-top method I never get to do that in life as often as I'd like.

[@danmoeser3863]

I'm a machinist and welder for 30 years and did 15 years TF Harleys you're good excellent job 👏 👌 🙌

[@540chevhell9]

You’re incredibly talented to repair what is effectively a 10,000hp bomb trying to blow itself up thousands of times a minute! Fantastic engineering

[@jayer-su3hu]

This is one of many reasons why Terry is so luck to have you. Many teams would have farmed that job out to Haddock or someone but not you. You took the time to fix it right and save some money. Love these videos!!!

[@robwendland]

Thank you brother!

[@michaelpiecewicz9748]

Gee if we aren’t all jealous of his skills….. now he has to show off his his beautiful wife too!!!!! Thanks for sharing your talents it is always a joy to watch a true craftsman at work

[@neilmackrill2453]

One word to describe this bloke and that’s “magician “

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it!

[@mattyguff1]

Freakish skills.

[@jimmartin7881]

@@robwendland Was that mic a Browne and Sharpe? I love that go-no go on the frame, I used one like that years ago but the shop owner passed away in the shop when it burned down and I can't remember the brand. I've been looking for one like that for years with no luck. Great job btw, it's amazing that the prior repair was done in such a manner, especially since T/F is basically the pinnacle of it all.

[@jwavr2854]

Close attention to detail = Magician

[@RhinoStar0]

I'm glad youtube recommended this video to me. Its somehow pleasing to the soul to watch someone with passion do an absolutely amazing job.

[@endercozy9578]

Mech Eng here, I'm always amazed the skills that fabricators and precision metal workers have.

[@stretchhfab7315]

Why does it amaze you? All we do is fix engineering mistakes... seriously

[@threexxxphat]

You are very talented not many ppl have the patience to blend like that

[@traviscrawford7937]

Never thought id say a repair is a work of art but this repair is flawless. Hats off to you man.

[@robwendland]

Thank you! Sure appreciate that!

[@Turboy65]

Professionalism, uncompromising quality of workmanship, and a beautiful wife! What's not to like? I''m sure that repair is done RIGHT.

[@brianhofer99]

Stunning work. Modern tools and some brain power and time = a super result

[@andyb9767]

I love to see a professional do his thing. Great job!

[@brandoncook6057]

Helluva job! Awesome to watch craftsmanship and attention to detail!!

[@yeahok115sure]

Your repair looked better than the original machine finish!

[@schwags1969]

Wow, beautiful result. A true craftsman at work.

[@jeffhausmann7561]

Awesome video Rob, thanks for sharing that repair!

[@georgemoser8245]

Really awesome skill. Such talent isn’t as appreciated as it should be today. Thanks for posting.

[@murphystreeter]

True skill.... perfection. Never knew you could get that deep and still have a good block. Makes valve grinding and hardened seat install look like kindergarten. I'm super impressed.

[@robwendland]

Thanks for the kind words! It was a fun repair for sure!

[@murphystreeter]

Currently building a 427 FrankenWindsor. Pounding square blocks into round holes makes horsepower.

[@working2bselfsufficient724]

@@robwendland What would be the approx cost for that from you?

[@brandonchappell8545]

@@working2bselfsufficient724 if you have to ask you can't afford it 😂

[@robwendland]

@@working2bselfsufficient724 around $1600 or so. The rest of the block is so nice. You can run it the same as a new one for sure. 11K for a new one.

[@michaelphillips9037]

Love the attention to detail,thanks

[@Sackmatters]

Well done sir. One of the few channels that shows the absolute perfect and correct way to repair this block. Well tight tolerance aluminum pieces in general.

[@claysmoker1]

I always appreciate good craftsmanship. Very nicely done. Thanks for posting!

[@robwendland]

You bet!

[@TheImtoomuch]

That repair is a work of art

[@ianreed4636]

You are an artist !! Supertastic job

[@Zukgod1]

Love your skill! Really captivating to watch.

[@joeestes8114]

Absolutely beautiful! Nice repair work too!

[@mhenderson1000]

Your skill is extraordinary Rob Wendland!!!

[@TexasP00nTappa]

I dont know what's more beautiful, your wife or that repair. Great job

[@robwendland]

🤣thanks!

[@zayrzr1977]

That compliment is on another level

[@nickkiofetzis5667]

that's amazing work i have never seen someone so precise

[@michaelkeyes3856]

Nice that someone post the stuff that some idiot didnt do in his backyard. Much respect for this man

[@598camaro4]

First class work...I would love to come to your shop and just watch you work..never ran top fuel ..but ran top alcohol. And now just some heads up racing..but I love to watch a truly skilled craftsman fix and build hot rod parts...

[@Mr.Titanium1911]

Strong work ethics. Nicely done👌🏻

[@andrebartels1690]

Thorough work will always pay off. 👍

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

Thanks for showing us your repair process. It was very interesting to watch. Many years ago when visiting Walt Austin Racing I saw a few of Pat's heavily damaged blocks lying around. I remember being surprised when Walt explained they were awaiting repair. I was surprised because they looked so damaged to me.

[@edwinmcnew4389]

I’m amazed at the things you can repair! You are very good at that!

[@robwendland]

Thanks brother!!

[@flaplaya]

My favorite part was the no nonsense editing no teasing along just rolled with it on all 8 cylinders. No adds either. Id permit a few fast ones to watch.

[@robwendland]

Right on!

[@flaplaya]

Awesome human being with mad skills not easy to keep those mains in line with all that heat. Very well done job, you deserve everything good you've got coming to ya. Peace ✌

[@advorsky1]

Wow what an amazing repair!!!

[@neilhansen9886]

Beautiful repair

[@recrdholdr]

Nice Work Rob, and you are right your wife is a stunner. You are a lucky man.

[@robwendland]

Future x wife. 😢

[@jace2u556]

You are truly a skilled craftsman. My dad was a machinist and I'm sure he would have been blown away by this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it!

[@kelleysimonds5945]

You do beautiful work, no question.

[@kevinnathanson6876]

The work is fantastic; the psychology even moreso. I can't imagine the feeling of doing all of that beautiful and precise work, and then possibly seeing it go 'bang' if something (else) goes wrong! Respect!

[@robwendland]

I hear you!

[@johnvanatta5180]

Beautiful Work!

[@nhra7110]

Wow, fantastic work!

[@billclark5943]

Nice work man. Good ole' skilled craftsman and a pretty damn good tuner

[@TomChame]

Beautiful job, thanks.

[@bobbeazley2502]

Your skills are priceless.

[@alcameron6071]

Looks really nice. Good job!

[@jeffstrongman7889]

Well done Sir, I'm very impressed. Nice job on the repair too.

[@JBAutomotive794]

This is truly the work of a craftsman. Awesome work brother!

[@robwendland]

Thank you!

[@jamesthomas7095]

Absolutely crazy good video. You sir are a master Craftsman

[@nitrofumes2012]

Great job Rob! Good luck this year!

[@billdursa4724]

Good job, I was a machinist for 46 years.

[@TheAnonymous1one]

Wow impressive work!

[@H45878]

Nice! Great to see excellent work and craftsmanship.

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it!

[@kyzor-sosay6087]

Outstanding,man.Thanks for your time.

[@robwendland]

You bet!

[@Dustin360s]

You are a true craftsmen! Amazing repair!

[@robwendland]

Thank you!

[@agoodballet]

I don’t know where this video came from or why KZbin thought I should see it but I’m sure glad it showed up. Amazing job, machining has always been something I’m extremely interested in. And who doesn’t like engines or billet aluminum. Awesome work man.

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Man that came out fantastic, great job 👏

[@tylerobrien72]

Holy Moly what some gorgeous welds!! Nice job on that! Keep up the amazing work!! You’re a king among craftsman!!

[@robwendland]

Thank you!

[@imacrazy6872]

An Artist in the art of Perfection!

[@robertbrady5009]

Beautiful job brother!

[@FishingFlip]

Underrated KZbin absolutely 100% committed to his job and professionalism love it definitely subscribed Can’t wait for more repairs and videos

[@robwendland]

Thank you for the kind words!!!

[@mycompute1]

I said WOW at least 30 times watching your work on the block....WOW! Ok, 31 times👏👏👏👏

[@milojanis4901]

Really nice work!! I was a manual Tool & Diemaker for over 40 years, most of which was O.D., I.D., Surface, and some Jig grinding. The last 4 years of my career I mostly ran a Prototrak/A.G.E. retrofitted CNC Bridgeport. It's hard to pick up computer language/programming at 60+ years old. But I was amazed at how much could be done without rotary tables, etc. These 3D printers are totally amazing.

[@badass6.0powerstroke10]

Excellent job. The average person wouldn't even know there was a repair there. Well done.

[@robwendland]

Thanks!

[@erik22lax]

I am learning so much and in great detail. Good vids Rob. Prost.

[@THUNDERSTRUCKRACING70]

Amazing work.

[@dmeemd7787]

When I worked on fuel cars, I would always work as close as I could to the crew chiefs, because the information and genius most of them, including you, have is incredible to listen to. You learn a lot. I sure miss doing it for a living, even the stress. Maybe one day again 🤷‍♂️🙂

[@robwendland]

Thank you brother!

[@giuseppepippoizzo6506]

Excellent work

[@danielsmith-ze3wy]

Very nicely done

[@larrylaforce6466]

Amazing job! Attention to detail 2nd to none!!

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it!

[@hasteandfury2424]

Beautiful welds.

[@froglegs6384]

WOW 😳 amazing work. 🙌🙌

[@ctvette1318]

Amazing work!!

[@callummcleod6362]

Quality. Really nice work

[@kellyhallett7057]

Always very kool Rob. TY

[@mesomorfo]

very impressive work!

[@fz1rida953]

Outstanding work. Its takes real skills to do that type of repair correctly.

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it!

[@jonalarcon8564]

You do amazing work!!!!!!

[@dustinperry9980]

Long time follower of ihra nhra and have followed u for along time with Terry and I love that u go into such tech talk details and this repair looks better then the original machining your freaking awesome Rob

[@fw1421]

Beautiful job. Never thought you could fix an engine block that had been punctured like that. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@robwendland]

That one was a baby compared to others🤣🤣

[@shotsrodder]

Beautiful job 🤩

[@billmoran3219]

Good tip on the cords, electrician told me that trick before when I was running some long extension cords for motor home hook ups . Didn’t get into the theory of it but it did stop the circuit from tripping when a load was applied. Great video on repair, thanks for sharing 🛠⚙️🇺🇸

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it!

[@chokoking1]

Looking beautiful. Nice repair too

[@robwendland]

🤣🤣

[@kirankoli852]

Nice finish work. I love it.😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@seanward5211]

Super impressed! So many accomplished skills and abilities on display here. Don’t discount math and science kids!

[@cambilt1683]

That was awesome. Great work. Thanks

[@KING-FU]

Absolute artistry! 🏁🏁🏁

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it!

[@slvr1.618]

AWESOME!high skill levels an clever hands there!

[@briancoakley1524]

Work of beauty! Great job!

[@robwendland]

Thank you!

[@brentfay6515]

Back in the late 80s I visited Met-Lax in michigan. Had aluminum block, crank and aluminum rods stressed relieved along with a Quad chassis. They stated that Boing used this when welding their wings. Great repair!

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it!

[@ogretowman8695]

What can you say ? I'm not worthy . Most excellent job and skills ! I've always been the one to fix repairs that have been previously repaired . Sometimes its cool but mostly a pain in the ass ! LOL