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Keith Black became one of the most influential engine builders in drag racing, marine competition and high-performance engineering. His name—and eventually his initials, “KB”—became shorthand for the powerful, durable HEMI-based engines that helped define the sport’s fastest categories.
Born June 25, 1926, in Huntington Park, California, Black developed his mechanical instincts at an early age. His apprenticeship included work with respected performance figures Clay Smith, Art Sparks and Cliff Collins, experiences that deepened his understanding of camshafts, timing, machining and engine development.
Black first made his name in boat racing during the mid-1940s, setting a world record on the Salton Sea on only his second outing. He soon began building engines for other competitors and opened Keith Black Racing Engines in 1959. By 1961, his boat-racing work had contributed to nearly 50 national and international records.
As Black’s reputation spread, drag racers sought his expertise. His partnership with Tommy Greer and driver Don Prudhomme produced the celebrated Greer-Black-Prudhomme Top Fuel dragster, one of the most successful cars of the early 1960s. Black’s ability to coordinate engine power, clutch setup and traction made the car exceptionally consistent in an era when tire smoke often overwhelmed performance.
Black later contributed to Roland Leong’s Hawaiian dragsters, including the car that won both the 1965 NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals with Prudhomme driving. His engines and tuning knowledge became highly sought after throughout Top Fuel and Funny Car racing.
After the first purpose-built aftermarket aluminum nitro HEMI appeared in 1971, Black and former Chrysler engineer Bob Tarozzi developed a 426-based aluminum KB block that combined lower weight, repairability and exceptional strength. Introduced during the 1970s, it became a dominant choice in professional drag racing.
Keith Black equipment powered racers including Don Garlits, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, John Force and “T.V.” Tommy Ivo. SEMA credits KB blocks with holding every national Top Fuel record from 1975 through 1984.
Black was also a pioneer in clutch development. His work helped racers apply increasing horsepower more effectively instead of simply spinning the tires. Chrysler recognized his engineering skill as well, contracting with him in 1965 to develop a marine racing program.
The company’s engines and components found success not only in Top Fuel and Funny Car racing, but also in powerboats, tractor pulling and other demanding competition environments.
Known affectionately as “Uncle Keith” throughout the drag racing community, Black freely shared information and believed that helping his customers succeed strengthened the entire sport. He was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1995.
Keith Black died May 13, 1991. The company bearing his name continued his tradition of aluminum racing-engine development, while generations of racers continued to rely on the engineering principles he helped establish. His legacy is measured not only in records and championships, but also in the lasting vocabulary of performance: to racers, “KB” still means serious horsepower.
