in our workshop. I've known Joe and used his products since the late 70's when I rebuilt/convertd an Olds 455 cu in engine to 500 CI "stroker" engine w/ multiport fuel injection operating on a Lambda closed-loop system over 15 years before it became the standard on most cars. At the time Mondello was "the" Olds big-block performance shop in the nation (still is).

In talking with them recently, ordering a few things from them it's come to my attention that for the IM Workshop they can hardly be beat for providing us with everything we could ever want/need for this project from grinders with inexpensive rheostat speed controllers to carbide burs in every shape imagineable to sanding cones, cylinders, flapper wheels, lubricants to polishing media. Literally everything from start-to-finish on this project.

I've been putting a list together over the holidays to approach them with and try to get everyone here a convenient one-stop shopping location for everything necessary to do this job. Also to try and get you guys some kind of discount by participating in the workshop although their prices are very competitive as-is. Their "minimums" are reasonable and of such low quantities that in most cases it would be an ideal number or about the amount you'd purchase anyway.

My goal is to get this set up as a "UrS4 Special" package with or without die-grinder. Their die grinder is a Makita 25,000 RPM fixed speed for $125. Available with an adjustable inline 12,000-25,000 rpm rheostat for $12. I would still prefer the option I offered the other day of a Foredom foot pedal 0-25,000 adjustable speed controller but at $65 it risks pricing some out of the market tho it would be an unbeatable combination with any 2.5 amp die grinder (including the Mondello Makita) for ultimate hands-free control and veratility over the "stop & adjust" rheostat from Mondello.

In fairness to Mondello I need to approach them with some guesstimate of "IMMEDIATELY" interested parties. Hard for them to gauge any discount program for us without some idea of initial participants. And honestly they may not offer any discounts whatever due to their already very fairly priced products and low-no minimum quantities coupled with the possibility we simply may not have sufficient numbers at any one time to project a "worthwhileness" for discounting. But if I have some idea of people interested it can't hurt to run it by them and see what they say.

My best guess at this point is that a Kit #1 w/ die grinder and variable speed rheostat would run somewhere in the sub-$300 range while kit #2 without the die-grinder would run somewhere in the sub-$160 range. Of course I'm going with their published prices at this time and not including any possible discounts.

These prices do NOT include acid cleaner, paint brushes, thinners, solvents or Glyptal. But would include everything else necessary to duplicate what I do to my intake manifold during the course of the workshop. Some things like polishing the EGR passage will be best suited to making your own inexpensive tools which I'll cover later on without having to purchase flex-hones.

So if ya can, give me a sign by show of hands those who would be interested in a one-source package kit as either #1 or #2 in January 2004. Does me no good to contact them, tellem I have "20 people interested over the next year." If we do that I'll just give you a list of items needed and everyone can order direct at current published prices. Look at it as an undefined and "exploratory" group purchase. It will take "some" number to motivate them into a discount. I have no clue what that number is. But I do know if it were me, I wouldn't see any reason for discounting if 20 people over the next year "might be interested." Hell, I'd sell that much in spite of any workshop rather than "because" of anyone's workshop.

However if 6 or 10 people committed immediately or within a few weeks into the new year they might be willing to extend any discounting for a year or more. We have to give them something that pushes their greed button up front if we have any hopes of a discount. And thats what this post is soliciting... ie: how many WILL/WOULD commit, if the price is right to purchasing in January 04? If you're not a candidate till sometime after that then hearing from you in this post is NOT helpful. I can't go to Mondello and tell them "I have 4 people interested in January 04, another two in March, one in April and 6 in June... 2 definate maybes in July" That dog just won't hunt! So please, please, please if you're serious, want to move and are willing to commit to this in January let me know. If you have a later start date just start on that date... neither I or Mondello need to know what date it is for this effort.

One more time just for clarity: If you're wanting to start your intake manifold workshop in January and are willing to commit to that via credit card to Mondello if a good deal can be worked out, let me know. If you're starting your IM workshop after January but want to pre-purchase your grinding tools In January via credit card if a good deal can be worked out, let me know. For bandwidths sake if you are NOT starting your IM in January and are not wanting or financially able to purchase any IM Workshop tools in January please say nothing... Start a new post if you must but PLEASE don't respond in this one.

I'll pass the info along to the technical school people, get a response and get back to everyone.