why big firms like Edelbrock have never tested the water?
Same problem as with new product development in wallpaper, widgets or waffles: not enough sales volume to justify the project.
That's also what sinks many, many small foundry projects: the R&D work almost always turns out to take longer than anticipated, minor problems always show up (look how many versions of the 235 head were made - how many others were tried and too bad to release?). I'm always surprised when I point out how many different heads even a small company like Harley had to make before they got all the bugs out.
When the first rumor shows up, isn't anyone else surprised at how many people say "I definitely want one!" - who 5 minutes ago couldn't get their Mom's station wagon to run, or "are students without a lot of money"? Merely asking "cross-flow or not? Stock lobe position or not? Use existing manifolds or not?" show that few of them even understand why those questions are important.
Eventually the potential buyer list shrinks down to 100 people, and the shop is faced with pricing a head at $3,000 complete to get any money back at all.
