Nothing has been invented as important for fine tuning a piston powered racing engine as fuel injection and Stuart Hilborn was the guy that did it. Almost every new gasoline engine uses it today. He attended one of the Super Stock Reunions I organized about 15 years ago and was the guy all the racing legends wanted to spend time with. A very nice and humble man. R.I.P. Mr. Hilborn.
Went and visited him in November up in Aliso Viejo. We talked about his streamliner and he thought it was cool a young kid was so into hot rods. Thanks for your time Mr. Stuart Hilborn. You will be missed.
Took Hilborn injector #00025 to his shop to get flow-benched. Someone told Stu Hilborn that one of his old injectors had come back, and he came up front to see what old geezer had it...there instead was a dumb 19-year old kid, me. He realized that I was pretty clueless, then invited me back to the bench, set it up, flowed it, asked me what I was running, and then fixed the pump for free.....One of the wizards of hot rodding, yet he had time for a novice, told me how to set it up, and it worked just as he said it would..... Never forgot his kindness....RIP
Sad news. Great story. To me it's things like this that really make a legend, otherwise, you are just famous. Thanks to Mr. Hilborn for all he gave us. May he rest in peace.
HAMBer Foul (Daniel Strohl) wrote a very nice tribute to Mr. Hilborn on the Hemmings Daily website ... just click this link: "Fuel injection pioneer Stu Hilborn dies at 96".
What can I say that hasn't already been said.... Its a sad day in the Hot Rod world, thanks & RIP Mr Hilborn, you've lead a life that many aspire to but never achieve
Sad news indeed as another one of the greats p***es from us. My mother always said to address someone that was older or in a position of authority by Mr. not their first name. At my age there are less and less that are older but still remaining are many who deserve my respect...............MR HILBORN is in that group. Every time an engine fires with one of his injections aboard his legacy lives on. Godspeed Mr. Hilborn........you will be missed. Frank
Stu was a member of the LOW FLYERS...along with other GREATS!!!! Phil Remington, Jack Engle (cams), Travers and ****s, etc... We're losing our Greatest Generation slowly and sadly... I had dinner with Alex Xydias Sunday night and he's as sharp as ever!!! Everyone at the HAMB gets it and celebrates the good old...days every day!!! God Bless America!!! Never lift....
He definitely was a pioneer, and changed the face of racing with his injection system! Glad he had a long life. RIP.
The Jalopy Journal
