Very rough and wild, and definitely hot rod history. Anyone have pics of chain driven blowers in action? When were they used, and when did they become obsolete?
Reath Automotive did have some early chain driven set ups for the 671 and 471, but they were the first models made for the new superchargers on race cars. (as the advertisement says: Competition Use Only...) Hello, In the late 50s, early 60s, there were different chain drives used locally in So Cal. Howard Cam Chain Drives, open and covered with aluminum style covers, Delta Machine chain with/without covers and a Reath Automotive cover based on the Delta Machine version. A great find of one of the earliest photos of the "Twin Bear." from @296ardun Thanks, Dave... "Very early Howard Cam Special, still running carburetors ... if I remember correctly, Glenn Ward was one of the first drivers of this car....before Jack Chrisman took the helm." The Howard Cam Company developed their chain drive with an actual finned cover over the blower chain. Safety being the main concern. Howard Cam chain drive with finned covers There were plenty of home made chain drives, too. But, as soon as the Gilmer Belt drives came out for the big block motors in drag racing, all drives like the multiple fan belt drives and chain drives started their decline. By the time the Isky-Gilmer Belt Drive came out in early 1960 for SBC motors, then the blower drive units covered most of the competitive motors in the competition market. The fan belt drives on the street Paxton/McCulloch superchargers were still available and used. But for the most part, the Isky-Gilmer Belt Drive said it all. They made style, as well as great power to motors big and small, a simple matter. At the time, most rebuilt their 671/471 competition motors with blower spec parts provide by the speed equipment manufacturers. Low compression pistons, forged rods, balanced cranks, ported-polished heads and other parts to function as a high performance motor for competition. 1959-60 This was one of the first Isky-Gilmer belt drives for an SBC motor on the market and drag racing scene. Direct from the Isky compound… Jnaki Most chain drives make a lot more noise than the wide Gilmer belt set ups. The chain does have an old time feel to it, the whole set up should be enclosed if you must have one on your motor. Our first choice was a Howard Chain Drive system with a enclosed cover. (My brother was a Howard Cam fanatic...) But, when the wide Isky/Gilmer belt system was in our trunk just staring at us, there was no looking back, on with the show... 1960 Note: Also, who could forget the chain sound of the Sidewinder motor as it fired up and came into the starting line staging area. As far as a chain drive is concerned, if you have ever heard one idling, or powering up in the pits, you might want to step back. The chain is deadly, but the casing helps. The Sidewinder was notorious for its sound, as it came up to the staging area or tuning in the pits. Standing near the race car while hitting the throttle was impressive. But, it was covered for safety. actual sound from the 1959 Sidewinder But, as all good things evolve, even the Sidewinder, Version 2 went to the Gilmer Belt Drive.
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