Just thinking about Barney Navarro's 1950 record. Any particulars regarding how he blocked off four cylinders to run that class? What cylinders would you run? I assume that record is long gone by now - but would half a V8 (Flathead) be eligible for HOP UP's 100mph club?
Oh, don't think I haven't already thought of that. Reed valves, radically trimmed down skirts, drilled out "T-man" piston rods, I just wonder if you could reduce the weight and friction enough to make it a benefit... Bruce L. had some interesting things to say about this. I'll dig them up Monday, I'm out for the weekend.
Remember Fred Larsen (Mooneyes Fame) set a record with a half V8 which I think put the his car into a 124 cu. in. class for Bonneville back in the late to early 60's.
A guy named Ron Hottels from around Milwaukee buit engines called Sesco's which were chevy and ford v-8s cut in half made into inline 4 cylinders for Midgets in the 70's Their have also been quite a few v-4's made for Midget racing most notably by SCAT in Redondo Beach CA. I think he sold the rights to his V-4 to Arlen Ness to use for Motorcycles.
An external blower would be more efficient. And you could adjust boost levels by changing pulley sizes. The Eaton blowers used on latemodels are very compact,and probably very efficient.
It is still an interesting idea. You could use the outside 2 cylinders of one bank and the inside 2 of the other, to keep the pulses even. Being a 4 stroke you would have 2 induction strokes on a dead cylinder for every induction stroke on a live one. Has this ever been tried before? Would such an engine need special balancing? Or would it be OK if you would keep all 8 pistons the same?
The latest Street Rodder has a section featuring 4 salt flat cars. One runs the half V8 with a turbo. The 'power' side has a traditional valve cover and the 'blocked' side is a flat head head! Gets some double takes! Let me know if you would like me to scan and post. Later, papa al
[ QUOTE ] A guy named Ron Hottels from around Milwaukee buit engines called Sesco's which were chevy and ford v-8s cut in half made into inline 4 cylinders for Midgets in the 70's Their have also been quite a few v-4's made for Midget racing most notably by SCAT in Redondo Beach CA. I think he sold the rights to his V-4 to Arlen Ness to use for Motorcycles. [/ QUOTE ] I worked with Ron on his Half V8's and his V8 Suzuki midget racers!!! I had the priveledge to work the pits for Mel Kenyon and Greg Nelson! Although Stan Fox didn't run a Sesco we worked on his cars and he loved test driving the Sesco's any chance that he would get! Rons affordable creations were designed and built in his basement of his house in Hubertus Wisconsin and knocked Offenhauser out of the competitive ranks with its inexpensive horsepower! I believe he did sell the rights..., but I don't know to who??? Mark
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