In a message dated 11/22/1999 9:50:51 AM Pacific Standard Time,
landspeedracer@email.msn.com writes:
<<
OK, so I'm not a flathead fanatic, but I can appreciate the time an effort
that those of you that are put into these things.
My two questions are: Why wouldn't a new design 5 main bearing cast block be
of interesting to the flathead aficionados?
########## John,
The V4 (Vintage 4-cyl) guys were asked to approve or reject the Donovan
aftermarket "banger" engine for SCTA competition and voted against it, the
reasoning being that "we made our records using original-type parts, let the
next generation do the same".
True, many of the current records were (are) set with original blocks
converted to 5-main type Hercules and SCAT cranks, a herculean(sp) job in
itself. But, that's the way the racers voted.
Having some inkling of what a pattern-making and casting nightmare the
Flatty V8 was for Henry Ford and his production man Charles (Cast-Iron)
Sorensen in the early 30's, I seriously doubt that anyonr would attempt the
job today based on potential sales.
I personally feel that the 3-main Flatty block has adequate bottom-end
strength if it's augmented with a billet crank, center-main girdle, and steel
caps. True, I happen to manufacture and sell the girdle and caps.
If someone were to produce a 5-main Flatty block, it would give tomorrows
competitors in the class a huge advantage over what those in the past hasd to
work with.......................Ardun Doug in CA ###################
And why did Donovan cast an up graded version of the model B, 4 cylinder
block instead of the venerable flathead V-8?
John from Asheville, NC
>>
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