My best guess on why the cross flow head is less common is due to the cost
per power/torque gain and that the original cylinder design is not really
that bad. Also, the ways to get around the weak spot of the siamesed ports
are very well known. I have seen plenty of A-series race engines that had
the stock head set-up that made all of the power that was needed.
Another perspective . . . $3500 is about all most of the later model
Sprites/Midgets are worth when sold. Can't see spending the price of the
car again for 5 or 10 hp.
You can buy three and a half aluminum standard cyl. heads. Most of us have
more than one Spridget. It's a disease. Think about the gains when you
switch over three Spridgets to three new alum. cyl. heads.
Just my perspective.
Mike C
----- Original Message -----
From <scott at scottjgraham.com>
To: <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2005 5:12 AM
Subject: CROSS FLOW HEADS
>I have found the mythical (no longer) Ken Elder maker of the Elder cross
>flow head (8 port).
>
> It is a new design not a retread of the old Arden 8 port head - which is
> what I've heard of the Minimania 8 port head.
>
> It's expensive (~US$3,500 complete with extractors etc) but much less than
> a supercharger and the powerlift (HP and torque) is pretty impressive if
> the numbers match the reputation.
>
> The question I have is why are they not more common? They've been around
> since the 60's. Why if they are so strong has someone not long ago mass
> produced them and brought the price down?
>
> Is there some underlying issue with the technology that prevented people
> rushing out to buy it?
>
> Scott J Graham
> 60 Bugeye 1275 5 speed
> 63 BJ7 triple 2" SU's
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