How many of you knew that Ford Motor Company produced 10 aluminum flatheads in 1940 for experimental use in small air planes?
After beeing subjected to severe dynamometer tests its was found that there was thermal conditions that existed in the block that caused the steel cylinder sleeves to buckle near the top of the cylinder bore, resulting to severe scuffings of the pistons.
At the time a steel alloy wasnt availible with a coefficient of expansion that compared favorably with aluminum block for use as cylinder sleeves and the project was dropped.
9 engines didnt survive but one did. Owner Raymound W Schlachter sent his engine to Ray Brown Automotive Los angeles in 1952 to receive a mild conversion treatment . (Remember this is the only engine existing and he´s building a hotrod engine of it!)
In its final form the engine had its stock bore and stroke 3 3/16 x 3 3/4 inches,respectively giving 239,4 cu.i. The block was ported and relieved with stock valves, a modified Mercury cam was used. Weiand 8-1 heads and a scintilla magneto have been installed allong with a Frenzel super charger topped by two Stromberg 97
Another significant consisted of removing the standard 1/32 of an inch thick steel sleeves and boring the cylinders to accept 3/32 of an inch cast iron sleeves.
Dynamometer tests using 91 octane aviation fuel shown a maximum 140 bhp at 4000 rpm with boost preassure of 3 psi. The total weight is 357 pounds, 140 pounds lighter the the cast iron engine.
Where the hell is this engine today??? I WANT IT!
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