Innehållsförteckning för October 1958 från Hot Rod

Looking through the entry list for the ’58 National Championship Drag Races at Oklahoma City, Labor Day weekend, we noticed some items which we thought were particularly interesting. They had to do with the popularity of various types of powerplants used to propel these hot machines down the quarter-mile straightaway drag course. Out of the total 500 cars entered, 188 were equipped with Chevrolet engines. Oldsmobiles ran second in number, listing go in all. The big Chrysler V8s ranked third with 71. while Buicks followed in order with 19. Cadillacs totaled 18, then came Fords (the OHV V8 variety) with 17. Pre-'54 Ford engines accounted for 12, as did the late OHV Pontiacs. The remaining entries were powered by various other makes of engines; GMC's, Plymouths. Dodges, one Edsel. assorted…

There are many ways to improve horsepower output of the modern automobile engine. The compression ratio can be raised, assuming the available gasoline will permit a higher ratio; displacement can be increased; one or more modifications to carburetion, camshaft design, valve ports, etc., can be made to supply a larger air/fuel charge to the cylinder and increase volumetric efficiency: or, a mechanical means of introducing a heavier charge of air/t'rel to the cylinder can be employed to increase volumetric efficiency. The mechanical device used to introduce the extra heavy charge to the cylinder is quite naturally referred to as a supercharger and also sometimes as a “blower.” The history of superchargers dates back to around the turn of the century and there have been dozens of different versions invented since…

Ford coupes of 1949-’51 vintage are rapidly assuming the coveted position in the eyes of customizers that ig3g-’40 models held for so long. Accounting for this is the simple design of the body, with slab-sided vertical panels that lend themselves so naturally to body sectioning techniques. Additionally. their cost is now well within the reach of all. I have had the pleasure of sectioning a number of these cars and have always been more than pleased with the results. The one operation—taking a 3- or 4-inch section out of the center of the body—does more for them than anything else in regard to their appearance. This completely changes the body lines, giving them very much of the new look. After the section job. a few minor changes in front and…

This past June, on Lake Washington, near Seattle, a 34-year-old model-maker at Boeing's aircraft plant made outboard history when he drove his homemade boat down the lake and back for a two-way average speed of 107.821 miles per hour. This was good enough to earn Hugh Entrop the distinction of having traveled faster with outboard power than anyone in the world. The run was significant, in that it smashed the world record (made in Italy in 1956 with a supercharged four-cycle racing engine) by approximately 7.5 miles per hour. It also obscured the American class “X” record by almost 30 (29.381) miles per hour. The real significance though, as we see it. lies in the fact that Entrop’s record was made with a production model American outboard motor, the Mercury…

ONE OF THE MOST successful drag strip opening events was presented by the Bayview Timing Association at Mt. Vernon, Washington, recently. A big crowd and good turnout of cars complimented the efficient manner in which the meet was run. Clocks were sent over from The Dalles, another NHRA affiliate drag strip group, and every effort was devoted to making this grand opening a real tribute to the sport. SANTA ANA, Calif., site of the nation’s oldest drag strip operation, presents it NHRA Championship Opener on Sunday, September 21. A popular NHRA sanctioned strip, Santa Ana is managed by C.J. Hart, one of the top experts on drag racing. All-gas classes were pioneered there and C.J. says the gas classes have solved countless major problems. Santa Ana is open every…

“IF STILL IN DOUBT” Dear Don: I’ve heard so much about “roller cams,” “flat tappet cams,” “radius followers,” ‘mushrooms’ etc., etc.; I’m about ready to purchase a cam for my ’56 Olds 88 and frankly I just don’t know which way to jump. Which type of cam should I use for streets and drags? Allen Miller Oakland, California You’re really asking for a large sized order. Each type cam assembly has certain merit and there are a great many determining factors to consider. Cost, manufacturing procedure, availability of components, sales appeal, individual preference and even prejudice, all enter into camshaft design. While cam and lifter wear presented no problem in the old flathead days, in most present day ohv engines, the wear problem is quite acute. Added valve train weight…

MYSTERY SURROUNDS BOURKE Sirs: Again it seems that Russ Bourkes two-stroke engines have died out since his last promising letter in Post Entry of April. 1957. But such is not the case. I visited Russ and his wife one night last month only to find them in the process of packing and about ready to leave Portland. He was reluctant to discuss the events of the past few months, but I did learn that control of the Bourke 400 (400 cubic inches) has been wrested from him by legal maneuvering, its future uncertain, and no information can he obtained from the corporation for whom Bourke designed and built it. The enclosed picture shows the engine with such marvelous performance capabilities. as I saw it with Russ in his shop, and…

All roads in the Northwest seemed to 1 lead to the newly re-opened strip at Scappoose. Oregon, on July 12th and 13th. when over 500 of the fastest cars in this section of the USA towed, or drove, from all points to compete in the NHRA Northwestern Regional drag race championship. Sponsored jointly by the Columbia Timing Association and the St. Helens Junior Chamber of Commerce, the two day affair saw records broken on a wholesale scale before a cheering section over five thousand strong. It was apparent during the first day's timing runs that the Washington lads were going to give their hosts a bad time. This became fact when on Sunday the guys from the Evergreen State ran off with half the awards. After the usual sea of…

SELL—1936 3-window, body excellent in Dust Plum, % race 59AB, original interior, hydraulics, Zephyrs, etc., Fast, reliable. $500 or best offer or trade for real good Ford, '49 up. Carl Smith, 659 Main St., Hingham, Mass. Phone Rl. 9-0974. SELL—'57 Olds engine $275. '55 Olds engine, 37/8 × 37/16, Johns pistons, completely balanced, Herbert 285 roller cam, reworked heads, $250 complete. Neil Leffler, 5108 Snow Rd., Parma 34, Ohio. SELL—'40 Merc coupe, stock, Columbia rear end in good condition, no rust, runs well, with little work would make excellent rod, $125. Tim Kraft, Towanda, III. WANTED—56 Buick V8 speed parts, manifold, cam, etc. Model A, '32 body parts, Zephyr gears, tach, S-W gauges, 15-inch slicks, Tim Kraft, Towanda, III. SELL—'53 Stude hardtop with '56 Olds engine and trans, Hawk brakes,…

KAR-MEND This product restores beauty to rusted or eroded tubular or channel sections of automobiles. For use on rocker panels, door posts, kick plates, lower door sections, trunk compartments, etc., Free booklet available on this permanent repairing process. Distributor inquiries invited. Ironite Company, 208 S. LaSalle St., Chicago 4, Illinois. TRANSMISSION ADAPTOR Free replacement of any Speed Gems transmission adaptor that is broken by exploding clutch or flywheel is offered by the manufacturer. Use of a special, tough aluminum alloy is said to make this offer possible. Adaptors for most popular combinations are now available. Write for complete information and prices. Speed Gems, 1606 Washington Ave., No., Minneapolis 11, Minnesota. SHIFTING LEVER SHOE Having shifting problems with your Cad or LaSalle transmission? Then replace that stock brass shifting lever shoe…

Hot rodders in practically every corner of the U.S. have discovered the enjoyment of building and driving one of the little displacement screamers known as Go-Karts. The sad part is, however, that this enjoyment has often been preceded by disappointment. When assembling a kart, it is absolutely necessary that the components be carefully fitted and aligned prior to welding them together. A constant check should be kept to insure that the heat of welding hasn't shifted any of the parts. By taking your time and following the plans and accompanying photos, your small rod will be ready in no time at all-— and it'll be RIGHT!…