Ardun OHV Conversion

J

JAKEFORD

Senior Member
It's my understanding that the ARDUN conversion was originally developed for trucks and than applied to hot rods.
Can anyone elaborate on this and how long were the ARDUNS made?
 
To my understanding, yes on the trucks and yes to the hot rods. I think 400 sets were made but they are now reproduced/can be had via/through HnH Flatheads I believe ....
 
Story I heard was that Duntov came up with the concept and tried to sell it to the English just before WWII as a cost effective improvement to the flathead engines as part of the military buildup. Duntov had emigrated there befor the war started.
After WWII he came to America and got some funding for development, the chief designer was an engineer that schooled and emigrated to America along with Duntov - his name escapes me - this guy was unable to speak English and he did the early design and development. After completing the head he then went to work for Sikorsky designing helicopter mechanisms.
That engineer really had no interest in cars and had no idea what he created, it was late in his life that people made him aware of the importance of his contribution and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame with the last 10 years or less. He might still be alive but very old, there was an annual event where Ardun owners would drive thier hot rods to his house in New Jersey (I think) and give him a ride.
My memory has its faults, correct me where I'm wrong.
 
Very good info.

It looks like Chrysler picked up on the idea and developed the hemi. I wonder why Ford didn't follow up?
 
There were some articles about the Ardun heads in Hot Rod decades ago. I am sure some folks have some info on that.
 
The latest reproduction of the Ardun Heads are available from the following:

Ardun Enterprises
Don Ferguson
P.O. Box 205
Wilmington, CA 90744
323-775-6803 Phone
310-834-9904 Fax

The Complete Ardun Conversion Kit is $14,950!!

Call Don to discuss details and ask for a brochure.

I saw the kit at the LA Roadster Show last year and was impressed.

Very professional done system!
 
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Are the heads 24 stud or 21? I didn't find it on the site.

What were the original heads' stud count?
 
Does anyone have the MAY and JUNE issues of Rod and Custom from 1971?

Would love to get a copy of the ARDUN articles.
 
The reason Ardun heads were not considered is the same for Columbia axles: Henry Ford would not abide any attempts to convert his cars. He made that clear with his son, Edsel, and sternly forbade even the mention.
 
supereal said:
The reason Ardun heads were not considered is the same for Columbia axles: Henry Ford would not abide any attempts to convert his cars. He made that clear with his son, Edsel, and sternly forbade even the mention.
Click to expand...

Oh God, Henry would be sick if could see what has happened to his fleet over the years.
 
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