V8 Center Port Problems

Pete said:
There are several teams running flat Cad's at Bonneville.
I am part of one. Our engine is 375 ci and makes 600 hp.
It is in a 38 Chev coupe and has gone 189 mph.
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Wow Pete that is really awesome! Those are excellent numbers. My "bucket list" Flathead Ford dream is to get as close to 1 hp per cubic inch as I can naturally aspirated on gasoline. Just yesterday I was shopping for a suitable block for the project. I did find a decent 59AB block that I might use, though I'd rather use an 8BA.

On another note are you aware of a Pierce Arrow coupe run at Bonneville some years back? I think it was a true PA chassis with a turbocharged PA V12 powering it.

I remember reading about this is a magazine and if memory serves me correctly I believe AJ Foyt may have driven it.
 
With respect to Jakeford's original question, I would suggest that the centre port design had little to do with block cracks, more to do with deteriorated cooling systems (scale build up and blocked cores etc) Back in the day they worked hard maybe with less care. Most people today running a flathead v8 are enthusiasts of some sort. Sure, my dad checked the water and oil regularly, to make sure it was there, but not so much to eyeball the sludge build up in the rad. Many people were just getting by. 90% plus of engine failures stem from cooling system failures. That is the main reason for cracks.
I am not saying the FHv8 is not prone to cracks. In fact Henry relieved his war time truck blocks for just that reason. Vacuum brake boosters were leaning out the fuel mixture, raising cylinder temps, and causing cracks from the exhaust seat to the cylinder. The relieved block was his answer to the problem.
Just saying that in the day, the design was fine and that it was the things we do (or didn't do) that lead to the cracks.
 
Henry Floored said:
Wow Pete that is really awesome! Those are excellent numbers. My "bucket list" Flathead Ford dream is to get as close to 1 hp per cubic inch as I can naturally aspirated on gasoline. Just yesterday I was shopping for a suitable block for the project. I did find a decent 59AB block that I might use, though I'd rather use an 8BA.

On another note are you aware of a Pierce Arrow coupe run at Bonneville some years back? I think it was a true PA chassis with a turbocharged PA V12 powering it.

I remember reading about this is a magazine and if memory serves me correctly I believe AJ Foyt may have driven it.
Click to expand...

I have gotten 1 hp per ci NA on the old purple av gas (115/145) many years ago. It is much easier on alcohol. You are going to need over 320 ci though for compression.

Here is the URL about the PA at Bonneville:
http://autoweek.com/article/car-new...rlds-fastest-car-69-years-ago-inspires-second
 
I believe that Bonneville car is located just north of Oshkosh and is being restored to it's original stock condition.
 
Joe Abbin has written at least 3 books and has countless hours on dyno as well as life experience. He says the trouble in working the center exhaust port is not worth the benefits, if there are even any.

Kinda like worrying about a wet floor if the ship is sinking. Such a small thing to be concerned about.
 
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