Comments - Is there a future for automotive power for unlimiteds? - Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum2024-03-29T08:53:56Zhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profiles/comment/feed?attachedTo=6315479%3ABlogPost%3A17324&xn_auth=noIn my opinion there is a grea…tag:thunderboats.ning.com,2012-02-25:6315479:Comment:465402012-02-25T08:22:06.924ZJames Michael Dickinsonhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/JamesMichaelDickinson
<p>In my opinion there is a great potential for Automotive power in unlimited Hydroplanes. In the last few years absolutely unbelievable advances have been made, everything from engine management to electrical valve operation to refinement of "old technologies".</p>
<p>I think we need to look to the car circle track racing for our inspiration. Drag racing is a static function , huge power on for a short time, at the end of the run the engine is close to being destroyed, they cannot live long…</p>
<p>In my opinion there is a great potential for Automotive power in unlimited Hydroplanes. In the last few years absolutely unbelievable advances have been made, everything from engine management to electrical valve operation to refinement of "old technologies".</p>
<p>I think we need to look to the car circle track racing for our inspiration. Drag racing is a static function , huge power on for a short time, at the end of the run the engine is close to being destroyed, they cannot live long enough to make even one lap. Nascar also is in this authors opinion, not applicable, the asphalt track is a fairly constant source of traction, if the driver decides to spin their tires, both tire and engine life are drastically shortened, making the vehicle a loser. </p>
<p>The closest comparison the oval course boat racing in the car world is dirt oval track racing. The Hydroplane power plant is subjected to varying loads because of the inability to keep a constant bite on the water due to the surface conditions. Similarly the dirt track racer encounters varying track conditions due to ruts, slickness, and traffic. As a former open wheel racer, I often came out of the corners with my rear tires spinning and then to have them suddenly grab and literately launch the car. You can here similar engine loading of the older Piston Boats as you can in dirt track Sprint Cars, every summer Saturday Night, all over the U.S.</p>
<p>I am in process of designing a system using multiple racing specific V8 aluminum block Sprint Car engines. These engines can be produce over 950 HP each for what most Hydroplane Piston Engine Racers would call an "extended" period of time. Small blocks can be pushed out to 470 cubic inches and still breathe! No these are not hopped up car engines, they are purely racing motors, thousands of these, (albeit under 410 CI) perform on dirt tracks on any given summer weekend.</p>
<p>Further we do not need super or turbo chargers of any kind to produce this horse power, it is done with simple mechanical injectors and alcohol fuel, fuel use will be similar to the old aircraft engines.</p>
<p>No, it won't sound like a Merlin, it will be different, but to my take, a lot better than the whoosh of the Turbines.</p>
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<p>Jim Dickinson, the dreamer who just bought the un-restored wooden Squire Shop.</p> Doug: Great Idea. This sport…tag:thunderboats.ning.com,2011-04-09:6315479:Comment:181152011-04-09T14:43:27.272ZWilliam Blackhttp://thunderboats.ning.com/profile/WilliamBlack
Doug: Great Idea. This sport is Entertainment....and there is currently an unused resource to fill in at the races...that being several "race ready" vintage unlimiteds including a couple of the dreaded Detroit boats that have the potential (with sponsorship) to put on a great show with a lot of noise.
Doug: Great Idea. This sport is Entertainment....and there is currently an unused resource to fill in at the races...that being several "race ready" vintage unlimiteds including a couple of the dreaded Detroit boats that have the potential (with sponsorship) to put on a great show with a lot of noise.