[BillyShope]

I noticed one of the moderators uses "Crosley" for a name and that caused me to remember, when I was about 14, helping a friend rebuild the Crosley engine from his inboard. And, that got me thinking about that design and whether there would be any advantages in a modern engine. Certainly eliminates the problem of blown head gaskets! But, it also eliminates the chore of torquing down a head gasket. Then, I thought of those crew members who have to repeatedly rebuild the engines in the dragsters and floppies between rounds. So, here's my question: Would there be a time advantage in rebuilding such a design? Since sealing is no longer a critical parameter, there might even be a better way (better than a bunch of bolts) to attach the cylinders to the bottom end. Perhaps a single long rod on each side? Could the ring compressor be designed right into the cylinder casting? Anyway, since these engines are almost "one-offs" anyway, and since there's enough money involved to justify a look at another design, I thought I might toss this out for consideration.

[Fast Orange]

If I remember right,the Offenhauser-Meyer/Drake engines used at Indy for many years were of a simular design.These were also an inline 4 cylinder,but I think they were DOHC.If a "v" crankcase was used,the injection/blower unit could be mounted between the cylinder banks,and a belt drive could be used to drive the cams and blower.Whether or not this design would be quicker to service between rounds or if it would be a problem to keep the "banks" from lifting off the crankcase due to cylinder pressure would be the biggest questions about this design.
One big advantage of this idea is that preassembled banks would be ready to go,with only the induction system and belt drive needing to be put together between rounds,but the intricasies of getting 4 pistons started into the cylinders at the same time could be a problem,as would timing the 4 cams.
Using the DOHC design would allow almost any combustion chamber design.
George

[ChevelleSS_LS6]

offys, mmm... \
wayyyyy before my time, yet lustworthy.

[Beenaway2long]

Ya know, with as far as they rip these motors down in between rounds, seems it would be quicker/easier to just swap motors. 20 minute change vs a 50-60 minute rebuild. They could have 4 bullets on the shelf, and rebuild them at their leisure after the races, or when time permits between rounds. Seems like this would eliminate mistakes that oil the track down, and slow the show.