Aficionados Arise,
I suspect our Mr. Ray McCrary is quite correct. The block would have to be
re-engineered to allow for the lower strength of aluminum.
As a more pedestrian project, is there a fire breathing M.E. who would like
to undertake the further development of the Runyan engine (DOHC head on an
XPAG/XPEG block)? I will eventually finish an article on this engine for
The NEMGTR and when finished the Schultes plan the sell the engine with
all its associated gear. The article in the 'Sacred Octagon' will serve as
a source of technical information. One Runyan engine exists along with a
set of spare castings, engineering drawings, production tooling, and a
mountain of patterns. See 'Hot Rod' magazine, March 1956. The whole works
is presently stored in my garage and hallway. The head is pure Offenhauser
and is certainly the most beautiful set of alloy castings a T-Series owner
will ever see. From my point of view, it is unfortunate that Runyan,
Zimmerman, and Timbs were directed toward an all out racing engine. When
the MGA was released in 1956, all development was halted and everything
went into storage. This interrupted project would require much additional
engineering time to convert the present engine into a street engine.
Best wishes, Carl Cederstrand / Orange, California
>Hello all,
>Would not an alloy block need to be re-engineered for strength?
>Best,
>Ray