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Racing Outboards L.L.C.
November 2005
Update: American Hot Rod Racing Engine --
There have been a lot of questions about the Hot Rod engines in the recent past. We would like to answer some of those questions and bring you up to date on our goals and progress.
The easiest path for Racing Outboards would have been to build the engine that was built in the past, the original Hot Rod, and initially a beefed up version of the Hot Rod was our intention.
As the project progressed it became apparent that this would not fill the needs of the stock and mod categories in the future. We redefined our goals from reproducing the Hot Rod, to producing an engine that would meet those needs as defined through discussions with racers and officials from around the country.
We are designing and building an engine that will start in the water, idle, be easy to assemble and service, be durable, easy to inspect for rules compliance, and provide consistent performance out of the box - an engine that will hold up to the rigors of competition in the stock and mod categories, and be competitive with the engines currently in use.
This “new” Hot Rod will utilize the same cylinder head, sleeves, piston, bore and stroke as the existing engines, but will utilize a beefed up crankcase, crankshaft and block. Engine specs will be virtually the same with performance competitive with the existing models. Noteworthy advances to date include:
· The mold for the Hot Rod cylinder block was lost when the foundry that was in possession of it went bankrupt. A new prototype block has been built and will be tested soon. This block has been strengthened in several critical areas and designed to be sand cast. The block also utilizes an intake port cover and a redesigned exhaust cover that will support mounts for the ignition system.
· A press-together crankshaft has been engineered and is ready to be prototyped. The crank will use a one-piece connecting rod, and a bearing arrangement that requires no tedious set up and shimming.
· A new two-piece crankcase is on the drawing board, simplifying assembly and service.
· New beefed up connecting rods made from new forgings are ready for heat treat.
· The new ignition system (CD2) using most of the same parts that were on the early Hot Rod and on the current “A” will be available soon.
· A new steel flywheel, smaller in diameter than the early Phelon and weighing about 4 lbs., has been spin tested to 17,000 RPM to assure that it will stay together under racing conditions and is on order.
· A user-friendly Tillotson carburetor with adjustable needle valves is ready for testing.
· We are also supporting the existing engines by providing new service parts.
· The current rotary valve crankcase has been strengthened in several critical areas for greater durability. Castings are in process.
· A new beefed up two-piece connecting rod made from new forgings is ready for heat treat and will be available soon.
· Billet rotary valve crankshafts are in the works.
· New A/J gearcases have been completed and are available for sale.
The Hot Rod engine has come a long way; most of the blue prints we are working with date from the early to mid 50’s. Missing prints have been redone.
The efforts of the prior owners of the Company must be appreciated; they kept the motor alive for over 50 years.
Through Tom Moulder’s efforts in the 60’s and early 70’s the 15SS class was introduced and grew into one of the most competitive classes in the stock category.
Dave Little picked up the ball in the late 70’s and with a lot of personal effort built over 200 engines for the 15 and B classes and enough parts to take us through most of the 90’s.
Tom Moulder’s reacquisition of the Company in the 90’s insured that the engine would be supported and not relegated to history.
Without the efforts of these men we would have nothing to work with as we head into the future.
Racing Outboards intends to be here for a long time. We want to grow this sport and expose it to as many new participants as possible. We are already planning marketing campaigns that will help us achieve these goals.
As you can imagine this will not take place overnight, we have a lot of work ahead of us, be patient, we’re coming back strong!
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Selewach
November 2005
Update: American Hot Rod Racing Engine --
There have been a lot of questions about the Hot Rod engines in the recent past. We would like to answer some of those questions and bring you up to date on our goals and progress.
The easiest path for Racing Outboards would have been to build the engine that was built in the past, the original Hot Rod, and initially a beefed up version of the Hot Rod was our intention.
As the project progressed it became apparent that this would not fill the needs of the stock and mod categories in the future. We redefined our goals from reproducing the Hot Rod, to producing an engine that would meet those needs as defined through discussions with racers and officials from around the country.
We are designing and building an engine that will start in the water, idle, be easy to assemble and service, be durable, easy to inspect for rules compliance, and provide consistent performance out of the box - an engine that will hold up to the rigors of competition in the stock and mod categories, and be competitive with the engines currently in use.
This “new” Hot Rod will utilize the same cylinder head, sleeves, piston, bore and stroke as the existing engines, but will utilize a beefed up crankcase, crankshaft and block. Engine specs will be virtually the same with performance competitive with the existing models. Noteworthy advances to date include:
· The mold for the Hot Rod cylinder block was lost when the foundry that was in possession of it went bankrupt. A new prototype block has been built and will be tested soon. This block has been strengthened in several critical areas and designed to be sand cast. The block also utilizes an intake port cover and a redesigned exhaust cover that will support mounts for the ignition system.
· A press-together crankshaft has been engineered and is ready to be prototyped. The crank will use a one-piece connecting rod, and a bearing arrangement that requires no tedious set up and shimming.
· A new two-piece crankcase is on the drawing board, simplifying assembly and service.
· New beefed up connecting rods made from new forgings are ready for heat treat.
· The new ignition system (CD2) using most of the same parts that were on the early Hot Rod and on the current “A” will be available soon.
· A new steel flywheel, smaller in diameter than the early Phelon and weighing about 4 lbs., has been spin tested to 17,000 RPM to assure that it will stay together under racing conditions and is on order.
· A user-friendly Tillotson carburetor with adjustable needle valves is ready for testing.
· We are also supporting the existing engines by providing new service parts.
· The current rotary valve crankcase has been strengthened in several critical areas for greater durability. Castings are in process.
· A new beefed up two-piece connecting rod made from new forgings is ready for heat treat and will be available soon.
· Billet rotary valve crankshafts are in the works.
· New A/J gearcases have been completed and are available for sale.
The Hot Rod engine has come a long way; most of the blue prints we are working with date from the early to mid 50’s. Missing prints have been redone.
The efforts of the prior owners of the Company must be appreciated; they kept the motor alive for over 50 years.
Through Tom Moulder’s efforts in the 60’s and early 70’s the 15SS class was introduced and grew into one of the most competitive classes in the stock category.
Dave Little picked up the ball in the late 70’s and with a lot of personal effort built over 200 engines for the 15 and B classes and enough parts to take us through most of the 90’s.
Tom Moulder’s reacquisition of the Company in the 90’s insured that the engine would be supported and not relegated to history.
Without the efforts of these men we would have nothing to work with as we head into the future.
Racing Outboards intends to be here for a long time. We want to grow this sport and expose it to as many new participants as possible. We are already planning marketing campaigns that will help us achieve these goals.
As you can imagine this will not take place overnight, we have a lot of work ahead of us, be patient, we’re coming back strong!
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Selewach
Post us some pictures of you running a "B" Hot Rod cause I know it wasn't a "A" or a "J"
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