The following is a transcription of a document
sent to Mr. Rudy Brandes by Harold Hunter on the 20th December 1956.
STORY
of the
HUNTER-HEALEY CONVERSION
Last year the writer was instrumental in
developing a twin overhead camshaft for the A.H. This was done through
the assistance and support of Austin Motor Company Canada Ltd. of Hamilton,
Ontario and under the direct supervision of C.F.Fowler, Director of Service
for North America.
Four of these proto-type conversions were
constructed, one of which is at the parent factory in Long Bridge, England
under test and further development, one here in Canada currently installed
in a "100 S", and two which are now available for any would-be enthusiasts.
The conversion fits directly on a standard
block and the head itself is held down by twelve high tensile special studs,
incorporating a patented head gasket as used by the Alta motor in the Grand
Prix Connaughts.
The installation takes about four hours to
assemble on a standard block and the usual time to place the engine in
the car. It fits neatly and cleanly in the space allowed and requires no
body or frame modifications. The only additional work required is installation
of a suitable throttle linkage (quite simple) and a balanced exhaust system.
A complete set of assembly instructions is furnished with each kit.
The following readings were obtained from
the Dynamometer at the Austin Factory:
BHP..............................215 @ 6000RPM
Maximum Torque.........206# @ 4000RPM
Compression Ratio.........................9.5
to 1
Valve Timing Intake........................35
- 65
Exhaust...........................................65
- 35
The price of $1,100.00 for the conversion
kit includes one set of dome top 91/2 to 1 slipper type racing pistons,
pulleys, camshafts, valves, springs, castings, studs, nuts, bolts, gaskets,
oil lines, distributor shaft, etc., plus assembly instructions. Beautifully
made intake manifolds are also supplied, Weslake design, for 1 3/4" to
2" SU carburetors, however, are not supplied.
Fro $1,600.00 we can supply one of two complete
motors excepting electrics. One motor is 2660cc and the other is 2994cc.
The larger engine is developing 240BHP at 5500 and the torque 227 pounds.
This engine would require 2" carburetors and it might be found necessary
to install a Jaguar gear box unless you are using a 1956 four speed Healey
box.
-2-
This summer the engine installed in the "100
S" Healey enjoyed considerable success and on September 27, with Rolly
Keith of Boston driving the car, placed first overall and first in class
in the 105 mile Indian Summer Trophy Race held at Harewood Acres here in
Canada. This race is run on an airport circuit with two chicanes, three
hairpin turns, and several other twists and turns of various degrees. It
completed the 105 miles in 88 minutes. On a 3300 foot straight-away from
out of a 70 mile an hour bend, the car was timed through traps placed near
the far end at 144 MPH. The car performed exceptionally well and lapped
all thirty-four entrants excepting the second place car, one of the factory
Corvettes being prepared for Sebring. Included in the race were the factory
entered "100 S" Healey: the factory entered TR 3: the Mercedes Benz factory
car, Bill Klinck driving; W.F. Huggler's D type Jag; and a new black Aston
Martin DB3X from California??? These cars all finished and were all lapped
with the exception of the aforementioned Corvette.
Two weeks before the Indian Summer Trophy
Race the car was entered in the Grand Prix at Watkins Glen and drew last
position in the line-up. At the end of five laps it was first in "D" class
and fourth over all. When an unfortunate Testa Rosa Ferrari flipped in
front of our car, our driver stopped to release the contestant in case
of fire and in so doing again ended up in last position. He had to maintain
this position for six laps, but as the green flag came out and speed was
resumed, in the next five laps was again back in first place "D" class
and sixth over all. Here he remained until the eighteenth of the twenty-one
lap race when he picked up a heavy stone from the car in front which entered
the back carburetor through the cold air box and broke #4 piston. Prior
to this on the long straightaway at the Glen which leads toward the start-finish
he was clocked through traps at 155 MPH.
Delivery of either a conversion kit or complete
engine can be made in approximately two weeks on receipt of order. The
assembly will be suitably boxed for export, and terms are cash with order,
f.o.b. Waterloo, Ontario. You will probably have a small freight charge
to add to this when delivered.
The following figures were omitted from the
above but is herewith given for your additional information:
0 to 50 MPH - 4.7 seconds
0 to 60 MPH - 6.4 seconds
0 to 70 MPH - 8.0 seconds
0 to 80 MPH - 10.1 seconds
0 to 90 MPH - 12.6 seconds
0 to 100 MPH - 14.8 seconds
Standing 1/4 mile - 14.6 seconds
Document supplied by Steve Pike from Marsh
Classic Restorations ( Australia )
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