Show whole topic
Jan 28, 2008 12:19 pm
Jan 28, 2008 12:19 pm
Subject: Re: 2L engine problem
I think we are all in agreement over this. The downdraft head is the starting point for any development of the 2 litre engine. We should remember that when Arthur Davidson designed the engine for the 14/60 it was only a "semi-sports" at best. Just 3 years later Lagonda were using the same basic engine to race at Le Mans and elsewhere, a tough call for a semi-sports ! We know they toyed with a new head casting but to produce it would have been costly, an admission that the existing head was inefficient and probably a surplus stock situation. Marketing dictated (as always) that a "blower" would be seen as more attractive and could, most importantly, justify a premium on the price. In any case continued development of a 4 cylinder, when 6 cylinders were "the thing" was hardly justified.
We have to be very thankful to Phil and Peter for rectifying the situation with a product which, in all ways, is much superior to the original. Thanks also to Arnold for setting all this out so clearly in his new book (highly recommended)
Incidentally, due to that one illustration of a downdraft head in the 1930 2 litre Special catalogue, the VSCC allows our cars to compete as "modified" rather than as specials.
I think we are all in agreement over this. The downdraft head is the starting point for any development of the 2 litre engine. We should remember that when Arthur Davidson designed the engine for the 14/60 it was only a "semi-sports" at best. Just 3 years later Lagonda were using the same basic engine to race at Le Mans and elsewhere, a tough call for a semi-sports ! We know they toyed with a new head casting but to produce it would have been costly, an admission that the existing head was inefficient and probably a surplus stock situation. Marketing dictated (as always) that a "blower" would be seen as more attractive and could, most importantly, justify a premium on the price. In any case continued development of a 4 cylinder, when 6 cylinders were "the thing" was hardly justified.
We have to be very thankful to Phil and Peter for rectifying the situation with a product which, in all ways, is much superior to the original. Thanks also to Arnold for setting all this out so clearly in his new book (highly recommended)
Incidentally, due to that one illustration of a downdraft head in the 1930 2 litre Special catalogue, the VSCC allows our cars to compete as "modified" rather than as specials.