Lightened Flywheel

[silver fish]

Does anyone know the implications of using a lightened flywheel on a crossflow for an Albatross?

[Sea-Jay]

Does anyone know the implications of using a lightened flywheel on a crossflow for an Albatross?

Hi,

I too am restoring an Albatross and was looking for a few tweaks to the (crossflow) engine and I discussed this and other things with Andy of Newark Engines who have been involved with high performance Ford engines for many years. The two main purposes of lightening a flywheel are to get better throttle response and acceleration, in an Albatross both of these will be governed by the boat/prop combination. Andy compared a boat to a car with automatic transmission but only one gear!; his view was that the flywheel should be balanced but not lightened.

We then came to the question of camshafts, Andy ruled out a "full race" type as they produce so litle torque at the bottom end the boat would never even be able to get on the plane! - I know of one Albatross owner who tried this with exacly the same results! So... we overbored my block by +060 and fitted a Kent 224 cam - this cam is designed for driving tests/autocross and delivers vastly increased torque from 1200 revs to around 7000 revs! - it would therefore seem ideal for boat use.

I will obviously let you know how I get on but would expect to need to experiment with props; my aim is not to get the "world's fastest Albatross", but to get a high crusing speed at 3500-4000 revs.

I can thoroughy recommend Newark Engines 01636822614, they are very knowledgable and also VERY good value (especially for cash!)

PM me if you would like to chat further!

[silver fish]

Thanks for that,

I've just had the engine rebuilt for mine. It's a 711M block, left at 1600 with the original cam. It came from a Mk2 escort mexico so I'm guessing it's a "fast road cam", I'm putting elec ignition on. I'm also putting on twin 40DCOE Webers. Don't know what I'll end up with but best part of 100bhp I reckon.

I'm after a stainless exhaust manifold and a crossflow starter motor.

I have a header tank and will do pics etc.

pm your email and send it all on.

Regards
SF

[Sea-Jay]

Thanks for that,

I've just had the engine rebuilt for mine. It's a 711M block, left at 1600 with the original cam. It came from a Mk2 escort mexico so I'm guessing it's a "fast road cam", I'm putting elec ignition on. I'm also putting on twin 40DCOE Webers. Don't know what I'll end up with but best part of 100bhp I reckon.

I'm after a stainless exhaust manifold and a crossflow starter motor.

I have a header tank and will do pics etc.

pm your email and send it all on.

Regards
SF

Sounds like we are going to end up with very similar engines! - I have twin 40mm Dellortos on mine! info on header tank will be much appreciated, please keep in touch!!