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The Real Novi 1000 Story (Page 2)
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ProwlerOnline, Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler Discussion Forum
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The Real Novi 1000 Story (Page 2)
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| This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 This topic was originally posted in this forum: Tires, Rims Discusssion |
| Author | Topic: The Real Novi 1000 Story |
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Dave Ridge Prowler Junkie Posts: 141 |
posted 03-21-2002 05:37 PM
This is part fact and part speculation on my part. Back in about 1946, several Indy race car engine builders commissioned Mr. Offenhaeuser (of the famed Offenhaeuser Indy engine) to build them a SUPERCHARGED V-8 engine to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Race-wise, this engine was heads above in horsepower of that era. The engine had a unique sound to itself and was well known through the 50's and early 60's at the Indy 500. I can remember going to the time trials in the late 50's and early 60's and listening for the sound of the Novi engines. In the 50's, Andy Granatelli got involved in using the Novi engines at Indianapolis. He and his brother Vince bought out Paxton/McCulloch Supercharger Company in California. The centrifugal design came from Mr. Robert Paxton McCulloch in the 1930's. The Granatelli brothers improved upon the ball-driven design and sold superchargers under Mr. McCulloch's middle name, "Paxton". I believe it was Vince Granatelli (maybe along with his brother Andy) who owned Paxton products, may have designed the gear-driven Paxton "Novi" supercharger before selling the automotive divisions of Paxton products to the current owner. The original design of the McCulloch/Paxton was a ball driven design. The Paxton Novi gear drive design as we know it, was probably named "Novi" because of the influence of the racing heritage of the Granatelli brothers. Thus the name "Novi" supercharger. The 1000 and 2000 nomenclature is a designation given in terms of size of the current production supercharger. 1000 for the smaller cubic inch engines and the 2000 for the larger engines. Bob Wyman of Paxton should be able to tell us the real story. I have been driving a "Paxton" supercharged car since 1964. I bought a new Studebaker Avanti in 1964 and still have it. Dave & Nancy Ridge, 1999 Yellow Prowler, Punta Gorda, Florida. |
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ALLEY CAT Prowler Junkie Posts: 36093 |
posted 03-21-2002 08:26 PM
Dave - Being an avid Indy car fan since 1954, I knew most of your post facts but did enjoy reading and refreshing my tired mind. I'm glad to know that there are others still breathing out there that enjoy the Indy cars and their history. You totally made my day  BTW - wasn't the engine called the Drake/Offy? Four pot holes the size of three pound coffee can for bore, with short stroke. Awesome, durable engine, but no match for the Ford V8 invasion in the mid 60's. MEMORIES ------------------ AlleyCat Productions, Inc |
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Rich Tilden Prowler Junkie Posts: 343 |
posted 03-21-2002 09:36 PM
I remember the Indy Novis of the Granatellis being Turbines and a completely new and radical design that was quickly outlawed from competition. The Novi did create quite a stir for a few years however. |
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ALLEY CAT Prowler Junkie Posts: 36093 |
posted 03-21-2002 09:58 PM
Rich - yes and no. They made a non-turbine engine called the Novi. The turbine did run for two years at Indy. Nearly won them both. Cheap part broke in one with just afew laps to go. Other, I believe, sucked up some oil dry from track surface and choked. Don't think they were banned, just that their air intake flow amount was adjusted down so low that they couldn't be competitive anymore. Appartently, some (most) USAC owners wanted them OUT. |
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Rich Tilden Prowler Junkie Posts: 343 |
posted 03-21-2002 10:03 PM
It's the huge STP Novi 4-Wheel Drive Turbines that I remember: 1964: Bobby Unser drove Andy Granatelli's STP-Oil Novi V8 with four wheel drive at Indianapolis, but the car was damaged in an accident. In 1965 it retired with mechanical problems. 1967: Granatelli's STP-Paxton 4WD Pratt and Whitney gas-turbine car ran well at Indianapolis, leading the race until retiring with mechanical problems. The design had the gas-turbine sitting along-side the driver. 1968: Lotus worked with Granatelli to build the wedge-shaped Lotus 56, powered by a rear-mounted Pratt and Whitney gas-turbine and with four wheel drive; four were entered. Mike Spence was killed in one during practice. Lotus 56s qualified 1st, 2nd and 11th: Joe Leonard at 171.56mph, Graham Hill at 171.21mph and Art Pollard at 166.3mph; remember that this was in the days before "wings" and ground-effect. Graham Hill crashed during the race due to suspension failure and the other two cars failed to finish, Leonard having run consistently in the top 3, and holding the lead when the fuel pump failed on lap 192. A 4WD Lola also took part in 1968, driven by Al Unser. 1969: The air-inlet cross sectional area for gas-turbines was restricted in 1969 but the Lotus 56s returned to Indianapolis. A crash in practice revealed a manufacturing flaw in the hub carriers and the cars were withdrawn before the race. Four wheel drive and gas-turbines were banned after 1969. |
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sunbird Prowler Junkie Posts: 595 |
posted 03-21-2002 11:14 PM
Andy G. was one of the most colorful people in racing. I suggest you get a copy of his book - They call me Mr. 500. If you like cars, racing, humor, and tragity, you will love the book! ------------------ |
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ALLEY CAT Prowler Junkie Posts: 36093 |
posted 03-22-2002 06:36 AM
Rich - Thanks for the research info. I was partially right about the restriction of the air intake flow on the turbines. You were testing my memory, lol. I was there for the 1968 race, really great, and the crowd cheered when Joe Leonard's turbine quit with 8 to go. Think it was Bobby Unser in the Risoline Special that went on to win. The 500 at Indy was great to see in person once, but since the track is so large and viewing is so restricted to what is in front of you, I wouldn't go back. Better on TV. The two mile tracks at Brooklyn, Michigan and Fontana, Ca are much better to view for the spectator. Since 1975, I've only missed one Indy car race at Phoenix, and we use to get two races per year. Thanks guys for talking open wheel racing. We know that real race cars don't have fenders, doors, trunks, windows, and mechanics named Bubba,,,,,,,,,,,  |
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