Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Uncle Joe]

Found on a US based website:

Hemi: (HEM -e) adj. Mopar in type, V8, native to the United States, carnivorous, eats primarily Mustangs, Camaros, and Corvettes. Also enjoys smoking a good import now and then to relax.

[Old-Nail]

Canyon: (can-yons): Place of twisty roads inhabited by predatory European imports and sportsbikes. Mopars (Mo-pars) rarely seen here as they fall prey to (Porche) Spyders and other non indigenous wildlife.

[Uncle Joe]

Thanks O-N, you've made my day!

Porches handle? Only two words, first, James, second Dean!

Just to drive you nuts about Hemis, did you know that it was a Chrysler Hemi that powered the first propellor driven aircraft to over 500mph in level flight....?

[Old-Nail]

Which aircraft was that UJ?

I know a Mustang can approach something like that but they had merlins didn't they?... and as for James Dean, his talent as an actor obviously outweighed his ability as a driver!

The Spyder was a little feisty though I'm told!

[Uncle Joe]

It was a P-47. Though the engine was a Chrysler Hemi, it wasnt the one we are thinking about obviously. Heres a quote from the website that I found the article on. The one thing that I wonder though. Have any other propellor driven aircraft hit over 500mph?

The quote:

''What did come from testing the aircraft engine was just another Chrysler accomplishment that went by unheralded but was nevertheless noted later. The inverted V-16 was conservatively rated at 2,500 horsepower, and Chrysler has always been known for under rating their engines.

For testing, a P-47 Thunderbolt was selected. Introduced in 1943, the P-47 was the largest and heaviest single seater in the Air Force inventory at the time. It was powered by a huge 2,800 cubic inch radial engine that developed 2,300 horsepower. It gave the 40 foot wing span plane a top speed of 439 miles an hour at 15,000 feet.

Some modifications were necessary to accommodate the long V-16. When done, the slimmed down nose actually helped reduce the drag produced by the big round radial. Preliminary testing showed promise. Gingerly the big fighter was coaxed slowly into higher altitudes and higher speeds. Finally the go ahead was given for an all out test. At 15,000 feet, the huge plane, under the Chrysler V-16's power, broke the 500 mile an hour barrier. No one thought it was possible for a piston engine to achieve that speed in level flight.

Thanks to accurate radar timing, it is beyond doubt how powerful that engine truly was. Flat out, it pulled the huge P-47 along at 504 miles an hour. Conventional wisdom at that time said that the V-16 was making at least 3,000 horsepower, and likely closer to 3,500!

Just to be sure, the test P-47 went out the next day with a different test pilot and again level at 15,000 feet, went through the 500 mile an hour mark. Hand shakes and elation went all around. However, only the one engine was ever built. The important thing to keep in mind about this engine is that it was a Hemi headed, push rod valve activated type. It survived the war, and now is on display at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan''

[Old-Nail]

The P47 or 'Jug' as it was known was a very robust aircraft known for it's ability to dive at a rate of knots that pulled the wings off lesser aircraft.

I know the excerpt says level flight of 15000 but wonder if they dived from 30000 then levelled off to give that speed?
Jugs are hardly the most aerodynamic of shapes!

[Uncle Joe]

Havent a clue if they dove or not. The text implies that they didnt, but doesnt say outright.

Maybe a Google would shed some light on this? Or possibly one of the others on the forum? If all else fails, I do know someone that could possibly help, if I can get in touch with him...

[poodge]

"and as for James Dean, his talent as an actor obviously outweighed his ability as a driver!"
Don't you believe it.James Dean was quite succesful in many races.
The crash that killed him was actually caused by a young fellow coming out of a side road without stopping.James swerved to avoid hitting him,thus crashing.If he had not died,he could have been a racing driver if his acting career failed.

[Old-Nail]

Well it has been known if you think about it.

Steve McQueen and Paul Newman both raced for real.