1 reply to this topic

[BoardTrackRacer]

Needing some help. I just acquired and am starting restoration on a unique race engine, built by racer, turned engine builder W. W. "Cockeyed" Brown (Kansas City). He built engines from 1922-1958. Quite an accomplished machinist. Straight 8 SOHC with centrifugal supercharger. Crank turned from a single billet. Cam and followers looking Miller-esque. I have a couple letters from Fred & Augie Duesenberg to Brown dated 1925 discussing race engine. The engine is in phenomenal condition, making for a rather straight forward rebuild.

The dirt track historian-experts have some scattered 4 cyl engine bits from Brown engines. Finding any records of this 8 cyl engine (or any other Brown built engines) is proving tough. A few vintage photos exist of the racer, which show how in the 30s it was converted into street use with the addition of Woodlites, horns, tail lights, etc. The engine itself seems more likely 20s.

I am told years ago, there were some other parts of the chassis/body rusting away somewhere. Can anyone help me with finding any parts or other photos/papers??? How can there be so little known about this man, esp. when he produced race engines every bit as sophisticated as Miller & Duesenberg?

Can anyone help identify the frame, axle (front is underslung) or radiator as anything stock?

Attached are vintage and current photos before engine teardown. You will note the vintage shot of the engine is twin carburated with no blower. Further the vintage photos show the crankcase is engine-turned, while the existing case is heavily finned. Did Brown make at least two 8 cyl motors or make modifications to just one? Any help appreciated.

PHOTOS:
http://img853.images...gerunknown.jpg/
http://img18.imagesh...rstraight8.jpg/
http://img706.images...dbrowncar1.jpg/
http://img696.images...dbrowncar2.jpg/
http://img200.images...dbrowncar5.jpg/
http://img703.images.../dscn0045c.jpg/
http://img7.imagesha.../dscn0044a.jpg/

Thanks,

913-406-2262

Edited by BoardTrackRacer, 07 April 2011 - 22:01.

[Automobiliart]

Needing some help. I just acquired and am starting restoration on a unique race engine, built by racer, turned engine builder W. W. "Cockeyed" Brown (Kansas City). He built engines from 1922-1958. Quite an accomplished machinist. Straight 8 SOHC with centrifugal supercharger. Crank turned from a single billet. Cam and followers looking Miller-esque. I have a couple letters from Fred & Augie Duesenberg to Brown dated 1925 discussing race engine. The engine is in phenomenal condition, making for a rather straight forward rebuild.

The dirt track historian-experts have some scattered 4 cyl engine bits from Brown engines. Finding any records of this 8 cyl engine (or any other Brown built engines) is proving tough. A few vintage photos exist of the racer, which show how in the 30s it was converted into street use with the addition of Woodlites, horns, tail lights, etc. The engine itself seems more likely 20s.

I am told years ago, there were some other parts of the chassis/body rusting away somewhere. Can anyone help me with finding any parts or other photos/papers??? How can there be so little known about this man, esp. when he produced race engines every bit as sophisticated as Miller & Duesenberg?

Can anyone help identify the frame, axle (front is underslung) or radiator as anything stock?

Attached are vintage and current photos before engine teardown. You will note the vintage shot of the engine is twin carburated with no blower. Further the vintage photos show the crankcase is engine-turned, while the existing case is heavily finned. Did Brown make at least two 8 cyl motors or make modifications to just one? Any help appreciated.

PHOTOS:
http://img853.images...gerunknown.jpg/
http://img18.imagesh...rstraight8.jpg/
http://img706.images...dbrowncar1.jpg/
http://img696.images...dbrowncar2.jpg/
http://img200.images...dbrowncar5.jpg/
http://img703.images.../dscn0045c.jpg/
http://img7.imagesha.../dscn0044a.jpg/

Thanks,

913-406-2262

That's an impressive find. It does look rather well made.
I wish I could help you with more info.
Bonne chance!
Paul