An American team attempting a land speed record for steam-powered vehicles has its most important component: a steam engine.
The vehicle, being built under the supervision of team leader Chuk Williams (shown in the car, above), will be powered by a turnkey external combustion engine from Cyclone Power Technologies. Their 100 hp Mark V engine is designed for automobiles, has a maximum starting torque of 850 ft-lbs and can run on nearly any fuel. Putting it in a land speed racer is a great way for Cyclone to show it off.
Currently, the team is motivated by the desire to beat the British Steam Car Team's run in August, 2009. The Brits dusted off a record that had languished since 1906, when famed steam racer Fred Marriott set a record of 127.659 mph in a Stanley Steamer Rocket.
"We need to bring this historic record back to the United States, and we want to do it with a steam engine that can eventually be placed into everyday passenger and commercial vehicles - something that hasn't been done in over 100 years," said Williams.
Compared to what speeds modern production supercars can reach, the team won't have to go that fast. The British team broke the record with a 148.308 mph run that's well within the capability of cars available at local dealerships. It's fitting, then, that a crate engine will be used for the land speed racer. "Our calculations show we can break this record with our stock automotive engine," said Cyclone founder Harry Schoell.
The team is currently making the final measurements to complete installation of the engine and gearbox and to fit a fiberglass body to the frame. If all goes well, they'll be racing at Speed Week on the Bonneville Salt Flats in August of this year.
Photos: Cyclone Power Technologies
