This is a pretty good video about the Offenhauser engine. It's a bit long, but covers the subject better than anything I have seen.
The whole story: Offenhauser
Started by
Dave Crevie
, Jun 08 2025 09:00 AM
5 replies to this topic
#2
Cheater
-
- Root Admin
-
- 25,973 posts Joined: 14-February 06
Headmaster of the asylum
- Gender:Male
- Location:Norcross, GA
Posted 08 June 2025 - 09:45 AM
You beat me to it, Dave. I started watching this video last night but only got about halfway through. Figured I'd view the whole thing before posting it here.
Still think it should be called the Miller engine, or perhaps the Miller-Offy.
Or better yet, the Goosen engine.
Gregory Wells
Never forget that first place goes to the racer with the MOST laps, not the racer with the FASTEST lap
#3
NSwanberg
-
- Full Member
-
- 2,138 posts Joined: 01-April 09
Posting Leader
- Gender:Male
- Location:Canton, MI
Posted 08 June 2025 - 10:41 AM
Well worth the watch!
I did not know that Peugeot was ahead of Miller/Offenhauser with the integral head design. A fast Google search did not indicate who first built a block like that with overhead valves. Does anybody know who did it first?
Remember the Steube bar! (ask Raisin)
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RACEWAY!!
"The denial of denial is the first sign of denial." Hank, from Corner Gas
"Death before disco!" Wanda from Corner Gas
Nelson Swanberg 5618
Peace be with all of us and good racing for the rest of us.
Have controller. Will travel. Slot Car Heaven
#4
Dave Crevie
-
- Full Member
-
- 5,096 posts Joined: 16-February 09
Grand Champion Poster
Posted 09 June 2025 - 08:51 AM
Still think it should be called the Miller engine, or perhaps the Miller-Offy.
Or better yet, the Goosen engine.
You are right, since Goosen started the ball rolling. But it took ol' Fred to make it nearly a production engine. When I was eight years old, a relative took me to my first Indy 500. We went through Gasoline Alley the day before, and it seemed to me that every entrant was powered by an Offenhauser engine. Not true, of course, but they dominated the race for a very long time.
By the way, we camped in the infield in a two-man government surplus pup tent. We partied all night with the other campers nearby. An amazing experience for an eight-year old.
PS: When I turned eight, it was sorta like my automotive coming out. Cars have been the center of my life ever since.
- Cheater, MSwiss and NSwanberg like this
#5
Cheater
-
- Root Admin
-
- 25,973 posts Joined: 14-February 06
Headmaster of the asylum
- Gender:Male
- Location:Norcross, GA
Posted 09 June 2025 - 09:05 AM
As far as I know, Leo Goosen is the only man ever to hold a full-time job as a racing engine designer. Certainly in America.
Gregory Wells
Never forget that first place goes to the racer with the MOST laps, not the racer with the FASTEST lap
#6
Dave Crevie
-
- Full Member
-
- 5,096 posts Joined: 16-February 09
Grand Champion Poster
Posted 09 June 2025 - 12:55 PM
I did not know that Peugeot was ahead of Miller/Offenhauser with the integral head design. A fast Google search did not indicate who first built a block like that with overhead valves. Does anybody know who did it first?
The original patent for the monobloc design was entered in 1905 by De Dion Bouton.
Napier also had a monobloc design about this time.
Bugatti also used monoblocs in several of their grand prix cars. This drawing is an original factory drawing for the T-35 and T-37 engines.
This shot shows an unfinished T-59 monobloc cut open to show the domed combustion chambers and angled ports and valve seats.
Monobloc design engines are still being built by companies like Steyr and Caterpillar for industrial and marine use.
- NSwanberg likes this
