Because I broached this thread with automotive engines being used for other purposes, like home defense, here is another neat historical fact. Since there is nothing more American than a Hot Rod, the SR-71 being the penultimate hot rod, next to an actual space rocket, the industry around these birds were supported by home grown hot rodders lending their skills and know how to solve the problem of reliably starting up these secret planes.
The SR-71 required a start cart to spin up the J58 engines. The only engines that had the torque to do this was the Buick 401 Nailhead and when those became scarce they used the 454 Chevrolet, though the crews preferred the older Buicks due to the torque off idle.
In 1960 the 401 Nailhead V8 was found in only the Electra and Invicta models. 4.1875" bore by 3.64" stroke. Had a compression ratio of 10.25:1. Equipped with a 600cfm Carter AFB on a cast iron 4bbl intake. Factory power specs are 325hp @ 4400rpm and 445lb/ft torque @ 2800rpm
Famous race car builder,
Mickey Thompson built the engines for the start carts. These starter carts, which held those engines, were built by
Arlen Kurtis, son of
Frank Kurtis of race car fame. They are mentioned in the few books published about Frank Kurtis Racing Cars, he got his start making similar carts for the F-86 Sabre in the 50's.
Photos of the Starter Carts
www.sr-71.org
Alright, I have it out of my system. Thanks for reading.
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