Pre Crossflow Con Rod Needed

[Gearbox]

Hello all, I am searching for a 109e connecting rod, single or a set. Also would be able to use a 2733e rod, single or a set. Needless to say, I have 3 of each. Let me know what you have, Thanks Allan

[bball7754]

I would call Dave Bean. My copy of the English Ford Racers Catalog shows that he may have 109E con rods, although it also says "Use anything but these!"

 

There is a section that covers the "Dimensional Chronology", and includes a comment section. For the 109E, it says "Contained infamous "glass ball" hollow cast iron crank; good to 20 minutes at racing speeds."

 

Steve

[Gearbox]

Hi Steve;

 

Yes contacted all the usual suspects on both sides of the pond and all said they were long gone. Even the 1300 crossflow stuff is pretty rare these days. The engine is a cosy 1340cc and puts out a whopping 85 hp, plus it will be a street car, so I think the 109e's would be ok, but I did find a set of 2730 rods from an early 1300 crossflow which are about 58 thousands longer. I have to do all the figures, but running a zero deck height with these rods may require new pistons, but what else can you do? The engine I have has a Moldex Steel crank, steel crank caps, and the billet rocker pedestals, so I think I will be ok. Just trying to keep the car as original as possible..... well at least on the outside , Thanks Allan

[bball7754]

Maybe some of the Crossflow/specialist engine builders might have one lying around?

[Gearbox]

Part of my search included them, from Tony Ingram, Barry at PHP Racing, and Guy Smith from the UK. From what I had gathered, the 109e 1340cc engine was short lived, in the states it only appeared in the Capri Consul in 61 and 62 before going to the 1500cc motor. The Seven had it for less than a year between 61 and 62. And unfortunately none of the 105e rods nor the 116e rods (before and after) are even close. Even in the 105e 997cc configuration, the rods were considerably longer. So basically at a stand still with my rebuild.

 

The only hope was to find a 2733e rod which I have 3, or another 109e rod which I also have 3 NOS. But the 109e rods had all been tossed for the reasons you mentioned and the 2733e rod, while slightly longer by 34 thousands and could be made to work, was in the early 1300 Cross flow motor which I do not believe was ever imported to the States. I did find a 1300 rod from Burton Power, but that only measured 4.14" which is 0.144" shorter and not sure if that would be too much. Pretty much trying to level a table and not having to remove all the legs to achieve a balance.

 

So far I was able to find a set of 2730e rods which measures 4.37". My thinking was to fit the rods into the block and see how close I am to the deck. If the piston is recessed from the deck, I just mill the deck to zero. If the piston protrudes, then I am looking to make new pistons with a higher wrist pin location to compensate. Either that or re size the rods. No matter what, it isn't going to be easy. But where will be the fun in that? LOL.

[Ian7]

did you try Ted Wenz across town here at Savannah Race Engineering? they do (did?) lots of Formula Ford in their day, still do vintage.....

tell him Ian sent you please

[Gearbox]

Hi Ian;

 

Yes, I know Ted very well from his shop in NY. But I though he jobbed out all of his Pre and cross flow work and that was decades ago. I'll give him a call after the holidays, but not holding my breathe lol. I don't think these 1340cc engines was in anything racing related outside of the Sevens and most of that group swapped over to the 1500 back in the day. But you never know. Thanks Allan

[coffee break]

Have you posted on BLATCHAT?