How many Novi engines were built?
The Novi last qualified at Indy in 1965, coming in dead last with a transmission problem, and tried but failed to qualify in 1966, which was its last appearance at the Brickyard. In all, about 12 engines were built, appearing in nine separate chassis over the decades.
What was the Novi special?
The Novi engine is an American dual overhead cam supercharged V8 engine used in racing cars in the Indianapolis 500 from 1941 to 1966. Designed by Bud Winfield and Leo Goossen, it was built by Fred Offenhauser in suburban Novi, Michigan, near Detroit.
Did a Novi ever win the Indy 500?
Few race cars in the history of the Indianapolis 500, if any, possess the mystique of the mighty Novi—despite the fact that it never won a race. It never came close, to be honest about it, yet the Novi holds a beloved place in Indy racing lore.
Is Offenhauser still in business?
Offenhauser has a reputation for making the finest upgrade performance engine parts, including many unique industry leading intake manifold designs and replacement cylinder heads. Offenhauser is still family owned and operated in Los Angeles, California.
Where was the Offenhauser engine built?
In 1934, Offenhauser built his first 97-cubic inch-engine for midget car racing. Curly Mills was the first to win with this engine in his car. By 1941 Offenhauser’s shop in Novi, Michigan, had developed the Novi engine, designed by Goossen and Bud Winfield.
What is a Novi engine?
The Novi engine was a Dual Overhead Cam Supercharged V8 engine used in the Indianapolis 500 designed by Bud Winfield and built by Fred Offenhauser. It was first used in 1941 under the “Winfield” name and produced over 450 hp, an amazing output for the time, but it was very difficult to handle.
What is the bhp of a V8 Novi?
This is equal to 305 bhp/liter (5.0 bhp/cu.in) and a brake mean effective pressure (bmep) of 483 lb/sq.in. ^ a b c Andy Granatelli recounts the difficulties and fatalities involved with the Novi in Karl Ludvigsen, Novi V-8: Indy Cars 1941 through 1965.
When was the last time the Novi engine was used in F1?
The engine was last used at the race in 1966, when a qualifying crash finished its career. Despite never powering a Championship Car race winner, few engines have become as much of a ‘celebrity’ in automobile racing as the Novi.
How much horsepower does a Winfield Novi have?
The Novi was first used in 1941 at the Indianapolis 500 under the “Winfield” name; it produced over 450 hp (340 kW), an amazing output for the time. It was fitted to a 1935 frame built for a Miller engine, but its power made the vehicle very difficult to handle.