Comments on: First to 500 https://stateofspeed.com/2019/01/09/first-to-500/ ALL THINGS PERFORMANCE AND SPEED, AND THE CULTURE THAT DRIVES IT Thu, 31 Mar 2022 18:59:10 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 By: John Gavran https://stateofspeed.com/2019/01/09/first-to-500/#comment-88 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 05:14:07 +0000 http://54.201.197.135/?p=6724#comment-88 Ggreat article, great pics! I was the lucky dog on mile marker 5 as a stationary course steward. I had the the best seat in the house to see and experience that 500mph+ run!! Rubber down, Chrome up!!! May the salt gawds smile down on you this year! Best of luck to you, Team Vesco!!

]]> By: LandSpeed Louise https://stateofspeed.com/2019/01/09/first-to-500/#comment-87 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 01:33:12 +0000 http://54.201.197.135/?p=6724#comment-87 Nicely done article but Thacker slipped up just once in explaining the propulsion system employed by TEAMVesco’s Turbinator streamliner. To be clear, at no time has the car ever been fitted with a jet engine. It is a common mistake made by many. The car does not have, never did, or ever will use an afterburner – the key component the differentiates turbines from jets. Essentially, all jet engines are turbines, but only those axial flow turbines with afterburners can rightfully be deemed a “jet.” Think helicopter versus fighter jet and you get the picture. A whirlybird gets it spinning blade power from the axial flow shafts and the jet relies on the mighty afterburner, or reheat system, to scorch its way through the sky.

Turbinator began its World Wheel-Driven hunt for 500MPH with a pair of small-block Chevys that were quickly swapped out for two turbocharged Offenhauser fours under the stressed aluminum skin bodywork. When those couldn’t deliver, the car was fitted with a AVCO Lycoming T55 helicopter engine relying on a bespoke 2:1 gear reduction case. Today, Turbinator II still relies on turbines to drive all four wheels and if the Bonneville Salt Flats dry out with enough crusty miles in 2019, you can bet the team will chase down a plus 500MPH world record

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