Scale Model Running Challenger Flathead V8 By Ron Colonna von Ralf Becker

Challenger V8 Ignition: Spark Bore: 1 in. Stroke: 1 in. Displacement: 100 cc Max RPM: 6,000 This engine was built early in my gasoline engine building career. I received the castings and drawings as a Christmas gift from my wife. I had it running about five months later. This is the engine that creates the most interest at the shows. So much so that I've had to rebuild it twice because of wear. As designed, it had some major shortcomings. The conrods were bronze castings which promptly wore grooves in the crank. These were replaced with rods machined from 2024 aluminum. Pistons were remade and the engine fitted with rings made from the George Trimble method. Oil control rings are a necessity as the engine smokes badly without them. An electric start system was added and the engine now runs with the push of a button.