Originally Posted by
Bill Van Steenwyk
Mark:
Just so there is no misunderstanding, I am happy that you have confirmation that the 8 cylinder you have is really the orginal one. There is so much history with that engine, that it would be a shame if it was not. I was not in any way closely involved with the motor at the time it was being raced, but did as previously posted see it run the first time in Florida, and consequently raced at Lakeland in the same time frame, driven by Charlie Bailey on the Byers hydro. Wayne has also posted his rememberances of what Charley's comments were on how it drove and handled, so as they say you have some "provenance" on the engine.
As I orginally posted, and then Tim Chance has confirmed, we both understood that Danny Kirts had made two 500's from the one engine. I don't remember now if it was him that told me that, or someone else, but that is my recollection and based on Tim's recent post, his also. The motor could have certainly been put back in the orginal configuration, and as stated, I hope that is the case, as it is a real piece of outboard racing history.
I guess I'm just lucky I am still here and I can still remember some of the things I heard and talked about and saw all those years ago. Congratulations on your "prize", and please understand my comments were not meant in any way to cast doubt on the authenticity of the engine you have displayed.
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