The Tim Kurz - 444 Mercury Modified Class FE

[SpiritOfSelkirk]

When the Quincy Flathead Loop engines took hold in the North American racing area all development pretty much stopped for the Deflector Mercs mainly developed at that time en masse by Quincy Welding in favour of the Flatheads. After much discussion and nostalgian the Mercury Deflector engines are again on the march in the Modified Division in particular in Formula E Hydro and Runabout. One pioneer in these newer Mercury engine developments based on the Mercury 44 cubic inch 4 cylinder engines is by Tim Kurz with his developing of the late block "444" Mercury based Modifieds. Pictured here is a later generation 4 carb "444" with breathing improvements so extreme the engine is showing promise as a leader in Formula E competition. (Engines that qualify as the basis of these 444 projects are: Mercs - Mk55A, Mark 58, Merc 400, 450 & 500 in both configurations early and later model (early model 44 cu. in. engines with center of cylinder sparkplugs as well as newer late model Mercs with offset to the intake side deflector engines.) Needless to say these engines are so plentiful that it could lead to a resurgence in seeing more FE engines as "444" Mercs. Enjoy some of the pictures.

[SpiritOfSelkirk]

Another view of a Kurz 444 Mercury 44 conversion to 4 carbs. Enjoy another picture.

[SpiritOfSelkirk]

What is so unique about these Kurz 44 engines is the abandonement of the circular crankshaft surrounding Mercury reed block systems of fuel induction into the crankcase in favour of pyramidal fron mounted reed systems dircted right at the crankshaft opening at center of rod axis at crankshaft direct into the crankcase. This direct access to the crankcase for air-fuel charging makes for speed of charge as well as better air/fuel cooling that increases the performance of the engine significantly. Having the crankshaft beveled also assists in this new air/fuel flow arrangement. Note that the Merc ignition has been replaced by a custom stator plate mounted breakerless self charging one coil per spark plug beltless self engergizing direct drive off the crankshaft ignition system (uses breakerless chainsaw components bases) of a type produced by Indiana, USA racer Steve Roskowski who is another eminent British Anzani restorer in North America too. Enjoy another of the revised reed structures picture.