[DeTomaso] NPC

[David]

Mike,

Didn't someone write a book about the Wyer LeMans efforts? Racing In The Rain or something?  Always thought that could make a fascinating story- wonder if the book did the subject justice?

David in Durango

Sent from my handheld gizmo, please forgive my typing!

On Jun 22, 2013, at 12:08 AM, MikeLDrew at aol.com wrote:


In a message dated 6/21/13 21 48 21, boyd411 at gmail.com writes:


> Mike,
> Was that Gurney engine ( with the webers and the 180 degree headers) a 427?


>>>The '66 Mk II and 67 Mk IV used 427s, but after speeds were getting too high, and Ferrari was getting stomped, the ACO instituted a five-liter maximum displacement starting with the '68 season, instantly rendering Ford's cars obsolete.  They basically pulled out of endurance racing, but continued to support privateer efforts.  JWA updated the first-gen GT40 with better brakes, wider wheels and matching flared bodywork, and the latest five-liter (302) version of the 289 engine that had powered the '64-'65 cars.

So the '68-69 cars were basically already-obsolete chassis with minor updates, fitted with 302 engines with Gurney-Weslake aluminum heads and Webers.  They were considered to be outsiders and dark horse candidates for the win, facing an awesome Porsche opposition (Ferrari wasn't really in contention), but thanks in large part to the excellent organization of the John Wyer team, the JW Fords prevailed in '68 and 69.  Porsche brought JW on board for the 1970 season and that started the Gulf Porsche juggernaut....

Mike