"Jim Spanfeller" (awesomeaustinv)
01/31/2020 at 10:13 • Filed to: None
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"Jim Spanfeller" (awesomeaustinv)
01/31/2020 at 10:13 • Filed to: None | 1
| 8 |
Turbonique was an utterly insane speed parts com pany founded in 1962 by a former aerospace engineer who specialized in turbine engines and rockets. Most of the products his company sold were meant to make your car faster using... turbine engines and rockets. This advertisement is for their liquid-driven supercharger. It was basically just a turbocharger, but instead of the turbine being spooled up by the engine’s exhaust gasses, it was spooled up using a rocket engine. It was every bit as insane as it sounds, and yet, somehow, this was one of their least terrifying products. But that’s a story for another time...
just-a-scratch
> Jim Spanfeller
01/31/2020 at 10:20 |
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These look like pull through the carburator configuration. I didn't realize the weirdness of the turbine side at first. It's interesting, but I want nothing to do with it.
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> Jim Spanfeller
01/31/2020 at 10:24 |
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vondon302
> Jim Spanfeller
01/31/2020 at 10:25 |
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Neat. I knew about the go carts and rocket cars but the rocket turbo was unknown to me.
punkgoose17
> Jim Spanfeller
01/31/2020 at 10:51 |
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Very cool. I'll take 3.
Grindintosecond
> Jim Spanfeller
01/31/2020 at 10:55 |
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Curious about the method of turbo spool....liquid fuel yes but how was compression for the burn sustained...
Hypergolic fuel?
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Jim Spanfeller
> Grindintosecond
01/31/2020 at 11:26 |
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I’m no expert, but I do know these were powered with something Turbonique called “Thermolene”. Also, these were intended for use in drag racing, so they only really had to run for a few seconds. Those were some pretty wild seconds, though.
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Jim Spanfeller
> punkgoose17
01/31/2020 at 11:31 |
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I agree. Just be careful with the fuel, though. Apparently, it could melt through plastic and rubber (and metal if exposed to water) and was toxic if you came into contact with it...
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Grindintosecond
> Jim Spanfeller
01/31/2020 at 23:22 |
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbonique
isopropyl nitrate monopropellant is cited. Also discussed there is a VW beetle clocking sub 10's with that axle unit. It got airborne once hitting 180+. Crazy stuff...