Author Topic: Bsa alchohol engine found, any information?  (Read 3765 times)

Offline green

  • Advanced Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 12
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Bsa alchohol engine found, any information?
« on: October 12, 2009, 07:00:53 PM »
Hi there
  I came across this old bsa b33 engine that has had extensive modifications. somebody seems to have gone to a lot of trouble with the work done to it. I wondered if anybody had any leads or recognises it from any thing they have seen way back in the past.
It has had all the cooling fins on the barrel removed and lightening holed drilled everywhere. also there was a high compression piston inside.



i have more pictures if needed

Offline colinb

  • Advanced Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 14
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Bsa alchohol engine found, any information?
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2009, 01:12:48 AM »
I have no direct knowledge but maybe is was converted for speedway/grasstrack use. Goodluck with your inquiry.

Offline Justin_Faithfull

  • Advanced Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 108
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • ELEPHANTS - WHERE?
    • View Profile
Re: Bsa alchohol engine found, any information?
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2009, 11:39:47 PM »
The engine number XB33 1312, dates to the model year 1947.
Looking at the pictures, I would guess that this is a home DIY tuning job for a competition class that allowed alcohol. Alcohol runs a lot cooler that petrol, hence the need to reduce cooling by fin removal. The higher compression is needed to get the power out of alcohol fuel, & since there is no pre-igniton or detonation the compression ratio can be as high as like until valves tangle or parts fail mechanically.
There have been large numbers of engines adapted in this way so I think you'd be very lucky to get information on this particular engine.