Cyclone-Williams Steam-Powered Speedster nearing completion

The speedster came in last week for measurements to complete installation of the engine, gearbox and fiberglass body.

Progress of the Cyclone-Williams LSR car can be viewed at the project's Gallery.

According to the press release, Cyclone's Mark V heat-regenerative external combustion engine will power the LSR car in its record breaking attempt, schedule for later this year. Capable of producing 100 HP with maximum starting torque of 850 ft/lbs, the stock automotive Mark V engine is expected to propel the LSR car at speeds over 160 mph.

Additionally, the powerful, compact Cyclone engine boasts very low emissions and can run on virtually any fuel, including 100% bio-fuels, or multi-fuel mixtures. The notoriety is expected to open public eyes as viable power source for autos.

Still, goal with any racer is to take a speed crown. "With the Cyclone engine, we feel that we have an excellent chance of breaking the existing record of 148 mph set by the British team Inspiration," stated steam car veteran and team leader Chuk Williams. "We need to bring this historic record back to the United States, and we want to do it with a steam engine that can eventually be placed into everyday passenger and commercial vehicles - something that hasn't been done in over 100 years."

"Our calculations show that we can break this record with our stock automotive engine," stated Cyclone founder Harry Schoell. "We considered modifying the engine and combustion chamber to increase power output and speed, which we may do in the future. But for right now, we think it's important to demonstrate the power, clean emissions and multi-fuel qualities of a Cyclone engine as you may possibly see it one day in an American made Ford or Chevy."

For the record, the LSR team has already garnered great interest from sponsors and supporters of modern steam power as a viable present day alternative to gas and diesel internal combustion engines.

The project has been endorsed by the Steam Automobile Club of America, the pre-eminent association of steam vehicle developers, racers and enthusiasts. Other individuals associated with the team include former engineers at NASA, Lockheed Martin and MIT.

Full Disclosure: This author, also a trader in stocks and options, owns 1,000 shares in Cyclone Power as part of his long-term retirement account.

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About the Author: After 39 years in the auto industry as a design engineer, Frank Sherosky now day trades, writes articles, books and ebooks via authorfrank.com, but may be contacted here by email: [email protected]
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