Solved - THOR #194: Matti Holtzberg and the first Polimotor engine

[gte4289]

Did he work for an American automobile manufacturer?

[thorax]

yes

[gte4289]

Ford?

[thorax]

yes

[gte4289]

Engine developed in the 1950s?

[thorax]

no

[gte4289]

After 1980?

[thorax]

no

[gte4289]

After 1970?

[oko94]

The engine seems to be made out of sheet metal. Is it what's special about it ?

[thorax]

the engine is special but not for that you've told

[oko94]

Does this engine have cylinders and pistons ?

[gte4289]

After 1970?

?

[thorax]

1) the engine has pistons and cylinders
2) after 1970

[oko94]

Has it got valves and camshafts ?

[gte4289]

Cosworth engine?

[thorax]

oko94: I don't know
gte4289: no

[oko94]

Is it running on some unconventional fuel ?

[gte4289]

Matti Holtzberg and the first (2.0 liter DOHC) Polimotor engine

"Torlon® has been used to manufacture a molded plastic gasoline engine. The Torlon® polymer was chosen because of its strength, toughness and high temperature resistance. In 1982, with the looming oil embargo, the Ford Motor Company entered a joint program with privately held Polimotor Research Inc. to develop and with the objective to manufacture a plastic car engine by the late 1980s."

"The 2.0 liter, dual overhead cam plastic engine developed by Polimoter Research, Inc. utilizes Torlon®, an injection moldable thermoplastic made by the Amoco Chemicals Corporation. Weighing in at 175 pounds and developing 3118 brake horsepower at 9,500 rpm, the engine is 200 pounds lighter than its steel counterpart."

I think the stated power output is probably a bit optimistic.  (Should read "318 brake horsepower.")

[thorax]

that's the answer Wayne!

[gte4289]

Thanks for the points!