Specifications
- 72o V-twin, 2-valve pushrod, Heron head
- Displacement: 344 cc
- Bore x Stroke: 62 x 57 mm
- Static compression ratio: 9.1:1
Modifications to the engine have focused on improving high-RPM breathing and thermal management.
Jump to: [Pistons & Cylinders] [Valves] [Pushrods, Springs & Rockers] [Camshaft] [Ignition]
Pistons & Cylinders
The Heron head design has a flat head with the combustion chamber recessed into the piston crown.
Removed Squish Protrusions
The original compression ratio was 11:1, which was too high with the additional pressure from the supercharger. The compression ratio was dropped to 8.6:1 by removing the squish protrusions from the piston crowns.
Ceramic-Coated Pistons and Valves
In order to improve the thermal efficiency of the combustion chamber, the piston crowns and valve faces have been ceramic-coated. This is especially important given the engine power, and therefore thermal load, are increased significantly by the supercharger.
Gas-Ported Ring Grooves
Small holes are drilled around the piston ring grooves. These holes allow combustion pressure to reach behind the ring, pushing it outward against the cylinder wall with increased force. This improves the ring seal when running with non-OEM rings. It also accelerated the break-in process with new rings.
Intake & Exhaust Valves
The Red Baron ran with OEM valves for several seasons. The OEM exhaust valve is relatively small compared to the intake valve. The exhaust valve became a “choke point” for the high-RPM breathing. More recently, the cylinder heads were modified to accommodate larger exhaust valves and valve seats from a 500-cc Moto Morini engine.
Purshrods, Springs & Rockers
OEM pushrods, springs, and rockers are still used. Additional oiling lines provide lubrication and cooling through the top of the rocker box which is essential for running at redline RPM for an extended time during a land speed race.
Camshaft
The intake and exhaust valve timing is now more aggressive with a custom camshaft lobes that improve the high-RPM breathing. The camshaft was modified to:
- Open and close valves more quickly
- Increase lift and duration of exhaust valves
- Reduce valve overlap
Thank you to Web Cam racing camshafts!
Ignition
The Red Baron has a performance ignition system and coils to cope with the increased supercharger boost pressures.
Adjustable Ignition Timing System
The German-made Sachse ignition system that was designed specifically for Moto Morini 350 models. It has a built-in rev-limiter at 9,000 RPM and nine custom trackside-adjustable ignition timing maps. The ignition timing is advanced 30-degrees before TDC, with 9 trackside-adjustable curves from 28 to 33 degrees. Several curves provide retardation at high-RPM to guard against detonation if necessary. The double-spark ignition system limits the amount of advance before overlapping with valve timing.
High-Voltage Coils
The Red Baron has performance Flame Thrower 40,000-volt ignition coils. Boosted engines require additional voltage to overcome the insulation effects of nitrogen and properly fire the spark plugs. Ignition misfires are a bad thing with boosted engines and should be avoided at all costs, else serious engine damage and even fires can result.