Released on October 6, 2008

Hydrogen Engine Center Inc. (HEC), Algona, Iowa, has contracted Eliminator Performance Products, Rochester Hills, Mich., to provide the compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine cylinder blocks and heads for a new hydrogen V8 engine.

The new engine, which HEC said is the “largest spark ignited hydrogen V8 engine yet built,” is intended for large hydrogen-fueled electrical power generation systems and for buses.

“This 572-cu.-in. engine will give us a much needed power source,” said Ted Hollinger, HEC founder. “Hydrogen is very light and it takes a lot of displacement for every kW of power produced. CGI will increase the strength and life of the engine by more than five times and thus give very long engine life which is essential for engines running 24/7.”

According to owner Michael Bowery, automotive aftermarket supplier Eliminator will design the blocks and heads, work with National Pattern, Saginaw, Mich., to produce the tooling, and send the patterns to Motor Castings Co., Milwaukee, to have the CGI castings poured.

“I’ve been casting blocks and heads for years,” Bowery said.