Thread: what is it

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an interesting set up i just ran across on a site. i assume it is an older day invention, does anyone know what it is, other than the obvious some type of a forced induction system. also i really like the wrench throttle linkage!!!!!!!

i remember seeing one of those in a old hot rod magazine from well before my time. i think its like a big turbo set on its side and its driven by the red angle drive angle drive under it.
its definitly a neat looking outfit.

It's a basic impeller type super charger. Mc Culloch use to make one very similar to that. It's sometimes referred to as a "pie tin" supercharger.

First time I ever handled one was in 1967. We were stationed at George AFB near Victorville Ca. My buddy and I rented a garage made from converted horse stalls. I was building my first '55 Chev he a '36 Ford pickup. We were looking for an engine for his truck, and stopped by our favorite wrecking yard. We told our guy behind the counter that we were looking for a decent flathead V8 since they were really cheap in those days because most of the rodding world had long moved onto overheads. He said the magic words, "I think I've got just what you're looking for." He took us into the back of one of the sheds and pointed out a couple wooden crates in the corner, covered with some dust. In the boxes were a fully machined block, crank, rods, new pistons, rings, bearings, cam, lifter, springs and more, including a full gasket set. Oh, and the aforementioned Mc Culloch supercharger, though it was used looking. Cost a whopping $25 for the whole shiverie! I'd only ever seen pics of the supercharger in old magazines, so it was neat to have one in hand. Never did get to see or hear it run though since it wasn't long after I got to go visit some heavy jungled place.

Edit; here's a site with some further info; http://www.vs57.com/the%2030s%20pinups.htm

Yep, it's a McCulloch blower, forerunner of the Paxton, made by (big surprise here!) Paxton McCulloch!
The manifold is for an early flattie.
Bob, dig that old hunk o' junk up and I'll let ya double yer money on it!

About 10 years ago, I went to a small show/ swap on the north side of the twin cities. There were only 20 or so cars there and about a doz. swappers. There was a restored '34 Ford semi tractor there with one of these setups on it. According to the owner, these were common on the over the road trucks during the mid '30's. When he started the thing up, it had a really discernible whine to it. As we walked thru the swap area, low and behold, there was one there with out the carb and linkage For $200. NO!! I didn't buy it!! That's one that got away!