In this video, Dema Elgin shares stories from his time working with Ed Winfield, who pioneered the racing camshaft.
In the annals of automotive history, the name Ed Winfield stands as a pioneer in the
world of camshaft and carburetor design, a maestro who orchestrated the harmonious
dance of air and fuel to propel engines to new heights of performance. Born on April 16,
1885, in Jennings, Louisiana, Ed Winfield's journey from a young tinkerer fascinated with
engines to a renowned engineer and designer is a tale of innovation, persistence, and a
relentless pursuit of optimal engine efficiency.
Ed Winfield's fascination with mechanical contraptions blossomed during his childhood
in Louisiana. Growing up in an era when automobiles were still in their infancy, Winfield
developed a keen interest in the internal combustion engine. His inquisitive mind and
hands on approach to machinery led him to experiment with engines, taking them apart
and putting them back together to understand their intricacies.
At the age of 16, Winfield built his first gasoline engine, a testament to his early mechanical aptitude. This hands on experience laid the groundwork for his future
endeavors in engine design and modification.
In 1910, seeking new opportunities and inspired by the burgeoning automotive culture,
Ed Winfield relocated to Los Angeles, California. The West Coast was becoming a
hotbed of automotive innovation and experimentation, providing Winfield with the ideal
environment to further develop his skills. Winfield's early years in California were marked by a series of innovations and modifications to internal combustion engines. His keen understanding of airflow dynamics and combustion processes led him to experiment with camshaft designs and
carburetion systems. Even in these formative years, Winfield's work was characterized
by a commitment to extracting maximum efficiency and power from engines.
Ed Winfield's first major breakthrough came with his innovations in camshaft design. He
recognized the pivotal role that camshafts played in controlling valve timing, duration,
and lift, and he sought to optimize these parameters for enhanced engine performance.
In 1919, Winfield introduced his legendary "Maximotor" camshaft, a design that quickly
gained acclaim for its ability to deliver increased power and efficiency.
The Maximotor camshaft showcased Winfield's understanding of the relationship
between valve events and engine performance. It became a popular choice among early
racing enthusiasts and engine builders looking to boost the power of their machines.
Winfield's reputation as a camshaft wizard began to take root, laying the foundation for
his future contributions to the automotive world.
As the popularity of automobile racing surged, Ed Winfield's innovations found a natural
home on the race track. His camshafts powered a myriad of racing machines,
contributing to numerous victories and establishing Winfield as a sought after name in
the racing community.
Winfield's quest for optimal engine performance did not stop with camshaft design. He
turned his attention to carburetion systems, recognizing the critical role that fuel - air
mixture plays in engine efficiency. In the early 1920s, he introduced the Winfield
carburetor, a precision instrument that allowed for fine tuning of the air - fuel mixture.
The Winfield carburetor featured innovative design elements, including a variable
venturi, allowing adjustments to be made on the fly to suit different driving conditions.
This level of flexibility and control over the fuel delivery process set Winfield's
carburetor apart from conventional designs. It became a staple in the racing world,
adopted by drivers and teams looking for a competitive edge.
Ed Winfield's workshop in Los Angeles became a hub of innovation, attracting
enthusiasts and professional racers alike.
The demand for his camshafts and
carburetors continued to grow, and his components became integral to the success of
numerous racing teams.
One of the defining moments in Winfield's career came in 1927 when his camshafts
powered Frank Lockhart's Stutz Black Hawk Special to victory in the Indianapolis 500.
This triumph was a testament to the efficacy of Winfield's designs in the most
prestigious race in American motorsports.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Winfield's camshafts and carburetors were omnipresent
on the racing circuit. His components powered a wide array of race cars, from midgets
to championship winning machines.