From Megan Newmaster
February 7, 2011 – The United States Auto Club (USAC) has approved use of Fontana Automotive’s Sealed Engine, also known as the Rhino Engine, for its National Midget racing division. This approval signifies growth potential for Fontana’s economically priced sealed engine and introduces new racing opportunities for potential engine owners.
Design engineers Joe Fontana and Rick Paradis whose mission was to better the racing community, developed the cost-saving Fontana Sealed Engine almost a decade ago. Other associations approving use of the Fontana Sealed Engine include POWRi, BMARA, BCRA, AMRA, and RMMRA. Fontana Automotive is thrilled to add the National, Western, and Regional Midget Series of USAC to this list.
Brad Kuhn, Fontana Operations Manager, says about the engine, “The Fontana Sealed Engine is a user-friendly, economically priced product. A new sealed engine costs $19,900. The estimated cost of a brand new open competition engine is $32,500. Our engine is over 35% less introductory cost and is also extremely reliable. This engine typically lasts 35-40 nights between rebuilds as opposed to the open competition engine which requires rebuild after only 10-15 nights of racing.” The complete engine package includes exhaust, ignition system, complete intake and fueling system.
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Another benefit of purchasing the Sealed Engine from Fontana is the 24/7 technical support. Not only is Fontana Automotive open five days a week, but Brad Kuhn, the company’s Operations Manager, and Rick Paradis can conveniently be reached on race weekends. Additionally, Fontana Automotive is on-site at most USAC, POWRi and Badger races with spare parts available.
Product specifications are listed below.
Fontana Sealed Engine Specifications:
Injector Stack Length: 6.375
Injector Nozzle Size: 20A Hilborn (4)
Oil Pump: 3 Stage
R.P. M. Rev Limit 7800
Ignition: MSD Crank Trigger
Injector: Fontana, 2 7/16” Throttle Bore
Spark Plug: Champion C53CX
Fuel Pump: Hilborn “0”
If you would like more information about the about the Fontana Sealed “Rhino” Engine, please contact Brad Kuhn at Fontana Automotive at (215) 594-7213 or bkuhn@rotondoweirich.com.