In the early years of Pro Stock racing the weight factors were very important. Smaller engines ran in lighter cars. Bill Jenkins decided that a 331 cubic inch small block Chevy was optimal.
He installed a small journal 327 crankshaft with bearing spacers into a 350 4-bolt main block. He decided that 5.85 inch long connecting rods were the best length (5.70 is stock). Then he bored the block .030 oversize.
When he installed it into his Vega he won so many races that he was considered the highest paid athlete that year.
1924: "Here is the "inside workings" of the automatic telephone, located at the Smithsonian Institution, Wash., being operated by Carl Mitman. The electro magnets do all the work. The current necessary to operate these magnets is supplied by 32 dry batteries located in the box at the left. The motor generator is along side. This machine is capable of operating 50 telephones." Carl Weaver Mitman (1889–1958) joined the United States National Museum in 1914, eventually becoming Head Curator of the Department of Arts and Industries in 1932. He later helped establish the National Air Museum and served as Assistant to the Secretary from 1948 until 1952.
