SunRock Technologies

03/30/2024

SunRock Technologies - The Resurrection of the HVC
With the rediscovery of the original independent tests and reports from the early 1980s, the legendary Hot V***r Engine, designed by Henry "Smokey" Yunick, is on the verge of a resurrection. After nearly four decades of obscurity, Danny Soliz, a dedicated proponent and student of Yunick's work, finds himself in a position to carry on the legacy of this revolutionary engine.

The Hot V***r Engine (HVC) was conceptualized by Smokey Yunick in the 1950s with the goal of creating an engine that surpassed the efficiency, power, and economy of the Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) of that era. Yunick envisioned an Adiabatic engine, and he devised a process of homogenization and v***rization that would capture and reuse the engine's own energy to enhance combustion, resulting in a greener, more powerful, and economical engine.

It was not until the late 1970s or early 1980s that Yunick was successful in producing a working version of the engine. In collaboration with S. E. Knudsen, a prominent figure in the automotive industry with ties to GM Chevrolet and Ford, Yunick produced functional HVC prototypes for various automotive manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, VW, Volvo, and De Lorean.

By 1982, the engine had passed emissions testing and achieved remarkable results during road tests and MPG tests at the OEM facilities and Southwest Research Institute SwRI in San Antonio. The engine developed an impressive 240 HP at 4000 RPM and 190 HP at 4400 RPM, with a combined MPG of 48.25 and a 0-60 acceleration time of 9.4 seconds. These figures far exceeded the performance of contemporary ICE engines.

In the midst of negotiations for the rights to the engine's patent in 1982, John De Lorean, the founder of the De Lorean Motor Company, was arrested by the FBI, which disrupted the proceedings. Eventually, Yunick and the OEMs parted ways, and the engine's development came to a halt.

Yunick later reclaimed his engines, but the exact fate of the prototypes and data from the OEMs remains a mystery. In the 1980s, Yunick collaborated with Crane Camshafts to create a few DIY kits, but this endeavor faced challenges and liability issues, ultimately leading to the abandonment of the project. Yunick's patents expired, and he passed away, leaving instructions for his family to find a worthy successor and protect the engine from the hands of the corporate "Suits."

Over the years, the existence of the Hot V***r Engine became surrounded by rumors, denials, and skepticism regarding its performance claims. However, in 2023, the OEMs and oil producers now share a common goal of adopting this transformative technology.

With the emergence of Danny Soliz, who has been devoted to preserving Yunick's legacy, the resurrection of the Hot V***r Engine seems imminent. The discovery of the original independent tests and reports, along with surviving Dyno readouts and proof-of-concept documents, provides solid evidence of the engine's capabilities.

As Soliz embarks on a forensic exploration of the engines, the automotive world awaits the potential rebirth of the Hot V***r Engine. If successful, this technology could revolutionize the automotive industry, ushering in an era of more efficient, environmentally friendly, and powerful engines, fulfilling Smokey Yunick's vision from decades past.

The Interim 40 Years - A Journey into the Unknown
During the forty years that followed the development of the Hot V***r Engine (HVC) by Smokey Yunick, several factors contributed to the engine's absence from the automotive landscape:

Secrecy and Ego: The inner workings of major automotive manufacturers and the oil industry during that time remain shrouded in mystery. With enormous financial stakes and egos at play, decisions regarding the HVC may have been influenced by a variety of factors that we may never fully understand.

Protection of Intellectual Property: Smokey Yunick retained complete control over the HVC and kept the original engines and technology away from the prying eyes of corporate interests. Even if engineers had access, the complexity and unique design of the engine could have made it challenging to comprehend fully.

Cost and Technology Constraints: The HVC relied on specialized materials, production processes, and technology that were not readily available or economically viable in the early 1980s. Mass-producing the engines at a cost that made them feasible for commercial use presented significant challenges.

Changing Priorities and Politics: The oil embargo of 1973 prompted a push for fuel economy, but by the 1980s, there was a shift in priorities. The focus on fuel efficiency waned, and the emphasis moved away from alternative technologies like the HVC.

Resistance from Established Concepts: The automotive industry, particularly the OEMs, had their own ideas about engine cooling and were committed to fuel injection technology. They may have been resistant to adopting a radical, unproven engine concept, especially one from individuals considered as outsiders in the engineering community.

The Fall of John De Lorean: John De Lorean's legal troubles and the subsequent decline of his car company added to the challenges faced by the HVC's development and adoption.

Yunick's Personal Decision: Smokey Yunick, with his unique genius, eccentricities, and strong-willed personality, may have made a conscious decision to step back from the project. In his 60s, with a legacy already secured in various fields, he might have chosen to focus on other endeavors and protect his work from potential theft.

Blacklisting or Sabotage: While the possibility of sabotage or blacklisting by powerful entities cannot be ruled out, proving such claims would likely be nearly impossible.

Over the years, the HVC remained largely shrouded in mystery, with only rumors and fragments of information circulating among enthusiasts and researchers. However, the recent rediscovery of the original independent tests and reports, along with surviving documents, offers a glimmer of hope for the HVC's resurrection.

With Danny Soliz's passion and dedication, the forensic exploration of the engines is underway, potentially leading to a better understanding of the HVC's inner workings and its potential for the future. The prospect of the Hot V***r Engine finding its place in history as a groundbreaking technology in the automotive world, and perhaps even in museums like the Smithsonian, is now more tangible than ever before. Whether it can truly make its mark and change the trajectory of automotive technology remains to be seen, but its storied journey through the last 40 years has been one of intrigue, mystery, and hope for a better future.

The Test Results and Their Significance
The test results presented in the Southwest Research Institute's interim report provide crucial evidence of the Hot V***r Engine's capabilities and potential. The report documents the emissions and fuel economy testing of an experimental three-cylinder engine developed by Smokey Yunick, installed in a 1981 DeLorean Motor Car.

During the testing, the engine was equipped with emission control equipment, including a monolithic oxidation catalyst, an air pump with a switching valve, and an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. The goal of the test series was to demonstrate that the experimental engine could meet the 1981 Federal emission

03/22/2024

The HVE was an innovative internal combustion engine design that aimed to significantly improve fuel efficiency and performance by utilizing the heat that is normally wasted in standard engines. Here’s a summary of its key concepts and features:

High Operating Temperatures: Yunick's engine was designed to operate at higher temperatures than traditional engines, allowing for the more complete v***rization of fuel, which in turn improved combustion efficiency and power output.

Fuel V***rization: The engine utilized a system to heat and v***rize the fuel before it entered the combustion chamber, ensuring that the fuel was fully atomized and mixed with air, leading to more complete and efficient combustion.

Thermal Efficiency: By recapturing and reusing heat that would typically be lost through the cooling system and exhaust in conventional engines, the HVE aimed to achieve greater thermal efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Innovative Components: The design included unique components like the homogenizer, which helped to ensure a consistent and finely mixed air-fuel mixture, and utilized specific materials and construction methods to handle the high-temperature operation.

Reduced Engine Wear: Despite operating at higher temperatures, the engine was designed to reduce overall wear through efficient thermal management, potentially increasing the engine's longevity.

Environmental Impact: The HVE promised reduced emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engines, aligning with growing environmental concerns and regulations.

Smokey Yunick’s Hot V***r Engine was ahead of its time in addressing energy efficiency and emission challenges. Despite its promising design and performance in tests, it faced various hurdles in commercialization and widespread adoption, primarily due to the technological, economic, and regulatory landscapes of the time.

03/22/2024

Smokey Yunick's response to the skepticism about preheating the fuel-air mixture highlights his innovative approach to internal combustion engine design. Contrary to the standard practice of using intercoolers to cool the air before it enters the engine, which is common in turbocharged engines to increase air density and improve combustion, Yunick’s design aims to increase efficiency by completely v***rizing the fuel.

In his design, the heating and homogenizing processes work in stages to ensure the complete v***rization of the various hydrocarbon components present in gasoline. By doing this, Yunick's engine design intends to use the fuel more efficiently and reduce issues like unburned fuel that can cause knocking.

Yunick's approach takes advantage of the fact that fuel in v***r form can mix more thoroughly with air, leading to more complete combustion, which could potentially improve fuel economy. This stands in contrast to the densification of air through intercooling, which aims for power over efficiency. His method is about achieving a balance where the fuel v***r is heated and maintained at a specific density, allowing for it to remain effective for combustion even at increased temperatures.

While some of the scientific community may have challenged his methods, Yunick's work has indeed prompted reexamination of some long-standing beliefs in engine design, illustrating that innovation in this field often requires thinking outside conventional paradigms. His patented design showcases a unique process that addresses some of the inefficiencies found in traditional combustion engines.

03/04/2024

In the realm of automotive engine technology, incumbent solutions predominantly include traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) that have seen incremental improvements over the years, focusing on fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. Emerging technologies in this space are largely centered around electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid systems, aiming to address environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels.

Our Phoenix Engine, leveraging Hot-V***r Cycle (HVC) technology, stands distinct from these approaches. It revitalizes and innovates upon a concept that, despite its initial development decades ago by Smokey Yunick, remained largely unexplored due to various historical and market reasons. Today, no other entity possesses the original engines, nor the comprehensive understanding and access to the specific innovations that made Smokey's work revolutionary. Moreover, we have successfully operationalized this technology in a working vehicle, demonstrating its viability and potential.

As such, our likely competitors include manufacturers of traditional ICEs seeking efficiency improvements and those developing alternative propulsion systems, such as EVs and hybrids. However, the Phoenix Engine's unique value proposition—substantially increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions without departing from the ICE framework—positions us in a unique niche. This not only appeals to current ICE markets but also offers a transitional technology for sectors where electric propulsion is not yet viable, such as heavy-duty, marine, and certain automotive applications.

In summary, while we recognize the competitive landscape of incumbent and emerging technologies, our access to, and development of, Smokey's original HVC technology places us in a unique position. We are not just another competitor in the conventional sense but a pioneer of a nearly lost, now revitalized technology that bridges the gap between past ingenuity and future sustainability needs in automotive engineering

08/01/2023

07/31/2023

It has been almost 40 yeras since this car ran with the HVC Engine:

Burning rubber! Maiden voyage with the Smokey Yunick, Hot V***r Horizon resurrected!

07/24/2023

SUNROCK TECHNOLOGIES - THE RESURRECTION OF THE HVC

With the rediscovery of the original independent tests and reports from the early 1980s, the legendary Hot V***r Engine, designed by Henry "Smokey" Yunick, is on the verge of a resurrection. After nearly four decades of obscurity, Danny Soliz, a dedicated proponent and student of Yunick's work, finds himself in a position to carry on the legacy of this revolutionary engine.

The Hot V***r Engine (HVC) was conceptualized by Smokey Yunick in the 1950s with the goal of creating an engine that surpassed the efficiency, power, and economy of the Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) of that era. Yunick envisioned an Adiabatic engine, and he devised a process of homogenization and v***rization that would capture and reuse the engine's own energy to enhance combustion, resulting in a greener, more powerful, and economical engine.

It was not until the late 1970s or early 1980s that Yunick was successful in producing a working version of the engine. In collaboration with S. E. Knudsen, a prominent figure in the automotive industry with ties to GM Chevrolet and Ford, Yunick produced functional HVC prototypes for various automotive manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, VW, Volvo, and De Lorean.

By 1982, the engine had passed emissions testing and achieved remarkable results during road tests and MPG tests at the OEM facilities and Southwest Research Institute SwRI in San Antonio. The engine developed an impressive 240 HP at 4000 RPM and 190 HP at 4400 RPM, with a combined MPG of 48.25 and a 0-60 acceleration time of 9.4 seconds. These figures far exceeded the performance of contemporary ICE engines.
THE TEST RESULTS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

The test results presented in the Southwest Research Institute's interim report provide crucial evidence of the Hot V***r Engine's capabilities and potential. The report documents the emissions and fuel economy testing of an experimental three-cylinder engine developed by Smokey Yunick, installed in a 1981 DeLorean Motor Car.

During the testing, the engine was equipped with emission control equipment, including a monolithic oxidation catalyst, an air pump with a switching valve, and an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. The goal of the test series was to demonstrate that the experimental engine could meet the 1981 Federal emission standards.

The results of the six Federal Test Procedure (FTP) runs are summarized in the report. The tests measured the emissions of Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), along with fuel economy in miles per gallon (MPG) during highway driving (Highway Fuel Economy Test, HFET).

The most remarkable finding was that the vehicle/engine combination came very close to meeting the emission standards on the first run. Subsequent adjustments were made, and on run six, the engine successfully met the Federal emission standards, particularly for CO and NOx. Hydrocarbons (HC) still exceeded the standard slightly, but the differences were minor. Notably, run six did not precede an overnight soak, which indicated that the engine's emissions were consistent and stable, similar to a test following the overnight soak.

The report also discussed the vehicle's ability to meet California emission standards. It was noted that meeting the 1983 California standard for NOx (0.4 g/mile) would be challenging with the current emission control systems installed on the engine. It was suggested that fitting a three-way catalyst with feedback fuel control might be necessary to achieve the stringent California standards.

The test results hold significant implications for the Hot V***r Engine. Not only did the engine demonstrate its ability to meet the 1981 Federal emission standards, but it also showed promise for fuel economy improvements. Lowering the horsepower setting may further enhance fuel economy and reduce NOx emissions, although more specific adjustments would be necessary for each vehicle/engine combination.

While the report did not delve into the proprietary fuel-air mixture induction system and specific details of the engine's inner workings, the results substantiate Smokey Yunick's claims about the engine's potential. However, the road to widespread adoption of the technology is not without challenges.

One of the main obstacles is meeting the 1983 California emission standards, which necessitates advanced emission control technologies. Additionally, the HVC's unique design and reliance on specialized materials and production processes could present cost and mass-production challenges.

Despite the hurdles, the rediscovery of these test results and the ongoing forensic exploration of the engines offer hope for the resurrection of the Hot V***r Engine. If successful, the HVC could revolutionize the automotive industry, offering a more efficient, environmentally friendly, and powerful alternative to conventional internal combustion engines. The legacy of Smokey Yunick and his visionary engine may yet find its way into the annals of automotive history.

In the midst of negotiations for the rights to the engine's patent in 1982, John De Lorean, the founder of the De Lorean Motor Company, was arrested by the FBI, which disrupted the proceedings. Eventually, Yunick and the OEMs parted ways, and the engine's development came to a halt.

Yunick later reclaimed his engines, but the exact fate of the prototypes and data from the OEMs remains a mystery. In the 1980s, Yunick collaborated with Crane Camshafts to create a few DIY kits, but this endeavor faced challenges and liability issues, ultimately leading to the abandonment of the project. Yunick's patents expired, and he passed away, leaving instructions for his family to find a worthy successor and protect the engine from the hands of the corporate "Suits."

Over the years, the existence of the Hot V***r Engine became surrounded by rumors, denials, and skepticism regarding its performance claims. However, in 2023, the OEMs and oil producers now share a common goal of adopting this transformative technology.

THE INTERIM 40 YEARS - A JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN

During the forty years that followed the development of the Hot V***r Engine (HVC) by Smokey Yunick, several factors contributed to the engine's absence from the automotive landscape:

Secrecy and Ego: The inner workings of major automotive manufacturers and the oil industry during that time remain shrouded in mystery. With enormous financial stakes and egos at play, decisions regarding the HVC may have been influenced by a variety of factors that we may never fully understand.

Protection of Intellectual Property: Smokey Yunick retained complete control over the HVC and kept the original engines and technology away from the prying eyes of corporate interests. Even if engineers had access, the complexity and unique design of the engine could have made it challenging to comprehend fully.

Cost and Technology Constraints: The HVC relied on specialized materials, production processes, and technology that were not readily available or economically viable in the early 1980s. Mass-producing the engines at a cost that made them feasible for commercial use presented significant challenges.

Changing Priorities and Politics: The oil embargo of 1973 prompted a push for fuel economy, but by the 1980s, there was a shift in priorities. The focus on fuel efficiency waned, and the emphasis moved away from alternative technologies like the HVC.

Resistance from Established Concepts: The automotive industry, particularly the OEMs, had their own ideas about engine cooling and were committed to fuel injection technology. They may have been resistant to adopting a radical, unproven engine concept, especially one from individuals considered as outsiders in the engineering community.

The Fall of John De Lorean: John De Lorean's legal troubles and the subsequent decline of his car company added to the challenges faced by the HVC's development and adoption.

Yunick's Personal Decision: Smokey Yunick, with his unique genius, eccentricities, and strong-willed personality, may have made a conscious decision to step back from the project. In his 60s, with a legacy already secured in various fields, he might have chosen to focus on other endeavors and protect his work from potential theft.

Blacklisting or Sabotage: While the possibility of sabotage or blacklisting by powerful entities cannot be ruled out, proving such claims would likely be nearly impossible.

Over the years, the HVC remained largely shrouded in mystery, with only rumors and fragments of information circulating among enthusiasts and researchers. However, the recent rediscovery of the original independent tests and reports, along with surviving documents, offers a glimmer of hope for the HVC's resurrection.

With Danny Soliz's passion and dedication, the forensic exploration of the engines is underway, potentially leading to a better understanding of the HVC's inner workings and its potential for the future. The prospect of the Hot V***r Engine finding its place in history as a groundbreaking technology in the automotive world, and perhaps even in museums like the Smithsonian, is now more tangible than ever before. Whether it can truly make its mark and change the trajectory of automotive technology remains to be seen, but its storied journey through the last 40 years has been one of intrigue, mystery, and hope for a better future.
With the emergence of Danny Soliz, who has been devoted to preserving Yunick's legacy, the resurrection of the Hot V***r Engine seems imminent. The discovery of the original independent tests and reports, along with surviving Dyno readouts and proof-of-concept documents, provides solid evidence of the engine's capabilities.

As Soliz embarks on a forensic exploration of the engines, the automotive world awaits the potential rebirth of the Hot V***r Engine. If successful, this technology could revolutionize the automotive industry, ushering in an era of more efficient, environmentally friendly, and powerful engines, fulfilling Smokey Yunick's vision from decades past.

Additional Resources and Supporting Documents:

The additional resources provide valuable context and documentation related to the development and testing of the Hot V***r Engine. Some key individuals involved in the project include:

Smokey Yunick: The inventor of the Hot V***r Engine, renowned auto racing Hall of Famer, and decorated WWII veteran.
Ralph Johnson: A collaborator of Smokey Yunick and another inventor associated with the project.
Gregory Flynn Jr.: An engineer and head of GM Motor Division, who was also part of the project.
Karl Springer: A National Academy of Engineering Emeritus member and Vice-President of Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), which played a role in testing the engine.
John De Lorean: An auto-executive and entrepreneur who was associated with the project and acquitted of Federal drug charges.
Bill Kennedy: An attorney involved in legal matters related to the project.
Semon E Knudsen: A key figure at GM Chevrolet, Executive Vice President of GM, and former Ford President.
Pete Estes and Lloyd Reuss: Presidents of GM who were associated with the project.
Mark Reuss: The son of Lloyd Reuss and the current President of GM.
Herb Fishel: Head of Buick Special Projects, involved in the engine development.
Nelson Bunker Hunt and John M. Harbert: Billionaires associated with the project.
F. James McDonald: President of GM and GM COO.
Joseph (Buck) Penrose: Director of Planning at De Lorean Motors, involved in various aspects of the project.
Melvin Ingalls: An engineer from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) who conducted emissions testing on the experimental engine.
Thomas E. Fisher and Thomas Kimmerly: Patent attorneys associated with the project.
Gary Dickenson: Buick Vice President of the Technical Staffs at GM.
Jerry Luptak: A lawyer from Detroit involved in the project.
John Clark Jr.: Vice President of SwRI and race driver, part of the project.
Ed Handler: A patent attorney associated with the project.
James H. Season: An attorney involved in legal matters related to De Lorean and the engine.
The timeline of supporting documents provides critical information about various discussions, agreements, test results, and offers made during the development of the Hot V***r Engine. These documents shed light on the collaboration between Smokey Yunick, Knudsen, De Lorean, and other stakeholders, as well as the efforts to secure funding, conduct tests, and address potential tax and legal implications.
Supporting Documents for the Hot V***r Engine (HVC) Project:

Letter from Flynn to DeLorean (11/11/1980): Praising Smokey Yunick's genius and suggesting investing in HVC stock.

DeLorean to Knudsen (11/15/1980): Joint Venture Proposal discussing funding and next steps for plasma and rotating charge combustion chamber.

Chairman's Report DMC (11/19/1980): Bunkie DeLorean's meeting with Yunick and Flynn, driving a Chevy Citation with HVE, and making a proposal after GM.

DeLorean to Thomas Kimmerly (11/20/1980): Discussing a meeting between Knudsen, Yunick, and their lawyer Fischer to discuss GM's offer.

DeLorean to team (12/3/1980): Mentioning Knudsen and Yunick meeting Jim McDonald (Head of GM) on 12/8/1980.

Knudsen to DeLorean (12/9/1980): Forwarding GM/Knudsen-Yunick Confidentiality Agreement and Development Proposal. Mentioning an offer from GM and DeLorean.

DeLorean Draft Confidentiality Agreement (3/15/1981): Similar to GM's confidentiality agreement.

DeLorean Draft Royalty and Title Agreement (3/15/1981): Similar to GM's agreement, with a $100K advance instead of 10K.

Kimmerly to De Lorean (5/22/1981): Sending signed Royalty and Title Agreement, proposed Employment Agreement, and other documents.

Penrose to DeLorean (10/22/1981): Draft Private Placement Memo.

Arthur Anderson Risk assessment Board Minutes (11/17/1981): Board resolution to acquire HVC Engine, with some tax ramifications.

Jan-82 Flynn Description Apparatus and Operating Method for an Internal Combustion Engine: Technical description with margin notes.

Jan-82 Flynn Drawings of Engine and Components: Drawings used in patents related to HVC.

Jan-82 Flynn Technical Description Yunick Knudsen Hot V***r Cycle Engine: Detailed technical description of the HVC engine.

Jan-82 Melvin N. Ingalls (SwRI) Interim Report: Emission testing on a DeLorean with an experimental engine, signed off by J. Springer. 48.25 MPG achieved.

Jan-82 SwRI Emissions Dyno Runs Readouts: Dyno readouts from emission testing, run six passed.

Memo from Penrose to De Lorean (1/11/1982): Summary of SwRI results, passed emissions, increase in MPG, and horsepower improvement.

Letter from De Lorean to Hunt and Harbert (6/17/1982): Estimated project cost and negotiations.

07/24/2023

Thanks to https://twitter.com/Bilsport and the original photos we were able to install the HVC into the Horizon and place components the way Smokey had them.

07/24/2023

The historic heatwave gripping much of the U.S. and the world is impacting electric vehicle battery range.

07/24/2023

https://youtu.be/v6wPH2P1El0

Getting the fuel system ready for the Smokey Yunick Hot V***r Car’s resurrection. Thanks to Faye Hadley of Pistons and Pixiedust and Tom Rocha for the suppor...

04/19/2023

Happy Wednesday

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