Turbonique: The Raw, Dirty, Total History - Fame, Infamy, and All

[@brianlohnes3079]

Use my link to get an exclusive offer from NordVPN - Https://nordvpn.com/BrianLohnes - This offer lands you a four month extension on a regular subscription and is backed by the company's 30 day money back guarantee!

[@pierceswan87]

I already use Nord but i clicked the link just to help out. Good onya Brian!

[@brianlohnes3079]

@ thank you!

[@dnltbrca]

congrats for finally getting a sponsor!

[@francislutz8027]

I didn't know clicking the link would help you in sponsor links that are unique to the creator. The 1st click brought me to a nordvpn page with a bubble that I clicked with your unique discount through them. That's it, I closes it and didn't have to sign up or purchase anything. I hope this is what you mean by helping him. Never done it before, but this is your 1st sponsor and you damn sure deserve to be paid for this. A lot. Stellar content. My favorite creator

[@jasonchristopher2977]

What a gr8 video and topic, if not 4 an ad every 5 minutes. I c why so many kids have no attention span. I'm 40 and it's hard to listen

[@proracer382d]

Let it be known that on this day, one Brian Lohnes made a statement on the internet claiming that he had spoken without all of the information. This is a statement never made by another human on the internet since its inception. Keep the videos coming buddy, this is good stuff.

[@joshuagibson2520]

This my friend is called integrity and I welcome it.

[@jasonstinson1767]

Glad to see your vids are getting enough views to interest companies, like nord, in sponsorship deals. Good affirmation of your talents and passions Brian.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Jason, thanks. Was hoping people were not too disrupted by it. But they make a good product I actually use, so it fit.

[@Cankersaurus]

@@brianlohnes3079 There's absolutely nothing wrong with being compensated for the work you put into these videos. Good for you!

[@patrickbachman2184]

I use nord as well, last 2 years,same deal through the KSR channel!

[@aaronshelton84]

Who doesn't want another turbonique video!? 🎉

[@brianlohnes3079]

Hey, I know I am still obsessed with it!

[@Scot-p1v]

I don’t not want another Turbonique video. In fact, my reaction on seeing this thumbnail, was pretty much, ‘Hot diggity!’ (or words to that effect 😮) Thanks, Brian!

[@turbo1438]

I can't get enough

[@Spike-sk7ql]

Not me! Give me all the videos on this crazy contraption, and it's deranged inventor, as you can.😂

[@cjespers]

Oh yeah! Another Turbonigue video! And its from Brian, who creates the best content on the entire web.God bless.

[@ToasterrBath]

Never thought I’d be happy to see a video interrupted for a sponsor! Awesome to see you getting more recognition!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!!

[@SwineBrothers]

I think he was a bit of everything personally. He did some shadey business deals, probably wasn't a very good businessman in the 60s, but he built things that worked, and his rv park is still functioning. So I think he was a bit of both good and bad. Fascinating guy. PS, I want more info on those 9 second go-karts. That sounds all kinds of insane.

[@audiophil4946]

Fascinating history of a brilliant, eccentric, and somewhat shady guy in the early go fast biz. Brian, you have become my fave automotive history channel. Keep up the great work my friend!

[@timford3599]

"Pulse jet driven and SOLID PROPELLENT superchargers." What...could...possibly...go WRONG?!? Brian, your content is some of, if not THE most, interesting story telling on the internet today. Keep up the great work. PS, your research in providing true and factual information behind some of the wildest tales in automotive history is second to none. Thoroughly fascinating, must watch channel on KZbin. Bravo!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for these words!! I love doing this stuff and it genuinely makes me happy when people enjoy it!

[@SlickArmor]

I'm going to say Gene was an all-American. Part innovator, part outlaw. Pretty much what most of us can only dream to achieve in the short time we're here. RIP Gene. 🙏

[@sootmann]

Raise your hand if you want to see a _Fast & Furious_ prequel set in the 1960s with Dom's dad running a 1963 Plymouth with a rocket-powered supercharger. Or running 9s (!!!) in a go-kart.

[@dcacmc3693]

“Furiously Fast”

[@StromrSmith-fl3ub]

I believe it was 1970 or 71. I was in Boonville NY for the snowmobile speed trials with my Polaris Mod 1 snowmobile. Had just gone 66 MPH that day when the featured attraction, the Arctic Cat factory sled was going to try for a world record. I was standing no more than 20 feet back of it when it exploded. Don't remember anybody getting hurt. Small pieces of shredded fiberglass went so high in the air they rained down on us for a minute or two.

[@brianlohnes3079]

I have the photo in here. It is insane!

[@SwineBrothers]

Me: time to get started on the project I've been putting off for a couple days. Brian: the hell you are.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Hahahaahaja

[@BCaldwell]

I didn't have the whole (Wekiva springs) thing on my bingo card... I knew about Turbonique but as always, Brian Lohnes comes through with the history lesson we didn't expect. What you're doing here on KZbin Brian.... Don't stop doing it. Your content is amazing my friend 🤟

[@CarsandCats]

Middlebrooks was NOT a "scam artist". He was a brilliant engineer with products that were beyond the scope and comprehension of most mortal beings. I purchased one of his "perpetual motion devices" and it is still going to this day. (Just kidding. Dude was a scammer!)

[@joshuagibson2520]

Helllll yeah! It's freezing here in Tn. I'll just set here, be warm, and watch a new Lohnes video!

[@mikematty5104]

Why does everything made in the ‘50s and ‘60s look so much cooler?

[@edwatts9890]

Because those things were not designed by the government!

[@CarsandCats]

Have you seen the women? They were much better too!

[@dougedwards8022]

Ya an not even 1 sensor to be found no ecm and put the hurt on any thing it wanted to,,less is more,,,the world figure that out someday,,,,,maybe

[@jeramiebradford1]

Back when they used to make engines out of metal!

[@dougedwards8022]

@@mikematty5104 what's plastic? 😄

[@Pepper-q9k]

Man, I have never really given a shit about drag racing, but your videos are slowly dragging me in. I can’t believe how crazy some of these stories are. You are such a good storyteller, these videos are so well done, thank you so much for what you do, this is a whole new world that I knew existed, but never payed attention to.

[@geneva760]

CHEERS from AUSTRALIA. I THOROUGHLY ENJOY these history lessons. Thanks BRIAN

[@DownEastSaw]

The most brilliant engineers either ended up with failed business or worse, in jail from a failed business. Engineering and business are not mutually exclusive, but they are definitely not common traits in one person.

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

The question is who doesn’t want another turbonique video. Such a neat piece of hot rodding history

[@Nlangkirby135]

I thought I’d never see you in this neck of the woods!

[@extragoogleaccount6061]

Awesome, congrats on getting sponsors. That will hopefully keep the great content flowing. I was a NASCAR fan growing up and only had basic awareness of drag racing. Your videos are so good that I was hooked, however. I think the "wild west" days of drag racing are incredible to learn about. The engineering, the danger, the showmanship, the hijinks with money and sponsors....it just all adds up to something very intriguing. Its great that there is someone like you to research this history and preserve this knowledge.

[@Tshade67]

Another fantastic video Mr. Lohnes! As a kid born during the height of the Turbonique drag racing I heard mentions and myths of the exotic engines throughout my early years. Thanks to the internet I thought I knew all there was to know about the story until now. Thanks for filling in the gaps and telling the true history of the man, his inventions and the controversies that ensued.

[@richardprice5978]

add Russian's/commi and or lavender panic's and or copying/plagiarising uk law and or with guns/arms/full-auto so as crazy as it sounded it works/ed and yes computers could also make it throttle/safety ect and or LLC but'd-up against ITARD/BS

[@Biokemist-o3k]

What are the obvious reasons???..I really love the turbonique content!!!..I do not know if I would ever want to drive one but I would love to have been involved with building them and watching them fly down the track!!...Super cool Brian..I am in Pennsylvania but hopefully we get to meet sometime...Maybe at one of the conventions or something..-John

[@BonelessVR]

honestly hope you can give us another 30 turbonique video, everything you cover is incredibly cool and interesting. Thank you a bunch Brain!

[@JeffBilkins]

The switchable turbo axle is my favorite, it is just such a mad implementation of the turbo boost trope.

[@patrickbachman2184]

If you and Clay get together and do a no holds barred dive into the history of dishwashers we’re ready to listen!

[@bloqk16]

Taking that Black Widow VW up to 168 mph is downright scary. I used to own a '67 VW Beetle and one time got it up to 90 mph on a slight downhill. Between the aero of the body and the primitive suspension, its stability was on the very edge. So, taking that same body type up to an additional 70 mph is unimaginable!

[@Sleeperdude]

Great video! I learned a lot despite watching your other videos on it and reading lots of magazine articles over the years .

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks man. I promise this is the last one on this subject. Haha

[@kennethcox4959]

I have been listening since the dork a motive podcast and I have to let you know that you have honed your story telling skills to near perfection. I'm always excited to see a notification for a new story keep up the great content thanks

[@saywhatsaywhat1]

I sent away for the catalogs back in the day and this is the first time I've heard the whole story. Many thanks, I'm now a subscriber!

[@remylopez4821]

@brianlohnes another accident video I can’t wait to see the one come out of you interviewing Larry Sutton at the California Hot Rd., Reunion in Bakersfield. I’m the guy that shook your hand after you were done when I called you a new legend interviewing an old legend anyway anyways I don’t know if you remember or not, but you made my day good job, sir.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Man, I remember!!! It should be coming out soon!

[@chazmister56]

Great video again Brian! Also great to see you picking up some sponsors!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Appreciate that! Was honored that they wanted to be in on this stuff.

[@Biokemist-o3k]

10 seconds is a very long time when you are literally holding on for dear life...I could not imagine having 1500 or 3000 horsepower on the back of a small go-kart...Sounds really awesome though..I cannot see where he hoodwinked anyone except if he sent out pieces calling them finished products...I believe he was absolutely correct in that people did not know what the actual technology was behind his equipment..

[@theschultz-ster]

All stories of this point in time are a must hear for me. I feel so connected to the time and I love hearing about it. Grandpa would tell stories of racing and "go fast". We lost him a few years ago now. You bring back a little bit of him for me, Thank you sir.

[@bloqk16]

My older brother gave me a copy of the "Hot Rotor" pictorial magazine back at that time. Most of the photos were impressively in color. I say 'impressively' as back in that era, black & white photos in many magazines was the norm; as color photos in automotive/hot rodding publications was considered extravagant. That magazine was very short on details about the turbine engines, such as never stating the exotic fuel it used, and the engines not being throttle responsive was never told.

[@mattwilliams3456]

As a crazy Florida man, like the turbonique folks, I’ll certainly take another video about them. Congratulations on sponsorship as well! EDIT: YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!! I’ve loved the Turbinique story since I was a kid and Wekiva Falls is less than 5 miles from me! I had absolutely no idea.

[@tngtacticalmiata1219]

Friggin crazy, isn't it? My family used to go to the falls like every other weekend or so when I was a kid back in the late 70's early 80's... I LOVED that place...

[@gchampi2]

Uh... Wut!??! The Turbonique/Middlebrook story is like an onion - layers on top of layers. The podcast was crazy enough, but the "Black Widow" Beetle was even more insane, and now THIS!!?!? Wow. Just... Wow. I can't imagine how much time the research must've taken to put the whole story together, but however much it was, it was worth it! Both as a cautionary tale, and as a document on some of the crazy shenanigans that went on in the early days of the sport. Bravo, Mr. Lohnes, you crazy archive hunter... Also, congrats on the sponsorship! I get the feeling Nord will get their money's worth, once word spreads about just how batsh!t insane a tale you've managed to put together... Cheers... G

[@speedfreak8200]

Holy moly, there's tons of YT videos showcasing the springs/river. Thanks for the entertainment

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for checking it out. Pretty nuts that after all this, the guy hit paydirt with…water!

[@datoneslav6902]

I know its not car related, but I feel like this might be something you would be interested in. Have you ever heard of/Do you ever plan to make a video on turbo compounding on piston engines, its a system that uses PRTs (Blow down turbines) to harness exhaust velocity (not pressure, like that in a normal turbo) to spin up a turbine. Its a system designed for max efficiency from the engine, most commonly used on the latest piston powered airliners and i believe some modern diesel trucks. The most successful engine of this type was the Wright R-3350 radial, but by far the most interesting was the Napier Nomad V12 diesel.

[@brianlohnes3079]

I am working on the another av engine history video and have become obsessed with this subject!! Great suggestikn

[@allareasindex7984]

I was around 13 and bought Cycle Guide, Hot Rod, and saw something that looked like Hot Rod and grabbed it too. Of course it turned out to be a full color magazine that was 100% ads and articles about Turbonique products. I loved seeing all the kooky contraptions powered by these rocket , turbine, and supercharged kits. The three -wheeler dragster was my favorite. I dug the alligator-greeen metalflake paint. Hey, I was 13.

[@mikecurtis2585]

It seems like the wild west of inventions! Always love hearing these stories! Keep them coming! Have a wonderful week 🙏

[@noverguy]

Another fantastic installment! The original Absent Minded Professor...! Thanks for your research and hard work Brian! Great stuff as always! USA-1

[@AntonHoward-mx9sb]

Not even started yet but I know this is going to be a great film.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks! I hope you like it. Lots of stuff I never knew uncovered with this one

[@richardjones38]

These videos are fascinating. Imagine someone working for a a military rocket engine company now and also having a sideline business effectively using their technology for their own product range. Gene was clearly a talented engineer, if less than honest.

[@sw653j]

Another great video...gotta like the data acquisition system at 39:10...way cool...

[@vehdynam]

Whew , I thought I knew about Turbonique , but boy was I mistaken. As for Gene I believe he was all of those things you imagined, as well as being a mad genius. Many thanks for this final chapter in this bizarre bit of history.

[@antoniovillanueva308]

I remember the ads in the back pages of 60s car magazines. None of those contraptions would be allowed now. _"once lit 2,000 degree gas was emitted into the supercharger at 1,000 PSI"_

[@G55STEYR]

All automotive history you see evolution of engines some daring to boast even 10hp like Lamborghini and this guy comes with a 1000hp drag axle, crushing, gotta love it

[@brianlohnes3079]

It’s incredible that this whole thing actually happened.

[@pierrelaboom4026]

OK Brian you have done a fantastic job with this one! !I look forward to all your videos,great content man! Thanks from newhampshire!

[@craiglizt8074]

Holy crap! What a great video on a wild and odd topic. Keep up the awesome content!

[@stevejohnson6858]

Yet another awesome vid. Always enjoy learning these things I never knew about. I don't know if you've already done a vid on them, but I've always found the Mallicoat brothers to be very interesting with their twin turbo SBC Willys. Their cars looked good and ran good.

[@shafferjoe1962]

Brain, thank you for the updated story on turbonics. A always, another great story told be a great story teller. Be blessed brother

[@joshjones3408]

What you mean just a nother video.....we need all the videos from you that we can get.....you are what keeps a lot of us going 👍👍👍👍👍

[@PatDemitras]

I think I still have the Garage magazine from the early 2000’s with a cool article on Turbonique. The mag was published by Jesse James of WCC, I think.

[@DavidGierke-nl1dl]

Wow! What research! As an aviation historian, I appreciate your dedication!

[@brianlohnes3079]

David, thank you. I love it like I am sure you do your field.

[@DavidGierke-nl1dl]

@@brianlohnes3079 As an undergraduate at Buffalo State Teacher's Collage in the early 1960s, our power technology lab had acquired a Turbonique engine for running on a water brake dynamometer. When it started, our professor-a very dedicated and proficient engineer-somehow allowed the energy converter to get out of control, causing a massive destructive demise of the test cell... the absorber had disintegrated!

[@rollerdragon]

no,.. i'm thinking 'oh, Great!!! a new Brian Lohnes video!! [honestly... i check your channel every week,]

[@nhra7110]

Fascinating story Brian! I looked up the doctor from one of the ads who lived in my neck of the woods - just passed a few years ago - would have been interesting to get his story too.

[@funone8716]

Wow great additional info on the man, the myth, the legend. I'd say Gene was a classic Wheeler-Dealer opportunist of which there were many involved in Motorsports back in the day. I don't think any less of him and maybe even like him more than before.

[@justinyoung109]

Well that intro was unexpected. Also, I loved your commentary this season on NHRA on Fox. Keep up the good work! PS, would totally use his turbines on some sort of unholy Battlebot if the company still existed

[@idontcare3013]

Wek(I)va is pronounced with a long I sound. I've canoed this river myself as a child. Great video, as always, Brian. Keep em coming.

[@gafrers]

Interesting and so crazy. Quality video and info as always

[@brodywalker8579]

And he finally got the sponsors rolling! We love to see it. Will you be doing any of the SICK events taking over for the NMCA/nmra stuff?

[@HotRodHoarder]

Fascinating, as always.

[@eddiebuerger9145]

Another great vid Brian!!!

[@kellyblack4897]

I learn so much every time, even though I’ve always been into the car community. Genius!

[@williambarry8015]

That is one interesting cat. Hes a combination of PT Barnum, Howard Hughes and the trans person behind The Dale car. Great video brian.

[@brianlohnes3079]

The man is a character beyond any conception I ever had.

[@paulm2047]

Love all your videos keep up the great work 🤙🏽

[@timfoley4731]

As a Floridian I’ve been to Wikeiva falls and until today did not know the correlation. Pretty cool!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Ok, THAT rules. Was hoping to have someone come here that had visited. Only freaking Gene, man. Only Gene!

[@vr6swp]

You think you know, or at least have a pretty decent idea, then here comes Lohnes running down the hall with a big box of vintage ads, old newspaper clippings and court documents

[@brianlohnes3079]

The visual here is just freaking perfect.

[@davidsawyer7880]

Thanks again Brian. A little off topic. The RV resort was purchased from the widow in 2007 or there abouts. It's still in business to this day.

[@bradleyduncan8224]

My favorite podcast ive listened to over 4 times is now better with the video! Thanks brian! Just fyi I got my new tech books from sfi and ntpa. Were going for the tractor record!

[@brianlohnes3079]

This is epic news!

[@arthurdunga345]

i didn't know about any of this till watching this video i'm in the the UK and was born in 1967 what a time in drag racing it must have been and the man must have been a right character or a rough as we see here but i say hats off to him ,what a great watch very good

[@timkustom]

Most excellent video. Who was Middleton? Ultimate Florida Man! 😆

[@staglione79]

Good stuff Brian👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jimanderson1355]

Thanks for this well researched and produced piece. Definitely an interesting guy, and showcases the gullibility of the consumer! I saw one of those electric motor superchargers complete with manifold and carb at a swap meet in Ft. Wayne ILL about 35 years ago. I thought “ you gotta be kidding!”

[@brianlohnes3079]

It’s neat that you saw one in person!

[@RogerLynn-l3t]

Not surprising that he beat his first lawsuit. His defense attorney was Bobby Lee Cook. Right up until he died a few years ago, if you needed a top defense attorney in Georgia, he was the one you wanted. The high profile cases he was involved with and almost always won is legendary.

[@numlockkilla]

Man i have been waiting for this.

[@damole7874]

I was honestly hoping you would do an in-depth video on this. I must know more!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Well here you are!

[@fourbanger]

Who is my favorite storyteller..... Brian Lohnes Thank you for the invite

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for watching!!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

🏁 Enjoyed!! 🏁

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for taking the time!!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

@@brianlohnes3079 👍👍

[@nicholasagnew2792]

To be clear it wasn't the beetle's aerodynamics that was the problem, they have great aero, it was the fact the thing was lifted up like a monster truck so it turned into an airplane.

[@elcantante37]

Another mad science episode ready to explode 😮

[@justacoupleofkids320]

Great story, have heard of the Turbinique axle but didn’t know all the details behind it.

[@donstevenson2660]

I saw one of the ray guns at a Goodguys show in the 90's. A guy who was welding a steam punk '32 well ahead of the trend being popular, had it mounted high on a flathead with a gun sight welded on the snout. I doubt it was any more than the cast housing, but at least I now know what it was.

[@formerfarmer1718]

Keep’em coming BL! 👍👍😎

[@WaverleyHilton]

What a start to the day. Thank you from nz

[@DownEastSaw]

I’ll accept any video Brian wants to make. Something about his passion and knowledge for this hilarious sport of automobile racing is unequaled. It could be the 27th turbonique video and I’ll watch it because I’m sure this automotive nutcase will have included some new tidbit that I MUST know……

[@brianlohnes3079]

This wins. Thank you a million times over. Haha

[@markholroyde9412]

A Snake oil salesman in the US?..no way! 🤣 I was on holiday from the UK in 1990 and went to the Garlits museum, one of those death trap go Karts was there, it made the cover of HOT ROD in the 60s IIRC, still have a pic of it here today .... a "Heath Robinson" design 🤣

[@gordonborsboom7460]

Wasn't Traco Engineering involved in early Trans-Am racing? I seem to recall them and an AMC connection

[@brianlohnes3079]

Treco was Middlebrooks company making ineffectual electric superchargers a decade before Trans-Am existed. Jim Travers and Frank Coon, “Tra-Co” formed the engine building outfit you are talking about, 1800 miles away in California.

[@Felix-f2n6k]

Had the privilege of meeting Brian at Brainerd. High level of hipness.

[@chrisbrown3925]

Your best video yet!😊

[@rixkafer56]

I say in my simple way he was a very smart guy who lived the American dream.... i first heard of the jet rear axle in sizzler when i was about 19 in 1983 or so.. because my first car was a 65 malibu SS. The Sizzler was a Z16 65 malibu SS 396... they only made 201 of them with the then new engine... big bucks today. Thanks for sharing

[@brianlohnes3079]

The most amazing part of that car may be the fact that it was a real Z-16!

[@joshgreen2164]

I'm all for any video I can learn something from.

[@robharfman5754]

Thanks for another great story!

[@PewterQ]

You are a fine looking gentleman, don’t sell yourself short. Great video as always!

[@papasmodelcarroom8450]

DAM that might be your best video yet, but I would hate to have to pick one. Thank you 😊 for sharing these videos, I've learned a ton, to bad I can't remember alot of it lol.

[@styrenerelics]

Papa, this would have been a blast to see one run on the strip. Or maybe I shouldn't use the word blast.?

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

6:42 - What micro turbines are used for, then as well as now, are radio controlled scale models of fighters and bombers, or shaft-turbines for RC Helicopters. Slightly larger models find their way in to cruise missiles. And that's probably the market he really wanted for it.

[@antoniovillanueva308]

On the Raygun supercharger, the electric motor is clearly a counterweight for the pulley at the end of that anteater snout.

[@carterpaul2163]

I would absolutely love to see a video covering the use of hydrazine in drag racing, I've tried my absolute damndest to research it but there just isn't much publicly available information. If you took it upon yourself to reach out to some people involved in the scene back in the day to piece together a story I think it would make for awesome content!

[@kevintaylor7740]

If i remember correctly there was an episode of "CHIPS" where the bad guy had a thrust unit mounted out the back of a Camaro...?