Aquaplane Heads for Ford 100E

For owners of the classic Ford 100E, particularly those involved in building 'specials' or seeking enhanced performance from their venerable sidevalve engine, the name Aquaplane will likely be a familiar one. From the mid-1950s, Aquaplane carved out a significant niche in the automotive aftermarket, specialising in performance tuning equipment for Ford and BMC engines. Their products were not merely functional; they were often aesthetically pleasing, with polished aluminium and vibrant red paintwork adding a touch of flair to the typically utilitarian engine bays of the era.

The Aquaplane E93A Cylinder Heads

The core of Aquaplane's offering for the Ford sidevalve engine, including the 100E, was their range of cylinder heads. These were designed to significantly improve the breathing and therefore the performance of the standard engine. Two primary versions of the E93A cylinder heads are notable:

• Standard Water Take-offs: The more common version featured water take-off points typically located at the front and rear of the cylinder head.
• Low Bonnet Line Version: A specific variant was produced with water take-offs positioned at either end of the head. This design was crucial for vehicles with a significantly lowered bonnet line, a common modification in many 'specials' where aesthetics and aerodynamics were paramount.

Both of these heads were available for a range of Ford sidevalve engines, including the 8hp and 10hp variants, as well as the 100E. While other manufacturers also produced aftermarket cylinder heads, the Aquaplane head became the most recognisable and sought-after, often seen on Ford specials to this day. The material used was typically polished aluminium, which offered better heat dissipation than the original cast iron heads.

Beyond Cylinder Heads: A Comprehensive Tuning Package

Aquaplane's vision extended far beyond just cylinder heads. They offered a complete suite of tuning components designed to work synergistically for maximum performance gains. This included:

• Inlet Manifolds: A vast array of inlet manifolds were produced to accommodate various carburettor setups. For twin SU carburettors, a popular choice for performance enhancement, specific manifolds were available. They also catered to other popular carburettor brands such as Zenith and Solex. These manifolds were designed for both the E93A and 100E engines, and even extended to marine versions for speedboats utilising the Ford sidevalve power unit.
• Exhaust Manifolds: To complement the improved intake flow, an Aquaplane four-branch exhaust manifold was often necessary, particularly if the builder wished to retain the original Ford exhaust system. This manifold helped to scavenge exhaust gases more efficiently, further boosting performance.
• Cooling System Enhancements: A common challenge when lowering the bonnet line of a special was accommodating the radiator and maintaining adequate engine cooling. The original thermo-siphon cooling system often became unworkable. To address this, Aquaplane recommended the fitment of a Ford export water pump. For those seeking a more premium solution, an aluminium Aquaplane water pump was also available.
• Ancillary Components: The Aquaplane catalogue was extensive and included items such as timing covers with provisions for a camshaft-driven rev counter, high-lift camshafts for improved valve timing and lift, and various aluminium valve chest covers (three different types are mentioned). A particularly attractive item was the cast aluminium oil cooler, often mounted ingeniously within the vehicle's grille, which helped to maintain oil temperature under strenuous use.

The Aquaplane Legacy and Reproduction

Aquaplane operated from its premises at Oulton Broad until the early 1970s. The quality and desirability of their products meant that even after the company ceased trading, there was a strong demand. In the 1990s, Belcher Engineering undertook the task of reproducing some of these iconic parts. These reproductions can be identified by the 'BE' casting mark situated below the 'Aquaplane' name.

A Brief History of Aquaplane

The story of Aquaplane is intrinsically linked to the passion and ingenuity of its founder, Harmer Copeman. Established in the mid-1950s, the company's roots were firmly planted in the world of motorboat racing on Oulton Broad. Copeman, a student at Loughborough Engineering College, showed an early aptitude for tuning, evidenced by his success and subsequent disqualification (for an engine modification, perhaps?) in a prestigious motorboat race in 1936.

The post-war era saw the rise of the Darby-One Design hydroplane, powered by the ubiquitous 10 hp Ford sidevalve engine. The affordability and availability of this engine, coupled with the identical hulls of the hydroplanes, meant that victory often came down to engine performance. Harmer Copeman, with his own boat 'Squib', dominated the racing scene, constantly developing his engine to extract more power. Soon, other racers were seeking his tuning expertise and parts, laying the foundation for Aquaplane.

While the marine sector provided the initial impetus, the burgeoning popularity of 'specials' in the 1950s opened up a massive new market. These lightweight sports cars, built using Ford mechanicals, were crying out for more power. Aquaplane responded with a comprehensive range of parts, advertised through catalogues and direct contact. Their components found their way into numerous builds, including those utilising the popular Buckler chassis. The prestige of Aquaplane was further cemented in 1957 when Morgan Cars chose to fit an Aquaplane head and twin SU carburettors as standard equipment on their 4/4 Series II Competition model.

By the 1960s, Aquaplane had become a dominant force in the performance tuning market, not just for specials but also for mainstream Ford models like the Anglia, Prefect, and Popular. Their advertising proclaimed them as "Manufacturers of the largest selection of Performance Equipment for Ford cars in the world." This era demanded continuous innovation and rigorous testing, both on dynamometers and on the road. Aquaplane built its reputation on solid performance gains rather than exaggerated claims, a testament to their engineering prowess.

While Ford engines remained their primary focus, Aquaplane also developed tuning equipment for BMC A-series engines and the Morris Minor. An interesting anecdote highlights Copeman's broader engineering skills: he developed lightweight alloy Aquaplane heads for the Cord automobile, which suffered from persistent overheating issues due to inadequate water passages in its original cast-iron heads. The Aquaplane solution proved highly popular among Cord owners.

The company's manufacturing was a mix of in-house production at Camps Heath, Oulton, and outsourced work. Reputable manufacturers like Smiths supplied instruments under the Aquaplane brand, including mechanical and electronic rev-counters and a vacuum gauge marketed as a 'fuel consumption ratemeter'. The 'Aquaplane Superhead' and associated manifolds were arguably their flagship products, catering to most Ford small cars up to the Cortina, and even larger models like the Consul, Zephyr, and Zodiac with triple SU setups for their six-cylinder engines.

Other performance-enhancing components included lightweight alloy flywheels (available in road and competition versions), high-capacity oil and water pumps, and cast alloy oil coolers (both full-flow and bypass types). Valvetrain components like valves, heavy-duty valve springs, and performance camshafts were also offered. Even components like the 'Twin Exhauster' and 'Deep Note Converter' were available, though their performance impact might have been more cosmetic.

Despite its growth and success, Aquaplane remained a relatively small operation, located in what was once the Copeman family's back garden. In 1972, Harmer Copeman sold the business, which relocated to Old Buckenham, Norfolk. It continued for another three years, with new product lines developed, but ultimately ceased trading. Thankfully, the enduring appeal of Aquaplane's well-engineered parts led to the recreation of original patterns, allowing some of their classic components to be manufactured even today.

Comparison of Aquaplane Heads

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines were Aquaplane heads designed for?

Aquaplane heads were primarily designed for Ford sidevalve engines, including the 8hp, 10hp, and the 100E models.

What was the main advantage of an Aquaplane head?

The main advantage was a significant increase in engine performance, including more power and torque, due to improved engine breathing.

Are Aquaplane parts still available?

While the original Aquaplane company ceased trading in the 1970s, some parts have been reproduced by companies like Belcher Engineering, identifiable by the 'BE' mark.

Why were there two versions of the E93A head?

The two versions catered to different vehicle requirements, specifically the need for altered water take-off points on vehicles with very low bonnet lines.

Was Aquaplane involved in marine applications?

Yes, Aquaplane originated from marine racing and continued to offer marinising equipment for Ford engines.