Ed Donovan
A lifelong interest in engines and early exposure to California’s dry lakes made Ed Donovan a likely convert to drag racing. He made the switch in 1953, dropping a radically reworked Model “B” Fod into a friend’s roadster. In their weekly visits to Santa Ana, Ed noticed a need for better valves. Working evenings at home, the youngster began manufacturing his own stainless-steel versions followed by the first two-disc “slipper” clutch, one-piece bell housings, and forged rocker arms for 392 Chryslers. Donovan Engineering became a top fuel force in the early 60’s producing parts and complete engines for many of the era’s brightest stars. Among the first to benefit was hired driver Tom McEwen who also received his “Mongoose” moniker from Ed. At the turn of the decade, it was Donovan and partner Bob Creitz who dominated the final years of the slingshot dragster. In 1971, Ed disbanded his own team to oversee the first production-type aluminum cylinder block. In its debut, the original Donovan 417 powered John Wiebe’s obsolete front engine feeler to an ET of 6.53 seconds and a runner-up finish at the NHRA Supernationals. An aluminum small-block Chevy came in 1978, followed by the Donovan big block in 1985. Even after death, Ed’s dreams continue to come true. In 1991, Donovan Engineering introduced its Model “D” block an aluminum replacement for the four-cylinder Ford powerplant that captured Ed Donovan’s interest in the 1930’s.