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Ed Iskenderian
Ed Iskenderian
Ed Iskenderian
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Edward "Isky" Iskenderian[1] (July 10, 1921 – February 4, 2026) was an Armenian-American hot rodder and businessman.

Key Information

Life and career

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

Iskenderian was born to first-generation Armenian immigrants, in "grapevine country of Tulare County, California."[2] Frost killed the grapes, compelling his parents to move to Los Angeles.[2] He had an early interest in ham radio; soon, he became fascinated with hot rods.[3] Like many others, he went lakes racing at Muroc Dry Lake, which was interrupted by the U.S. entry into World War II.

Career

[edit]

Iskenderian attended Polytechnic High School in Los Angeles.[2] He built a customized Model T, adapting the overhead camshaft conversion kit produced by the Chevrolet brothers (the "Fronty" kit) and the "multi-flathead" cylinder head developed by George Riley.[2] After suffering a number of failures, and experimenting with Model As and Bs, he turned to the crankshaft of the flathead V8, which had larger bearings; it proved stronger.[2] He fitted Maxi F cylinder heads and a custom-built "slingshot" intake manifold (provided by Ed Winfield).[2] Iskenderian filled the combustion chambers with cast iron, then rebuilt them under the guidance of Winfield, producing an astounding (for the period) 13:1 compression ratio.[2]

At the U.S. entry into World War II, Iskenderian enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces, and flew supply missions in the Pacific Theatre with the USAAF Air Transport Command.

After the war, Iskenderian established a business in a small shop space at 5977 Washington Blvd., in Culver City, California; it backed up to Mercury Tool and Die, owned by John Athan, a high school friend.[4], Iskenderian fabricated camshafts and other parts in this shop for fellow hot-rodders.[3] He started with a single cam-grinding machine,[3] which he adapted for the purpose.[2]

When the war ended, Iskenderian, like many other hot-rodders, applied the experience and expertise gained in the Army to car building. Demand for speed parts was high, so when he was forced to wait five months for a new camshaft, he decided instead to grind his own, with a homebuilt grinder adapted from a cylindrical grinder.[2] Iskenderian's new grinds offered markedly better performance than stock ones.[2] To promote his business early on, Iskenderian took a chance on a new publication, buying an advertisement in the second issue of Hot Rod!; it paid off with new business.[3] He was first to promote his business with T-shirts and uniforms.[3] He would move from the Washington Blvd. location before coming back to Culver City, then ultimately moving the company to Gardena in 1966, where it remains.[4]

Iskenderian was also the first to offer a hard-facing on camshafts,[2] and the first to apply computers to cam design.[2][dubious – discuss] Isky also offered the first camshafts designed to work with hydraulic lifters.[2]

To serve the burgeoning new supercharged fuel dragsters, he developed better lifters, drop-in self-locking roller lifters, and anti-pump-up hydraulic lifters (suitable for high-rpm use).[2] The high valve lifts and long durations demanded better valve springs, too, so Isky produced the Vasco Jet 1000 springs. He worked with Don Garlits, creating the first corporate sponsorship deal in drag racing, the Don's Speed Shop/Ed Iskenderian dragster, which turned in a record 8.36 second/180 mph (290 km/h) pass with Garlits at the wheel.[5] In the 1950s, Iskenderian was the first to offer contingency awards to racers;[5] these small cash payments for applying corporate decals help amateurs continue to race, and have become big business.

Not limiting his focus, Iskenderian offered the first complete valvetrain kits, including camshaft and valve gear, for stock racing classes, as well as street cars.[5] He also produced the first roller lifter cams for Chevrolet engines and the first bushings and cam keys to allow cam timing to be adjusted.[5]

Iskenderian collaborated with Vic Edelbrock Jr., Roy Richter, Bob Hedman, Robert E. Wyman, John Bartlett, Phil Weiand Jr, Dean Moon, Al Segal, and Willie Garner in 1963 to form the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association, now known as SEMA, serving as its first president during 1963–1964.[5]

Later life and death

[edit]

Iskenderian turned 100 in July 2021,[6] and died in Los Angeles on February 4, 2026, at the age of 104.[7]

Honors

[edit]

In 1985, Iskenderian was named one of Chevrolet's "Legends of Performance".[5]

The company he founded is now located in Gardena, California.[5]

Iskenderian was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2025.

Notes

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[edit]
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Ed Iskenderian

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from Grokipedia
Edward "Isky" Iskenderian (born July 10, 1921) is an American hot rodder, entrepreneur, and pioneer in the automotive performance industry, best known as the founder of Isky Racing Cams and for his innovations in design that propelled dry-lakes racing and in the mid-20th century. Born in Cutler, , to Armenian immigrant parents Dick and Armine Iskenderian—who had fled , with his mother surviving the —Iskenderian moved with his family to in 1922 after frosts devastated their vineyard. His early fascination with mechanics led him to Polytechnic High School, where he graduated in 1940 after building a Model T Ford roadster as a project, experimenting with high-compression Ford flathead V-8 engines. During and early 1940s, Iskenderian became active in Southern California's scene, racing at dry lakes like El Mirage with friends, achieving 120 mph in his 1924 T roadster in 1942 before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served on B-24 Liberator missions in . Post-war, Iskenderian apprenticed in a tool and die shop and learned camshaft grinding from mentors Ed Winfield and Clay Smith, launching his own business in the late 1940s in Culver City, California, using a second-hand grinder to produce custom cams for racers. He founded Isky Racing Cams, which grew into a multimillion-dollar enterprise now based in Gardena with over 100 employees, pioneering advancements like the first hard-face overlay camshafts, hydraulic racing cams, computer-designed profiles (such as the 5-Cycle and Polydyne 505 Magnum), high-density chilled-iron lifters, and Vasco Jet 1000 valve springs. In 1963, Iskenderian co-founded the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) and served as its first president for two years, while also becoming an early sponsor of drag racers like Don Garlits and a prolific advertiser in Hot Rod magazine, appearing on its June 1948 cover. Iskenderian's influence extended to and broader motorsports through collaborations, such as custom cams for Mercury Y-block engines, and he earned inductions into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1985, Chevrolet's "Legends of Performance," and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2025. As of 2025, at age 104, he remains a living legend in hot rodding, frequently attending nostalgia events, sharing stories, and overseeing the family business run by his son Richard, with his original Model T preserved in the NHRA Wally Parks Museum.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Edward Iskenderian was born on July 10, 1921, in Cutler, , to Armenian immigrant parents Dickran and Armine Iskenderian, his mother having survived the . Dickran, originally a in , had immigrated to the and established a grape farm in the San Joaquin Valley's fertile "grapevine country," where the family initially settled to pursue agricultural opportunities. The Iskenderian family's farming venture was short-lived, as severe frosts in the early devastated the vineyards, leading to crop failures that compelled the family to relocate to in 1922. This move from rural Tulare County to the urban environment of marked a significant shift, ending their aspirations in and exposing young Ed to new surroundings that would later influence his path. As first-generation Armenian-Americans, the Iskenderians were part of a broader wave of Armenian immigrants who arrived in in the early , fleeing Ottoman persecution and seeking economic stability in agriculture. In the , including Tulare County, these immigrants contributed to the region's agricultural transformation by introducing new varieties and labor-intensive farming practices, though many faced challenges from weather and economic instability that prompted urban migrations. Their cultural heritage, rooted in resilience and community ties, shaped family life amid the diverse immigrant farming communities of early 20th-century .

Education and Introduction to Hot Rodding

Ed Iskenderian attended Polytechnic High School, where he developed his foundational skills in mechanics through hands-on projects. He graduated in 1940, having focused on constructing a 1924 Model T Ford roadster as his primary project, which served as his introduction to automotive modification and engineering principles. This vehicle marked his early experimentation with performance enhancements, including a Frontenac overhead conversion kit and modifications to a high-compression Ford flathead V-8 . In addition to his mechanical pursuits, Iskenderian nurtured a strong interest in , particularly ham radio, which he pursued as a teenager. This hobby involved building and operating radio equipment, fostering his aptitude for technical problem-solving and circuitry that later complemented his automotive endeavors. The blend of these interests— and machinery—laid the groundwork for his innovative approach to hot rodding, where he often integrated custom electrical components into vehicle builds. Iskenderian's entry into hot rodding began in the mid-1930s, spurred by the vibrant car culture accessible after his family's settlement in . At age 14, he first attended dry lake races at Muroc (now ), witnessing high-speed runs on the vast salt flats that captivated him and inspired his own participation. From 1935 onward, he regularly visited these events, observing and learning from the Southern California Timing Association's gatherings until halted activities in 1942. These experiences ignited his lifelong passion for speed and vehicle tuning, shaping his future contributions to the sport.

Professional Career

World War II Service and Business Founding

During , Ed Iskenderian enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, motivated by his fascination with speed and . Assigned to the , he supported the war effort by flying supplies to Pacific islands, an experience that further developed his mechanical aptitude originally gained from his pre-war apprenticeship as a . Returning from service, Iskenderian sought to revive his pre-war enthusiasm for hot rodding but was hampered by post-war shortages and delays in sourcing specialized camshafts from East Coast manufacturers. These bottlenecks, including a five-month wait for a custom cam he had ordered, underscored the limited availability of performance parts on the West Coast amid surging demand from enthusiasts. Determined to overcome these obstacles, he acquired a used in 1945 and modified it into a cam grinding machine to produce his own high-performance camshafts. That year, Iskenderian established Isky Racing Cams in a modest shop at 5977 Washington Boulevard in , utilizing the back room of a friend's tool and die company as his initial workspace. The operation began as a small-scale venture dedicated to crafting custom camshafts tailored for hot rodders aiming to boost engine output in vehicles like Ford flatheads.

Expansion and Relocation of Isky Racing Cams

Following the establishment of Isky Racing Cams in , after , the company experienced significant growth that necessitated larger facilities. In 1966, Ed Iskenderian relocated the operation to , where it expanded into a four-building complex spanning over 75,000 square feet. This new plant enabled the employment of more than 100 specialists dedicated to production and related high-performance components. As demand for performance parts surged in the mid-20th century, Isky Racing Cams transitioned from custom grinding—initially handling a few cams per day—to capabilities. By the time of the Gardena move, the facility was producing approximately 50 camshafts daily during peak racing seasons, supported by early adoption of starting in 1963. This shift allowed for broader distribution of standardized high-performance parts while maintaining quality for racing applications. To promote the brand amid this expansion, Iskenderian pioneered the use of promotional T-shirts, establishing an in-house silk-screening operation to distribute them at drag races and events. These items, featuring bold logos and slogans like "Winners use Isky Cams," became an early form of merchandise marketing in the hot rodding community, helping to build widespread recognition. Family involvement deepened the company's , with Ed's sons, Ron and Richard Iskenderian, joining to manage operations in later decades. Under their leadership, Isky Racing Cams has continued to innovate, developing over 100 new cam profiles in recent years to meet evolving demands.

Innovations and Contributions

Camshaft and Valvetrain Developments

Ed Iskenderian pioneered the development of hard-faced overlay at Isky Racing Cams, introducing the industry's first such to enhance lobe durability under high-stress conditions. These camshafts featured a welded overlay of harder material on the lobes, allowing for sustained performance in demanding applications without rapid wear. This innovation was crucial for early hot rodding, where under extreme RPMs was a persistent challenge. Iskenderian's camshafts achieved a groundbreaking milestone by being the first to produce 1 horsepower per in postwar overhead-valve (OHV) V-8 engines running on , specifically in Dodge Hemi configurations. This feat was later extended to 1.3 horsepower per in 283 Chevrolet OHV V-8s, demonstrating the effectiveness of his designs in maximizing power output from stock-based architectures. These accomplishments set new benchmarks for engine efficiency in the 1950s, influencing practices across motorsports. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Iskenderian became the first to employ computers in design, enabling precise profiling that optimized and lift for broader power bands. Notable outcomes included the 5-Cycle cam, a design marketed as incorporating a 'fifth cycle' during valve overlap for smoother operation at high speeds, and the Polydyne Profile 505 Magnum, an advanced lobe shape that reduced noise and vibration while boosting horsepower. He also developed the industry's first hydraulic , paired with anti-pump-up hydraulic lifters that prevented lifter collapse under high RPMs, allowing hydraulic systems to compete with setups in professional . Iskenderian's contributions extended to valvetrain components, where he introduced the Vasco Jet 1000 high-performance valve springs using chrome-vanadium alloy steel to handle extreme lifts and durations without fatigue. He created high-density chilled-iron lifters specifically for supercharged fuel dragsters, providing superior wear resistance in Top Fuel applications. Additionally, Iskenderian produced the first drop-in self-locking roller tappets, which minimized friction and enabled higher rev limits, and developed the initial roller lifter camshafts for Chevrolet small-block V-8s through his Ultra Rev-Kits, revolutionizing valvetrain reliability for that platform.

Industry Leadership and Organizational Roles

Ed Iskenderian played a pivotal role in establishing the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) in 1963, later renamed the Specialty Equipment Market Association, serving as its inaugural president from 1963 to 1964 and guiding the organization through its formative years to represent and promote the industry. As SEMA's first leader, he advocated for of performance parts to ensure compatibility and quality across manufacturers, fostering a unified approach to aftermarket and . His efforts helped create a platform for speed equipment producers to collaborate on industry standards, such as coordinated and kits, which simplified installations for racers and builders. In the 1950s, Iskenderian introduced the first manufacturers' cash contingency awards for , providing small payments to racers in exchange for displaying decals on their , which supported competitors at local tracks and established a foundational model for sponsorship incentives in motorsports. This initiative not only boosted visibility for performance parts but also encouraged broader participation in racing by making it more accessible financially. Iskenderian further promoted the performance aftermarket through innovative marketing, including the early adoption of branded merchandise to cultivate industry culture. In 1949, he pioneered the use of logoed T-shirts for his Bonneville racing team, one of the first instances of such apparel in racing to enhance brand recognition among enthusiasts. These efforts, combined with extensive advertising in publications like Hot Rod magazine, highlighted winning applications of his components and reinforced the value of standardized, high-performance parts in the growing hot rodding community.

Racing Involvement

Personal Racing Activities

Ed Iskenderian's personal racing career began in as a teenager, when he first attended events at Muroc in , a key venue for early hot rodders organized by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA). By the late 1930s, he had built and modified his own vehicles, including a Model T-based powered by a Ford flathead V-8 engine fitted with aftermarket Maxi "F" semi-overhead valve heads and a slingshot intake manifold. This setup achieved an exceptionally high of 13:1 for the era, far exceeding typical stock configurations and enabling competitive performance in speed trials. Iskenderian actively participated in these dry lake meets from 1935 until the U.S. entry into halted activities in 1941, where he tested and refined his builds alongside fellow enthusiasts. Following the war, Iskenderian resumed his racing pursuits, rebuilding his signature 13:1 compression for continued dry lake speed trials at sites like Muroc and El Mirage. In one notable pre-war-adjacent run on , 1942, just before full wartime restrictions, he clocked 120 mph in the Modified class at a WTA El Mirage event, showcasing the potential of his hand-built engine. His hands-on approach emphasized experimentation with components, directly applying lessons from the lakes to his work in racing performance. A testament to his enduring connection to these early efforts, Iskenderian preserved his original 13:1 compression Model T as a historical artifact. This vehicle, completed around 1940 when Iskenderian was 19 and now housed in the NHRA Wally Parks Museum, featured custom modifications including a Vertex magneto and initially a Winfield before he incorporated his own designs. It remains a symbol of hot rodding's foundational spirit.

Sponsorships and Support for Racers

Ed Iskenderian established one of the earliest corporate sponsorships in through a with racer in the late 1950s, providing camshafts and technical support that contributed to Garlits' breakthrough performances. This partnership enabled Garlits to achieve a national record quarter-mile elapsed time of 8.36 seconds using an Isky cam, marking a significant milestone in the sport's evolution in the late 1950s. The long-term backing extended Iskenderian's influence, as Isky Racing Cams supplied components for Garlits' Swamp Rat dragsters, helping push speed and performance barriers in competition. In the 1950s, Iskenderian pioneered manufacturers' cash contingency awards for drag racing, offering financial incentives and parts to winners who displayed Isky decals on their vehicles. This initiative provided ongoing support to local tracks by supplying prizes and components, encouraging grassroots participation and enabling racers to compete affordably in their home regions without relying solely on national events. By the 1960s, these awards had become a standard practice, fostering wider involvement in hot rodding and drag racing communities across the United States. Beyond specific deals, Iskenderian's contributions included supplying high-performance parts for numerous record-setting vehicles in and hot rodding, such as cams that powered engines to 1 horsepower per in postwar OHV V-8s. This parts provision supported teams and individual racers in achieving competitive edges, reinforcing Isky's role in advancing the technical and communal aspects of motorsports from the postwar era onward.

Honors and Legacy

Awards and Recognitions

Ed Iskenderian received numerous accolades throughout his career, recognizing his pioneering contributions to high-performance engine technology and the hot rodding movement. In 1978, he was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame for his foundational role in the aftermarket industry, including his leadership as the organization's first president from 1963 to 1964. Seven years later, in 1985, Iskenderian was honored by Chevrolet as one of its "Legends of ," an elite group acknowledging innovators whose visions and engineering advancements shaped automotive performance. In 2024, he was inducted into the Engine Builder Hall of Fame. Later that year, in December 2024, Iskenderian became one of the inaugural inductees into the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Hall of Fame. These recognitions highlighted Iskenderian's innovations in design and components, which became staples in racing engines and influenced generations of enthusiasts. In 2025, at the age of 103, he was enshrined in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, celebrating his lifelong impact on , dry lake speed trials, and the broader motorsports ecosystem. That year, he was also named a Pioneer of Speed in the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame. Iskenderian's longevity and enduring influence were further commemorated through milestone birthday celebrations. On July 10, 2021, marking his 100th birthday, hundreds of fans, hot rods, and industry figures gathered at events including the Automobile Driving Museum in , to honor the "Camfather" with parades, shows, and tributes to his century of contributions. Four years later, his 104th birthday on July 10, 2025, was feted with a major bash at the Lions Automobilia Foundation Museum, featuring a car show emceed by NHRA driver Jack Beckman, live music, and gatherings of racing legends to salute his vitality and legacy.

Enduring Impact on Motorsports

Ed Iskenderian, affectionately known as "Isky the Camfather," has earned status in the for his pioneering innovations that revolutionized engine performance during the hot rodding era. These designs remain foundational in modern motorsports, with Isky Racing Cams continuing to supply components that influence contemporary high-revving engines in nostalgia dragsters and performance builds. The family's stewardship of Isky Racing Cams ensures the ongoing evolution of Iskenderian's legacy, as sons Ron and have assumed roles while expanding the product line. Ron has engineered over 100 new cam profiles tailored to current demands, while maintains direct engagement with racers through trackside support and technical seminars. Operating from a 75,000-square-foot facility in , the company employs more than 100 specialists and serves a global network of dealers, upholding standards in precision grinding and computer-aided design that Iskenderian introduced decades ago. Iskenderian's broader cultural influence lies in popularizing hot rodding as a mainstream pursuit through innovative promotions that blended engineering with enthusiast culture. He was among the first to advertise extensively in Hot Rod magazine, using full-page spreads to highlight racer successes with his cams and educate on performance tuning, which helped democratize technical knowledge. Additionally, his brokering of the first corporate sponsorship for drag racer Don Garlits fostered a sense of community and aspiration, while his founding role in the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in 1963 established enduring standards for performance engineering and industry collaboration that persist in today's aftermarket ecosystem. Ed Iskenderian passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 104 in Los Angeles, California. His legacy endures through the continued operation of Isky Racing Cams under family stewardship and the lasting influence of his pioneering contributions to motorsports and the automotive aftermarket.

References

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