Ed Donovan (1928–1989), commonly called "The Mole" (or "Pachy"),[1] was an American racing engine and parts builder.
Donovan, along with Leo Goossen, built the first two-disk racing clutch, the first titanium valves (for which Nicholson was his first customer), and other gear.
[10] He developed the aluminum hemi to overcome the tendency of 392 cu in (6,420 cc) Chryslers, then used by Top Fuel racers (many of them friends and customers of his), to crack their iron blocks.
[13] Donovan also built the only aluminum-block aftermarket copy of the 350 cu in (5,700 cc) small-block Chevy to successfully finish the Indianapolis 500.
[15] Donovan made little money on his developments, despite the fact the aluminum hemi becoming the effective standard drag racing engine for a generation.