May I Introduce...The Straight 12 Engine

"Osiris - I can haz Euro spec?" (o51r15) 08/06/2013 at 12:01 • Filed to: May I Introduce

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So when I put out there that I wanted to start a new blog, identifying and detailing some of Oppo's and Jalopnik's favorite cars/trucks/engines/thing's that go, one of the first suggestions I got was about an straight 12 engine. That was a suggestion submitted by Alex Murel, Philosopher and I told him that I actually had no idea a straight 12 was ever even made (I did, however, automatically assume it was something insane by Lamborghini). So I did a little research and it turns out, it was!

Obviously a straight 12 would be an incredibly long engine so it's no surprise when they where not really used in normal vehicles. In fact, and this is what piqued my interest the most, they were more commonly used in military vehicles. As I looked, I couldn't really find anywhere that would tell me which military vehicles used the straight 12 but I can guess that it's probably something with two tracks instead of four tires.

The engine pictured above is the 1905 Wolseley straight-12. A 360 hp, gas or oil boat engine. A beast if you will. Imagine that damage that someone could do with that much engine. I wonder was Hennessey could do to it. I know it's not his normal V8 but with a "little" fab work, he could probably find a way to beat a Bugatti with it.

I also found this. The Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C. This is another straight 12 engine that is most commonly used in large container ships. It's currently considered the largest reciprocating engine in the world. Designed and manufactured by Wärtsilä in Finland, this is a 2-stroke, turbocharged, low speed diesel engine. According to Wiki, it stands at 13.5 meters (44 ft) high, is 26.59 m (87 ft) long, and weighs over 2300 tonnes. And here's a picture of its pistons:

And here's a picture I found while searching for pictures of this engine:

It made me laugh despite being a DeLorean and not a Honda.

Suggester: Alex Murel, Philosopher

Image Credit: Google Images

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:10

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Crank

shaft

whip

jacknifetoaswan > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:11

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Pique. It piqued your interest. I did not peak or peek your interest.

Is this what passes for journalism, these days?

UKPDXWRX > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:13

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Boost Gauge!

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 12:13

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You do realize that I'm doing this as a hobby. I am not a journalist. I am an Airman.

jacknifetoaswan > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:13

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Pique. It piqued your interest. It did not peak or peek your interest.

Is this what passes for journalism, these days?

4typhive > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:14

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That's insane!

mkevin88 > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 12:16

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oppo is not written by Jalopnik writers

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:16

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IIRC, Wärtsilä goes all the way up to a 14. Fascinating machines, have you seen the oil supply systems they use and the fact that the stroke operates with two pieces? There's a long drive rod and a secondary rod connected to that.

Professor-Lavahot > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 12:16

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You should ask for your money back.

SasquatchElvis > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 12:17

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This is Oppo, not the regular Jalopnik. Chillax

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > 4typhive 08/06/2013 at 12:18

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Right? I had no idea that someone developed a straight 12. Learn something new every day.

theboyracer > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:18

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Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C covered at http://jalopnik.com/the-worlds-ten… and offered in up to strait-14 versions.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Raphael Orlove > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:19

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I once scoured the Internet in search of an automotive I-12s and found that there were indeed two examples of planned I-12s, but no evidence of the two engines actually existing.

The first, most well-known (not that it's saying much) was a proposed Packard I12. Some people claim to have pictures of the engine (above), but it's more likely that they're looking at poorly-assessed I6s.

The lesser-known example is a Voisin I-12. Built out of two I6 blocks mushed together back in the 1930s. There is one image (above) that could possibly a photograph of the engine, but it's hard to tell.

The car the engine was in (annoyingly called the V12L) was reportedly only on display once at the 1936 Paris Auto Show, and the hood was welded shut. Not exactly a strong indication that the engine ever got past the drafting stage.

There's a bit more info on this page of the H.A.M.B.

I just wanted to add that. The idea to look into marine engines was inspired! Great post, man.

LAbornTXraised > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:19

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Win^

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Raphael Orlove 08/06/2013 at 12:22

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When I was searching, a number of places were talking about the Voisin I-12. But a few people dismissed it based on the fact that they called it the V12L. Me, being one of those people, saw the "V" and assumed it was in a V formation and not straight. Thanks!

Slave2anMG > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 08/06/2013 at 12:23

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SasquatchElvis > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:25

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I think that picture of the Delorean would be far better served with the caption "Where we're going, we don't need roads!"

cwestwell > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 12:28

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No but this passes for Kinja Blogs and user generated content that helps to make Jalop as great as it is.

So chill out.

skippytheduck2 > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:30

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Automotive engineering is all a matter of balance. By adding more cylinders they are effectively reducing the length of the crankshaft. When we get to the I36 the differential will bolt directly to the output shaft of the transmission and there will be almost NO driveline flex. Well, aside from that coming from the crankshaft, of course.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Raphael Orlove 08/06/2013 at 12:34

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That Voisin is badass.

I feel that the Maybach Exelero is modern interpretation of the same styling.

npaladin2000 > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:34

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SO what's redline on these monstrosities? 500 RPM?

Jaaag Hartley > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 12:37

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this is oppo, this isn't professional journalism it is enthusiasts telling other enthusiasts about what they love. Get the stick out of your arse and lighten up

Anon > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 12:39

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Oh no guys! Someone made a minor typo on an internet forum!

Party-vi > Raphael Orlove 08/06/2013 at 12:41

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+1,000 Internets for the HAMB reference!

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > Slave2anMG 08/06/2013 at 12:41

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Err...no.

I meant, "In particular, a phenomenon referred to as "crankshaft whip," caused by the effects of centrifugal force on the crank throws at high engine rpm , could cause physical contact between the connecting rods and crankcase walls, leading to the engine's destruction. As a result, the design has been displaced almost completely by the shorter V8 engine configuration."

Ntovorni > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 12:41

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Maybe. You're what passes as overreacting.

Ntovorni > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:43

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Is there a photo of what the turbo looks like on that freighter engine? Has to be ginormous. But probably boost at such low RPMs!!

Anon > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:44

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Just imagine how long that crankshaft would be!

SDecks > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:45

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I read this, and all it made me think was: "If you can build an engine with 12 cylinders inline, why not a V-24! ALL THE CYLINDERZ!

Slave2anMG > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 08/06/2013 at 12:49

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I know I know...you just, um, beat me to it :)

I have a 4 cylinder engine with only three main bearings...little suckers can get crank whip at times...

superg914, now with V-Strom > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 12:57

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When I was younger, I remember being at some type of show where people gathered with old steam engines, antique farm equipment and other types of brass-era and pre-WW2 vehicles. There was an old fire truck that had a straight 12 engine. I didn't know what it was at the time, but I remember that it looked awesome (because firetruck). A perfunctory Google image search didn't yield any results, but I'm sure there are pictures out there.

eNZo288 > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 12:58

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By all means, correct English, but do you have to be a dick about it? Your first sentence, while a bit snippy and smug, is ok. The second makes you look like an asshole.

Unless this is a troll, in which case, well done!

Jon > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 13:02

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While we're on the topic of inline engines, am I the only one who has the recurring fantasy to win the lotto, but the rights/patents to an old straight-8 (or more!) engine and update it with modern components/manufacturing techniques? Then maybe drop it into something...anything, really...just because?

I am? I'll see myself out.

TomTom > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 13:07

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TFA!

CO-OCD > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 13:07

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VTEC Mod, lol?

Rick Neal > Raphael Orlove 08/06/2013 at 13:21

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Extracted from Wikipedia: All World War II-era U.S. Navy PT (Patrol Torpedo) boats were powered by three 12- cylinder gasoline-fueled engines . These engines were built by the Packard Motor Car Company, and were a modified design of the 3A-2500 V-12 liquid-cooled aircraft engine. Their aircraft roots gave them many features of aircraft engines, such as superchargers , intercoolers , dual magnetos , two spark plugs per cylinder, and so on. The final engine version, the Packard 5M-2500, (late 1945) had a larger supercharger, aftercooler, and power output of 1850 hp!

Raphael Orlove > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 13:24

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yeah, the V stands for Voisin and the L is for inline.

Bfil > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 13:26

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Did Duesenberg made a Straight 16 engine?

Or was the numer of valves of their V8...

Can't remember

93Siro > SDecks 08/06/2013 at 13:39

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Agreed. Needs MOAR banks..

Poundingsand > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 13:49

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But were you entertained by the article?

Because I was.

Poundingsand > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 13:53

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If I stretch the front of my E46, I can probably make this fit...hmmm.

M54B30 > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 14:17

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Well, then... May I introduce to you my motor boner

MentalMechanic > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 14:48

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How about the 12 rotor engine

Axial > SDecks 08/06/2013 at 15:22

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Aero racing is the best...

mallthus > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 15:27

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I say 48 cylinders and we're done.

Union of Smog Techs of CA > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 15:37

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Can we do flat 8s tomorrow?

H4N5 GRU83R > SDecks 08/06/2013 at 15:40

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ZIM ZALLA BIM!

FEC > Raphael Orlove 08/06/2013 at 16:01

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I think you are right to dismiss the Voisin engine on the grounds that there is little or no evidence that it was ever a running, let alone developed, engine.

The actual car on the otherhand, my god what a masterpiece.

lkraft97 > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 16:45

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How about this straight 12. I know a guy that has a modified pulling tractor with an Allison 12 in it, but its not a V anymore. He cut it down the middle and put the two banks of 6 cylinders end to end to create a straight 12. Then he has a 6 turbo setup on it too. Two turbos feed into four turbos, then into the engine. He has been working on it for 2 years and is still trying to get it running right.

Raphael Orlove > FEC 08/06/2013 at 16:59

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oh hell yeah - Voisins rule.

BigGatorChris > Anon 08/06/2013 at 17:02

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Only it's not a typo, it's the wrong fucking word, and makes the sentence mean absolute gibberish.

Anon > BigGatorChris 08/06/2013 at 17:24

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I think you made the big mistake of thinking that anyone really cares on here. You do realize this is just a forum post and not an article written by a paid writter right?

ja9ae > Jon 08/06/2013 at 17:59

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There's at least you & me my friend! There's nothing I'd like to see more than a 2-litre straight-8 in my hand built sports car.

jacknifetoaswan > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 18:55

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My apologies to you. I was on my phone, and didn't notice that this was on Oppo. I guess I'm just so used to seeing the 'journalists' on Gawker sites that have no interest in proofreading that it stirred up a case of the angries.

So, seriously, my bad. Carry on with good content!

jacknifetoaswan > Anon 08/06/2013 at 18:56

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Like I said in my reply, it was my bad. I was on my phone, and thought this was mainline Jalop. I get the angries when I read Gawker sites, because it seems like all their paid writers can't take two seconds to edit their posts before hitting the 'Submit' button.

jacknifetoaswan > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 18:57

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Also, thank you for your service! What's your rate?

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 19:35

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Assuming by rate you mean my grade, I'm an E-4 in the US Air Force.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 19:35

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Assuming by rate you mean my grade, I'm an E-4 in the US Air Force.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > jacknifetoaswan 08/06/2013 at 19:36

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Assuming by rate you mean my grade, I'm an E-4 in the US Air Force.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Anon 08/06/2013 at 19:36

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I wish I was a paid writer. That'd be awesome!

Anon > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 19:52

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Don't we all! Lol

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Anon 08/06/2013 at 19:54

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Probably wouldn't even have to go to an office. Just wake up and write. Then play Forza. Then write. Then eat and play more games and then maybe write a little more. Yea. I could do that.

NathanLoiselle > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 19:57

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Moar Turbo!!

NathanLoiselle > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 19:57

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Moar Turbo!!

TeamWoodsy > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 19:58

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May I suggest new engines to feature. First the Napier Nomad a flat 12 4,000 hp turbo compounded two stroke axial flow diesel passenger plane engine that never made it into production. Or the Napier Deltic a three cranked opposed piston engine that was 88 liters and used in PTF boats look at the site PTFnasty. or the Napier Lion which I think was just a german Junkers Jumo that the british aquired designs for after taking then from ze Germans after the end of WWI.

shuvool > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/06/2013 at 21:33

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If you like large internal combustion engines, I encourage you to take a look at the Fairbanks Morse 38 8 1/8 dielsel engine that's in US submarines. It's a 12 cyliner opposed piston (so 24 pistons) engine that powers the backup generator in the event that you can't use reactor power. This thing is quite large, and although there are many more modern and larger engines, this thing is still a beast, and a piece of history (they've been around since the late 40's I think)

boost_retard > Ntovorni 08/06/2013 at 23:11

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Probably something like this:

boost_retard > Anon 08/06/2013 at 23:13

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No need to imagine:

GBond > boost_retard 08/07/2013 at 00:42

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I want that in my car!

Ntovorni > boost_retard 08/07/2013 at 09:04

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ahh. I remember seeing this photo now. Thing is huge....hugely awesome!

Jon > ja9ae 08/07/2013 at 09:18

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Yes, exactly! Or, an 8-liter straight-8 in my hand built 30's styled GT.

GatorE46M3 > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/07/2013 at 10:07

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Here's a nice easter egg for big engines. Fairbanks and Morse still makes them....

http://www.fairbanksmorsenuclear.com/engine_opposed…

jacknifetoaswan > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 08/07/2013 at 22:34

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Well, I guess I really meant...what do you do? I'm more familiar with the Navy, who assigns their billets based on rate...

Hydrochloric > Jon 08/09/2013 at 03:25

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I mean, it's not truly a sports car, but our 1932 Buick Series 50 has a 263CI straight-8 with four SU carbs and (soon) a custom made speedster body.

Jon > Hydrochloric 08/09/2013 at 09:19

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That, sir, is awesome. Interesting choice of SU carbs, I haven't seen them in use on American engines much. Which is too bad, because they're a nice, relatively simple and straightforward carb. Do you know what size they are?

Hydrochloric > Jon 08/09/2013 at 22:28

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I don't know exactly what size they are, but I do know they're off of Triumph Stags. I also don't have a great image ATM, but I have this one.

I'll get a better one tomorrow, maybe.

Jon > Hydrochloric 08/10/2013 at 17:24

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You, sir, have made my day. Very cool. According to what I know of Triumphs (which is little; I'm an MG guy), the Stag used HS6 or, later, HIF6 SU carbs.

The HS6 is a common upgrade for MG and Austin Healey engines, as they have a larger throat (1.75" vs. 1.5" of the stock HS4, like on my MGB).

Hydrochloric > Jon 08/12/2013 at 14:37

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I wish I remembered more, but it's my father's project. '32 Buick Series 50 (the small 8) with a custom speedster body made mostly from other period cars' fenders. He's building it to run the Great Race TSD rally. I ran once in the VW you see in the background, he ran three times in his '61 Imperial Convertible, and next year I'll be joining in my '50 Hudson Commodore.

We have weird tastes.

Jon > Hydrochloric 08/12/2013 at 15:36

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Not weird at all. We're a TSD family, too (and stage rally as well), but we're so far away from The Great Race that it isn't even an option for us to enter, really. We have weird tastes, though they run British — I have a '71 MGB GT and a '46 Dodge truck, Dad has a '70 MGB GT, '59 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite, and no less than 3 Saab 96 2-strokers (a '65 and two '67s). My brother at one point in time owned a sweet '61 23-window bus, but he sold it years ago, before the prices skyrocketed. He should have kept it, it was sweet.

Well, good luck on The Great Race this year!

Hydrochloric > Jon 08/12/2013 at 19:22

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Far away? That's odd. The recent revivals done by Coker have mostly been East coast, but before that they were cross country. I'm surprised none were near enough.

It's not just the old cars... '04 XJR, '00 Impreza 2.5RS/C (M62 Supercharged!), '96 Roadmaster Wagon for towing, '83 944 track rat, my dad's '71 Lotus Elan +2 S130... I guess it's not weird so much as it is orphan. The Lotus is one of about 20 in the country, the RS is one of about 20... Oddballs, that's the word. :D

Was the 23-window an ex-school bus?

Jon > Hydrochloric 08/13/2013 at 09:26

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Yeah, back when they were cross-country, it was tempting but budget and time from work were a problem. Now that I have the budget, and a job with an extremely flexible schedule, they're all back East. Figures.

The 23 window was actually of the VW variety, and was an awesome way to get to school (my brother bought it just after he graduated high school and while I was still in, so he'd take me to school in it sometimes). But I don't think it qualifies as a school bus. :)

I have a feeling our families would get along. The rest of my family are Subaru nuts, though that won't erase the fact that they own 3 Mazda 323 GTXs (two rally cars, and one parts car). That Elan sounds fantastic, I'd love to drive something like that.

Hydrochloric > Jon 08/16/2013 at 20:10

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Ooops, took a while getting back here.

I suspect we would get along, yep. I know I would be begging for a go in one of the rally GTX's...

And because the chassis sits on the lift and I needed it to replace brake lines on my 944 yesterday, I got some more pictures of it.

Oh, and for good measure I had to run it around, so...

The iPhone mic really can't pick up the amount of vibration that thing puts through your chest, though...

Jon > Hydrochloric 08/17/2013 at 17:51

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That thing sounds amazing! Great, now I need to go trolling Craigslist for something with a straight 8...

Hydrochloric > Jon 08/17/2013 at 18:00

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40's anything, pretty much. The body and the torque...

Jon > Hydrochloric 08/18/2013 at 16:50

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Wonder what dual SUs would sound like on the flathead 6 in my '46 Dodge...

Hydrochloric > Jon 08/18/2013 at 23:03

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OOOOOOOOOOSH.

...that doesn't come through in text so well.

Jon > Hydrochloric 08/19/2013 at 12:14

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ROFL, nice!

Little tiny Tim tim > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 02/08/2017 at 02:51

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The P-51 Mustang was originally prototyped with a straight 12, the first production model of the p-51 had been literally cut back to eight cylinders (they seriously cut the blocks down to eight cylinders)

Little tiny Tim tim > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 02/08/2017 at 02:59

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How about this: Have Ford Revive the ‘68 Shelby fastback GT500KR WITH a six speed manual or a 12 speed auto trans, a very efficient(weight to hp) V-8 with twin turbos and supers and fuel injectors putting out a modest 650 hp. Sandbags anyone? With an updated interior.

Warning label reads: “WARNING: DO NOT SKIP GEARS, MAY CAUSE WHEEL LUGS TO SHEER”

427 > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 09/23/2020 at 22:08

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Lets go straight 16 ! ! ! !