Thread: AirSled

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I'm new to this forum,It'looks like I'm going to spend some time figuring this format out....
I've become possessed with this 1963 V12 702 GMC engine powering a unlimited class pylon racer (airplane).The recommended max.RPM is around2500 from the factory.I noticed the stroke is around .08"in. longer than a 350 small block chevy.
Well. .....I am interested in changing what appears to be a boat anchor into a Packard Merlin of sorts.Crazy?maybe but I am going forward with it.
The general scope of this plan is:
1.Custom cast aluminum heads,super charger manifolds,V12 magnetos,machine down balance etc.... parts,aluminum cast timing housing covers etc.... titanium and alloy .........
Very open to conversation and input.Thanks

Those engines, and the V6 version, were a dog in a truck. I wouldn't want to have to rely on a hopped-up one keeping me in the air. It's gonna weigh a ton, even with aluminum heads and all. Why not an aluminum Viper?

Well. ....I am looking at the webbing"block"the oil circulation in design,the torque capacities in relation to prop rpm,500 to max.4000 rpm.the inherent torque/thrust conversions via stress on transfer thru engine core.If I were interested in a hi rpm hi hp motor I would go aluminum block.The702ci weighs wet stock at 1400 lbs.so far with calculated modifications the assembly would weigh out at 817 lbs.Via my wing area/torque/weight conversions this motor has a strong thrust "output"that if built right would make a very nice prop bender.Histories of a dog motor in the 60's is 60's concept.This is 2007,we've come a long ways.I look at the 16v merlin/packard rolls royce from the 1930's;the concept was similar to the model i'm thinking with new technologies via ceramic liners ceramic alloy pistons integrated magneto output controls via altitude density sensor controls. ......
I know I've a long ways to go;but what a challenge.
So do you think it's still crazy or just expensive?

This may sound stoopid....but are you putting this motor in an air vehicle or a ground vehicle ? I obviously know nothing about planes...

702ci and 12 cylinders sounds pretty cool (on the street)...

A couple of 502's would be lighter and more reliable and have way more power and torque, even at 2500 rpm or so.
You're right, we've come a long way. Why tie yourself to a 1950 design that was mediocre to begin with? Talk to anyone that drove something with one of these engines in it. Slow, uneconomical, and unreliable. Really nothing going for it.