BRM British Racing Motors V16

This compressor charged 16 cylinder engine from 1951 was competing in Formula 1. It is a 1.5 litre engine producing 600 bhp (450 kW).

[edit] Technical data

Cylinders: V16
RPM: 12000
Displacement 1487.76 cc
Power 410.1 kW (549.9 bhp)
Dry sump 50 to 70 lbf/in³
135 degree V16 alloy cylinder block and crankcase. Cast iron wet liners.
Bore 49.53 mm (1.95 in)
Stroke 48.26 mm (1.90 in)
Fuel system Rolls Royce two-stage centrifugal supercharger with two 3 in (76 mm). SU carburettors. 5.7 bar maximum boost.
Fuel Petrol/alcohol fuel
Ignition Lucas coil, later four Lucas magnetos. One spark plug per cylinder
Valve gear 2 valves per cylinder @ 80 degrees with twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, via gear train from the centre of the crankshaft. Hairpin valve springs.
Inlet valves 1.25 in (32 mm)
Exhaust valves 1.09 in (28 mm)
Crankshaft Counterbalanced two piece with 8 plain bearings & 2 main roller bearings. (Later 10 plain bearings.)

In Raymond Mays' book, he claimed the following power curve with the 4.0:1 supercharger (5.7 ata):

He also stated that at Albi 1953, Fangio's V16 had a claimed 72 psi boost (4.9 ata) and 585 bhp (436 kW) @ 11,800 rpm. He reached 186 mph (299 km/h).

Tony Rudd's book showed a power curve peaking at 612 bhp (456 kW).

The great power was not a guarantee for success:

Stirling Moss refused to drive the BRM because of its performance.

A BRM V16 was once owned by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason. He has subsequently sold this car.