Pelle Söderström is a very talented engineer in Sweden. He always loved building things since he was a boy and dreamed one day of building a custom vehicle called “1934 Herkules” inspired from 1930’s designs. Pelle started on the project by building the world’s first 8.1 L inline-sixteen. At the core of the engine is four Volvo 2.0 L B20 inline-four motors. Pelle cut the Volvo blocks so they sit very close to each other with custom spacers between them. Each crank drives a chain attached to a single shaft below the engines that outputs to a Muncie SM465 four-speed manual transmission. The engine uses two distributors and four Stromberg carburetors. Pelle estimates the engine weighs 1873 lb (850 kg) and makes 260 hp (191 kW) and 501 lb-ft (680 Nm) of torque with a 3,000 rpm limit.
Source: Sweet16.se via Calle
So… it has an 80% parasitic power loss? Combined power for totally stock engines should be 400-500hp.
If he’s going for a true 1930s vintage style build, the lower hp number is reasonable. He’s gone with a very old base engine and is limiting it to 3000rpm. Also, with the type of carbs and style of build, he seems to be going more for torque than horsepower.
I can see your point about parasitic loss, though. It’s not the best setup. However, you have to keep in mind that hp isn’t necessarily additive. So even with 4 engines that make 100hp each, you probably won’t end up with 400hp.
One way or the other, this is f*cking cool.
Did you not read the 3000 rpm limit? Rotational mass and chain driven shaft are limiting factors. If he could rev to 6000 rpm the hp figures would much higher.
If the last photo is his rendition of the auto he wants to install his engine into he needs a little more bonnet. It doesn’t appear long enough to cram this monster under.
@Zedd,
“Each crank drives a chain attached to a single shaft below the engines that outputs to a Muncie SM465 four-speed manual transmission. ”
I think that is where he loses a lot of his overall H.P.
The lower HP number is likely mostly from the lower RPM limit. HP=(TQxRPM)/5252 so if you limit the RPM you limit the HP. Assuming the torque is fairly flat, spinning the engine at 6k would give you more like 400-450hp.
I agree Mike. What I think the practical thinkers are saying is that it isn’t very efficient. Who cares! He has designed, engineered and carefully built something very unique and interesting. Sure beats drinking your life away in a bar. If he gets the car built too, then bravo. However, I think it would make an ideal boat engine.