| Weslake V-12 engine | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Weslake |
| Production | 1966–1992 |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | 60° V-12 |
| Displacement | 3.0–3.5 L (183–214 cu in) |
| Cylinder bore | 72.8–75 mm (2.9–3.0 in) |
| Piston stroke | 56.46–60.3 mm (2.2–2.4 in) |
| Valvetrain | 48-valve, DOHC, four-valves per cylinder |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1-12.5:1 |
| Combustion | |
| Fuel system | Direct fuel injection |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Oil system | Dry sump |
| Output | |
| Power output | 364–630 hp (271–470 kW) |
| Torque output | 243–300 lb⋅ft (329–407 N⋅m)[1] |
The Weslake V12 engine family is a series of four-stroke, 60-degree, naturally-aspirated, V-12 racing engine, designed, developed and produced by Weslake; between 1966 and 1992.[2][3][4][5]
The engine started life Weslake 58, as a naturally aspirated 3-litre 12-cylinder engine developed at Weslake in 1966. The engine had a four-valve cylinder head and a high compression ratio of 12:1. This engine was the first true four-valve engine of the new 3-litre Formula 1 engine formula, in force from 1966. The high-revving racing engine had a high piston speed of 21.1 m/s. Due to the small cylinder spacing, the engine had a long stroke: With a bore of 72.8 mm and a stroke of 60.3 mm, the Weslake 58 was the racing engine with the smallest bore and the longest stroke of its time. In its original form, the engine produced 271 kW (364 hp), which could later be increased to up to 420 hp.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12]
The engine was very light at 175 kg for a 12-cylinder and, at 67.4 cm long, was shorter than any other 1960s 12-cylinder racing engine. While the engine was 12.4 cm longer than the Cosworth V8 engine, it was 20 cm narrower.[citation needed]