TOPIC: The V12 Project

After many hours of research, planning, engineering and cussing, I have managed to fabricate an adapter that converts my 1947 American-LaFrance V12 J engine to a Velvet Drive transmission. I had to go with a Crusader aluminum bellhousing in order to get the starter high and to the rear...wouldn't fit against the block. Everything had to be ultra-precise. Incredibly, it is! There's still a lot of work to be done to finish the engine but the hard part is done. Now all I need is a boat for it. Unless a good candidate comes along, I may just drop it into the 1951 Chris Craft sedan.

I've decided not to go the high stack/6 carb route. I found a pair of NOS ALF carbs on Ebay (don't you just love it) so I'll go with the stock set-up. However, with just a 7.2 compression ratio, this engine is begging for a supercharger. Wouldn't you know it...I just happen to have a vintage McCulloch VS-57 sitting on the shelf. Stay tuned.....

You and the V12 have my full attention! What might be your top 2 or 3 boat candidates?

#1 Ideally, a mahogany "longdeck"...engine in front, driver in back.
#2 A utility that I could convert to a racer
#3 The 1951 CC sedan I already own

It will probably end up in the sedan.

Remarkable,itsa work of art,,dont waste iton just any boat,,Id leave it show room for a while great job Bill

Probably a dumb question, but... How are you going to watercool the exhaust manifold?
Best,
Larry

I have no words.... You are brilliant ! Your vision must come from those big green eyes !
That is one beautiful motor, and I'm sure the boat will be even better !
You set the bar so high, the Empire State Building doesn't have to duck to get under it !
I am not worthy !

Probably dumb questions, but... How are you going to watercool the exhaust manifold? That's a one-to-one ratio transmission, what is the rpm range of the engine?
Best,
Larry

Simple solution...I'm not going to water cool the manifolds but I'll run water into the exhaust pipes right after the manifolds. The engine will be out in the open; no cover/too pretty. The max RPM is 3600 which is similar to a Chris Craft Model M engine but the V12 has 215 HP plus a whole lot more torque. A supercharger will increase HP substantially. I'll have to experiment with prop pitch to maximize cruise speed at 3,000 RPM.

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob

that would fit really nice in a volksboat!!!!

Making some progress. I've added the McCulloch supercharger and an electric fuel pump. Still waiting to receive the spark plug pipes I sent off to be re-chromed so I can complete the wiring/timing. I'm using a Sherwood raw water pump from a Mercruiser big block and I've added a (chrome) 140 amp alternator to supplement the original generator. A few sub-assemblies are holding things up but I should have everything (except the spark plug pipes) by the end of the week. This puppy has 24 spark plugs and takes 12 quarts of oil...I'm going broke!

Sweet!! You did increase the fuel pump to put out 26 gallons p/minute wot right?
Does it take av gas? How about a video of her running on the stands when your finished. That would be a treat.
Nice wirk Jan.

Outstanding as usual! I'm with Call, let's hear that puppy when you fire it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob

You guys think I'll actually be able to make it RUN? I thought it was just an "engine stand queen." Well OK...I'll see what I can do but I'll need another month. This is a spare time project. I just spent an hour figuring out what size belt I need for the supercharger. All I had to go by was the original LaFrance Gates V belts...with an obsolete number. I need one 10" smaller. I finally found one listed under belts for a bus!

Should have asked me. I have a parts warehouse that more than likely has what you need.

For those of you who are following this crazy project, here's an update. I bought a 100' spool of vintage, cloth-covered, multi-strand copper, spark plug wire for the four coils and 24 spark plugs. I worked on wiring the engine all day Saturday and seems that I'm 12' short! (I ordered the 12' tonight) It already looks like an octopus and I have two more wires to add. After that, she's done.







Here she is "As Received"

Holy smokes! Looking good from this end. Where else does the remaining 12' of wire go?
Are you gunna put that two blade propeller up front again? Even if it's raw water cooled that fan blade with sharpened edges would make a good finger slicer for the curious onlookers.
I see the original had a double pulley off the balancer. Think a single belt will be ok?
So many questions but she's looking maahvellous.

It would be nice in the sedan but wouldn't get the attention it deserves.

A long deck racer, up front motor would be too practical and ordinary.

With your expertise I think you will be converting a wood 20' utility, balance it out and make it look pretty.

The last 12' will wire plugs 2 and 4, left bank. (The two missing on the lower distributor) Single belt should work fine. It only drives the water circulation pump which in turn will drive the supercharger. Originally, there were two belts "just in case." On a fire engine, reliability is everything. Yes, an 18'-20' 1940s utility would be ideal...but I don't have one. The S22 sedan is actually a utility hull (U22) with a cabin. I could convert it but it would be criminal to do so. For right now, the V12 will be a display item. Maybe I'll find a boat; maybe I'll sell the engine. Who knows.

Absolutely outstanding as usual! Yeah would be great in the sedan but yeah don't want to chop that up to fit it. I'm sure you'll find something good to put her in.

Bob

That looks fantastic!!! Very nice work!!!