The BRM H16 Engine: A Genius but Flawed Design

TLDRThe BRM H16 engine was a genius design on paper, with more power and better weight distribution than other engines. However, in reality, it was plagued with reliability issues and added excessive weight to the car.

Key insights

🔥The BRM H16 engine was a unique design with two flat-eight engines stacked together, forming a 'H' shape.

⚙️The engine had complex features, including eight camshafts, 16 throttle bodies, and 64 valves.

💥Reliability was a major issue for the BRM H16 engine, with frequent engine failures and blown cylinders.

⚖️The engine added excessive weight and raised the car's center of gravity, negatively impacting its handling.

🚀Despite its flaws, the BRM H16 engine could rev up to 10,500 RPM and produced an impressive sound.

Q&A

Why did BRM choose to design the H16 engine?

BRM chose the H16 engine design to achieve higher power output and better weight distribution compared to V12 engines.

What were the main challenges faced with the BRM H16 engine?

The BRM H16 engine faced challenges related to reliability, excessive weight, and unfavorable handling due to its high center of gravity.

How did the BRM H16 engine perform in races?

The BRM H16 engine had a low success rate, with numerous engine failures and retirements from races.

Did the BRM H16 engine have any unique features?

Yes, the BRM H16 engine had unique features such as two flat-eight engines stacked together, eight camshafts, and 16 throttle bodies.

What was the maximum RPM the BRM H16 engine could achieve?

The BRM H16 engine could rev up to an impressive 10,500 RPM.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The BRM H16 engine was a unique design with two flat-eight engines stacked together, forming a 'H' shape.

03:08The engine had complex features, including eight camshafts, 16 throttle bodies, and 64 valves.

07:13Reliability was a major issue for the BRM H16 engine, with frequent engine failures and blown cylinders.

09:43Despite its flaws, the BRM H16 engine could rev up to 10,500 RPM and produced an impressive sound.