Thanks Stan C.. Yep, I prefer to steer away from V-12's because of my biases based on others' neg. experience, and it also seems that usually the 12's are undersquare (stroke dim. greater than bore dim., is this the case with the 5.0 ?)which results in relatively higher piston speeds and hence accelerated wear, not to mention a higher internal friction, but, the added valves clearly make up for it.

The 8's are more appealing, and I'll have to delve a little deeper.

Thanks again.

EEEK! I'm violatin' my own principles...

But since you asked.....

I'm not an engine builder or expert on engine mechanics (driving's a different story and I have the SCCA trophies to prove it), but it seems to me that the idea of trying to get more RPM from the 850 engine is foolish. You're stuck with a two valve per cylinder head, so you can't get enough air/fuel into the bore even if you could boost the top RPM. The only alternative is to use the Mclaren F1 heads (4 valve) which, as we've discussed before, would be nearly impossible and horribly expensive if tried. As you know, there are other ways of getting more HP/Torque out of the 8's (which is your ultimate goal, right?).

Now, if you are truly interested in a V12, drive some different examples. I think you'll find that the 8's are unique, wonderful to drive and have a very different character than the Italian 12's.

Stan C.