http://www.engineswapdepot.com/?p=2673

Is it really this simple?

Not really. Well, cutting & welding is, but getting alignment spot-on between all components isn't 'finger-snap' easy.

What about a V16 instead?

Same issue, no? IMO, a lot of people seem to think that 'cutting & welding' 2 -say- V6s together just wham-O-presto makes a V12.

The link just ran parts thru a bandsaw then welded them. Let's see it run, and run well.

how long before that crank weld goes?

Generally speaking; a correctly executed weld is stronger than the steel pieces it joins. Cranks, however, are solid- it would be very challenging to get it re-welded solid, and dimensionally accurate after that.
IMO, the slightest runout on the rotating assembly is equally troublesome.

Different idea, but Isn't the Falconer V12 based on SBC architecture?

^ http://www.falconerengines.com/faq.php?faq=falconer_v12

Thought this one was quite pertinent :

• Is the Falconer V12 just two blocks welded together?
• Absolutely not. The block, crank girdle, heads, valve covers and intake manifold are dedicated castings. These parts are cast aluminum, although a cast magnesium intake manifold was produced for aviation variants of the Falconer V12. Only the prototype engine was constructed by welding the necessary components together.

For reliable, repeatable results, no production (even semi-production as Falconer) is going to cut & weld anything together. An intake, say, is one thing- no moving parts, easily machined (still more expensive to do it that way). Cranks, cams & blocks (where moving parts are installed) - no. Too inefficient, too high a factor of inefficiency of operation / durability.

It's like casting cams & cranks in aluminum, just because all your heads & blocks are AL and you had the material right there.

Interesting 2-page message board topic on AL cranks : http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/aluminum-crankshaft-120596.html

Edited May 10, 201312 yr by balthazar