Moto Guzzi Grand Prix 500 cc V8

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The 500 cc V8 Grand Prix was designed by Giulio Cesare Carcano, built for Moto Guzzi racing from 1955 to 1957.

[edit] The Grand Prix 500 cc V8

This V8 engine is unique, because, even though there was a Galbusera V8 in 1938, it was a two stroke engine. The Guzzi V8 was a four stroke. Conceived in 1954 and raced through 1957, as Guzzi's mount for the 500 cc World Championship. It weighed 148 kg (326 lb). The 1958 tyres had difficulty coping with the horsepower, even with the Guzzi's unusual 20 inch rear tyre, there were carburetion problems when cornering, short conrod life, and the handling was questionable, requiring a skilled rider. In initial testing it produced 62 bhp (46 kW), and by 1957 it was producing 82 bhp (61 kW). It was not yet fully developed when Moto Guzzi withdrew from racing in October 1957.^[1]

[edit] Specifications

• Engine: 4 stroke V8
• Cylinders: 8
• Cooling: liquid cooled
• Camshaft: 2 DOHC
• Capacity: 499 cc (44 x 41 mm)
• Power output: 78 hp at 12000 rpm
• Carburettors: 8 Dell'Orto 20 mm carburettors
• Gearbox: choice of 4, 5 or 6 gears
• Brakes: drum
• Front tyre: 2.75" x 19"
• Back tyre 3.00" x 20"
• Weight: 148 kg
• Maximum speed: 275 km/h^[2]

[edit] Sources