Unless you're into model cars (like, really into them) you may not have heard of Conley Precision Engines. That's a shame.
Why? Because they build the Stinger 609, the world's smallest supercharged four-stroke V-8 engine, which has finally entered production.
At just 6.09 cubic inches (hence the name), or nearly 100 cc, it's a very small displacement V-8. Despite the small displacement, the engine revs to 10,000 rpm and produces 9 horsepower.
At just 14 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 10 inches tall (with the supercharger), the highly miniaturized V-8 weighs just 11.25 pounds. The entire engine is custom designed and built by Conley, with painstaking attention to detail and a surprisingly public development process documented in the official build log.
Unlike many of the alternatives in the quarter-scale model world, the Stinger 609 looks, sounds, and runs almost exactly like a full-size V-8. Unfortunately, that level of realism and excellence will run you $7,000 per.
Does this have any practical value for anyone outside the model car (or perhaps the go-kart/scooter modifying) realm? No. But it's awesome, and we want one just to put on our desk and scare the pets.
Check out the video above for a quick walkthrough and test of the engine on the bench, and the video below for some more great sights and sounds of the tiny V-8
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1079555_stinger-609-worlds-smallest-four-stroke-v-8-enters-production
