Efficent engine-Inline 6 vs V6

"you wouldnt happen to be a gratefull dead fan would you....?Or perhaps a mac user? "

The first part of that statement I can understand,but the second part ?
I am insulted

 

[stosil]

Im sorry roger hehe well im glad you atleast got the first part.Ive seen some nice vw buses at this montly vw meet here in la.I think some guys secretly live out of them.

 

"I think some guys secretly live out of them. "

Where do you think I am posting from now ?

 

[Lucky]

Originally posted by: stosil
What do you mean your cousins non inline 4 engine?Theres no such thing as a v4 for automobiles.Every v6 i can think of today puts out a minimum of 200hp.Hondas cars such as the accord v6.Fords taurus and mustang.Nissan,Toyota, and chevy.

Mercury Cougar is just one that puts out less than 200 hp.

 

[Doggiedog]

Isn't there a wimpy little V6 engine in the Mazda MX3 that has a lot less than 200HP?

 

[Flaredair]

The V-6 is vastly superior to a In-Line 6 when discussing torsional vibrations due to there short, sturdy crankshafts. Engine designers are always battling this problem with the inherently long, flexible crankshaft of the In-Line 6. That is one reason why you don't see any In-Line 8 engines in modern day automobilies.

Note: Torsional vibrations are not mechanical vibrations and often go undetected. However, torsional vibrations will shear bolts, snap shafts and lead to ultimate failure.

 

[ElFenix]

V8s are also far better balanced naturally than a V6, which requires a couple of balance shafts (which rob power). I6 or F6 don't have that problem. but fitting either of those into an engine compartment is hard. take a look inside a trailblazer, the engine is mounted diagonally. BMW manages to do it but then their hoods seem a bit longer than your average camry or taurus.

as for power, most 3 liter V6s make ~200HP assuming they're DOHC or have fancy engine control mechanisms. ford makes a rather bulletproof 3 liter 155HP V6 called the vulcan, it gets good mileage and is inexpensive to manufacture. doesn't wind up like the 200HP ones do but does well enough.

 

[skyking]

The long crankshaft in an inline 6 does pose problems. it flexes more, due to the power pulses, than a v6. Ford's 200 countered that problem by using 7 main bearings, and borrowing some stiffness from the block. inline 6's are usually limited to a lower RPM than a v6, given equal cost and technology. That is another reason V6's are prevalent, automakers look to cost first. When it comes to maintenance, the inline 6 wins, hands down. Distributors, starters, alternators, water pumps, oil filters, etc, are more readily accesible on a straight engine.
I was able to change oil on my '66 mustang without going under the car! I could reach both the drain and filter from above, and use my boot to move the pan.