Engine Thread!

[Doggiedog]

Can any of you mechanically inclined people explain to me the pros and cons of Flat, in-line and V-6 (6 cylinder only) engines?

It seems that a lot of luxury cars (ie BMW, Lexus, MB) use in-line while more heavy duty cars (ie American and common passenger cars) use Vs. Whenever I go to a dealer all they say is in-line is better without any other explanation.

Give me your thoughts.

 

[Viper GTS]

Engines 101

Viper GTS

 

[Engine]

Huh? What? Someone call?

 

[madthumbs]

I've heard that oil distribution is better on straight six engines. I believe the V engines were designed to be compact.

 

[Doggiedog]

Thanks for the link Viper.

Actually, I know how they work. I was wondering other than dimension wise what benefits there are to each design. Like torque or HP.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Flat engines are designed for low profile locations like the VW Beetle's, however thier oil drainage isn't as good and they tend to raise the hight of the transmission.

Straight engines are the simplest and offer the best designs for mechanical ease. However they are long and have a high rotational mass which cuts down on thier ability to be high reving when the cylinder count increases.

V engines are a kind of comprimize where they are short like flat engines and can keep the crank low and drain the oil like straight engines. They also have the advantage of having an intake that can bridge between the cylinders and be solidly mounted by nature. A very good thing during the carburator days.

 

[Soybomb]

Traditionally straight 6's produce better torque than its V counterpart, so they are well suited for trucks and things.

 

[BigSmooth]

Hey, don't forget the slant 6, my dad had an old '74 gold Duster with a /6 in it!