2012 Camaro V6 Engine's New Cylinder Head Design Adds Power, Saves Fuel

[Tran]

Head Games: 2012 Chevy Camaro Adds Power, Saves Fuel

New cylinder head design combines key parts into single aluminum casting

2011-05-16

PONTIAC, Mich. – In auto production, more power, better fuel economy and fewer emissions rarely appear together. But the 2012 Camaro 3.6L direct injection V6 engine achieves all three by combining the exhaust manifold with the cylinder head into a single aluminum casting.

Each integrated exhaust manifold cylinder head – a V6 has two -- replaces a cast iron exhaust manifold, six bolts, a gasket and a heat shield and three bolts. By eliminating this joint, the potential for a gasket failure is eliminated. And the change reduces engine weight by 13 lbs. or 6 kg per engine. Reducing mass helps improve fuel economy and the 2012 Camaro 2LS model is EPA estimated at 30 mpg highway.

“Reducing engine mass of this magnitude doesn’t happen often,” said Ameer Haider, GM assistant chief engineer for V6 engines. “Engineering usually looks for reduction in terms of grams not pounds. It’s just like removing a set of golf clubs from your car when you don’t need them – ultimately it saves fuel. When combined with other mass reductions, the customer will see better fuel economy over time with better performance.”

Extensive simulation and bench testing was performed to perfect cylinder-head airflow. Intake airflow is improved 7 percent with the use of larger intake valves (38.3 mm v. 36.9 mm), which are primarily responsible for an increase of 11 horsepower. Exhaust flow is 10 percent better than the previous V6.

Lower emissions, narrower engine size and noise reduction round out the list of benefits for the new head design. With the catalytic converter closer to the engine exhaust point, the emissions reduction process begins sooner, resulting in lower emissions. The new cylinder heads decrease the overall width of the engine by 4.6 inches (117 mm) for significantly more packaging space in the engine bay making underhood work easier. Due to less surface area, the new design contributes to a 1 decibel reduction in engine noise at idle.

“The new, patented design benefits the customer in all the key areas without any tradeoffs, said Haider. “Emissions, performance, fuel economy, and noise all improve with the integrated exhaust manifold.”



Tom Sutter, Chief Engineer for GM V6 engines, describes the unique cylinder head design change and the integrated exhaust manifold, all resulting in fuel savings and improved performance.






The new integrated exhaust manifold cylinder head on the right is compared to the old on the left. The photo shows the reduced complexity of the design by eliminating the need for a separate exhaust manifold, heat shield, gasket and associated fasteners.

[dmginc]

sucks for anyone that wanted to put headers on their 2012 v6...but is a very interesting design, cant wait to see how it works in the real world.

[spoone123]

I want that program

[Sterling]

These heads are screaming for a turbo to be mounted right there...

[DarkObsession]

Originally Posted by dmginc

sucks for anyone that wanted to put headers on their 2012 v6...but is a very interesting design, cant wait to see how it works in the real world.

This is exactly what I was thinking... anyone who wants to seriously mod their V6 better hope that the integrated exhaust manifolds are "maxed out" from the factory because otherwise... you'll just have to dive into the heads immediately.

Speaking of heads, if anyone makes aftermarket heads for those, they are going to cost a small fortune.

[JBuzzy11]

Originally Posted by sterlingnotes

These heads are screaming for a turbo to be mounted right there...

unreal how far the V6 has come.. The V8's always had the power but I never thought we would see the V6 at this point, im guessing within 10 years we may see around 375hp from the V6!!!

[Blade]

Hmm..........so it comes with 11 more horses off the bat.......combine that with Trifecta's new performance tune, a 2012 V6 can make 336 HP after a 300-400 dollar expense. She will be quite but the power will come much cheaper than what I paid for.

[GearBangr]

Originally Posted by Edge.128

WRONG. if anything we are demanding more and more parts they just aren't coming to the market. not sure why. but we are slowly starting to see that change. but these new heads may make modding much tougher, especially for those that want to add headers.

Its hard to say at this point really. Theyr trying to get more power and efficiency out of it, so I doubt they would purposely create a restriction. Instead of having 3 small ports you get one big one. It may save you in the end. Perhaps it just takes that step put of the modding process. Or you just have to buy one pipe "header" instead of the 3-1 tube header. It could go either way.
Also as stated previously, it sure looks tempting to attach a turbo to that port.

[KILLER74Z28]

It’s great for emissions and MPG but I’m thinking this is going to limit anything the Aftermarket Exhaust companies can do for the V6’ers “BIG TIME”. And right now it's good to be a V6'er when it comes to moding. With this new head design , I would like to see total HP gain with a full aftermarket exhaust set up. Right now most full set-ups with long tubes are getting people 30+ HP.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by DarkObsession

This is exactly what I was thinking... anyone who wants to seriously mod their V6 better hope that the integrated exhaust manifolds are "maxed out" from the factory because otherwise... you'll just have to dive into the heads immediately.

Speaking of heads, if anyone makes aftermarket heads for those, they are going to cost a small fortune.

They won't be maxed out on a car that sells for under $25,000. They did it to save weight and save cost, not improve performance.

[rtcat600man]

No headers with this set-up.............

[2010SLVRBULIT]

at least you'll save $ on NOT buying AM headers,but I think it will limit power gain options..what's next, GM designed OEM CAI?

[JKBUMBLEBEE]

-___________________________________- they really couldn't of put these in the 2011? assholes.

[squat]

323 HP from the factory sounds like a nice amount.