Quote:
Originally Posted by Dragoneye
That's one thing. They are standard equip on the 3.6L DI. A new block-design could integrate them. They can also strengthen the casting, they've made incremental improvements to the Gen IV block design over time...such improvements could be further improved upon. They can also reduce the size (and therefore weigh) of the block. The current block supports from 4.8(?) to 7.0L....that's a lot of range. The Gen V block could lower that range to 4.0L - 6.2L (just pulling numbers out of my behind...)and take advantage of the Direct Injection technology to improve power and efficiency. They could improve the sleeving (see Ford's 5.4L for 2011. They might even integrate the oil filter like on the Ecotecs and some of the V6s: Go from the can to the cartrige.
There are lots of things they could do across the board that would benefit from a "new" block design....I'm no engineer, so I can't say what's worth doing or not. But I can say that if it were as easy as swapping the heads...we'd have the new engines already.
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The improvements they've already instituded on LS9 and LSA are no small feat, nor are they insignificant. I think they'll continue the trend toward heat control and strength because the more power you make, the more heat you make. I also believe they're going to go smaller, not larger, with displacement, and overall engine size. A smaller engine is usually lighter and that makes a car handle better and be more fuel efficient. I believe smaller engines are more efficient to start with and I think that's being proven lately with such a large amount of truly potent smaller engines. I think with GM going with a smaller engine in the C6.R, we're getting an idication of things to come (though I'm sure part of that is ultimately due to the earlier larger V8s making such huge power they needed to be heavily restricted in order to keep racing fair in their class).
to the Ford engine improvements too; the read on that engine was SO interesting
I wonder when we're going to peak with internal combustion engines. Sometimes I think we're there, but then, with continuous improvements we get, I start to think we're going to be forced away from fossil fueled cars way before we reach a zenith.
All I know is I think we're going to have a Z28 we can be proud of and one I know I'm going to look forward to owning
