Quote:
Originally Posted by Mindz
Which has more potential for power LS3 or that? I know which is better for mpg, but are the power potentials similar?
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Hmmm. There seems to be some confusion about this so I will clarify...
Engine Power is the (Torque x RPM)/5250
You can increase engine power by either increasing torque, OR increasing RPM, or both.
The limit to RPM is usually 'valve float' which is when the valve is opened so forcefully, that it actually floats away from the rocker arm, and then valve motion is not controlled accurately, and bad things happen.
On a pushrod engine, the weight of the pushrods themselves actually factor into this equation, and their additional weight lowers the RPM where the valves begin to float. In a DOHC engine, the valvetrain is effectively lighter, allowing higher RPM, and thus more power.
The premier example of this technology is the new BMW M3 which has a 4L V8 that can rev to 8450rpm!!! In doing so it makes ~425hp!
If GM creates this sort of engine, it has two options:
1) Maintain output around 400hp while decreasing engine size (and weight)
2) Maintain engine size and make the proverbial 'A$$Load' of power.
Either way, its a smart move for GM, they need this engine technology.
~LSx