On 6/8/2011 12:43 PM, Jim Nichols wrote:
> And the Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto and Chrysler engines were referred to as
> L-heads, if I recall correctly. Fords and Mercs were commonly referred to
> as "flat heads".
Just different names (perhaps trademarks?) for the same basic design.
I just found some more info on why flat or L heads had the flat power curves I
mentioned, so they didn't require as much
in the way of transmission ratios. From Wikipedia:
"Because the intake and exhaust pass through the same small passage between the
block and head, and because the light
valve gear allows the valves to open and close quickly, flatheads are designed
with very little "overlap", part of the
cycle when both intake and exhaust valves are open. This gives better low
rotation speed performance than is typical of
push rod overhead valve engines or overhead cam engines tuned for high speed
power. On the other hand, the light valve
gear allows the engine to function at high speed, though with little power. The
torque and power curves are therefore
broad, making it easier for the manual transmission and driver or for the
automatic transmission."
Moose
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