Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/08/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jim Laurel wrote: > > The old pushrod V8 is an extremely trustworthy engine. Not terribly fast or > fuel efficient, but dead reliable and very strong, especially at low RPM. > There has been discussion about using BMW's new V8's in Land Rover products > for some time. As I understand it, the problem with this is that the BMW > V8s do not provide sufficient torque at low RPM for off-road conditions, and > they have insufficient engine braking. > Indeed, the GM and Ford small-block pushrod V8s are typically torquey beasts, and they deliver gobs of it over a wide range of RPMs. The chain-driven pushrod valvetrains generally aren't designed for high RPMs, but within their limits, they do provide very reliable service, usually without need for periodic valve lash adjustment. I love the likes of aluminum Honda DOHC engines, but this is more complex machinery, it needs more maintenance to perform it's best, and the one I had produced most of it's torque at higher RPMs, and a much narrower range at that--it'd be a terrible engine for off-roading, I think! Jeff