Cam Phasing and VVT in a pushrod V6?
Cam Phasing and VVT in a pushrod V6?
Anyone want to take a gander at how this works on the new 3.9 V6?
GMI on new 3.9 V6
I thought VVT was something that could not be done with a pushrod motor? Also, what are the odds that this could move over to the LSx motors?
Jeremy
GMI on new 3.9 V6
The large displacement of the 3900 V-6 – achieved with 99-mm offset bores and an 84-mm stroke – combines with torque-enhancing technologies such as active air intake to produce a broad, flat torque curve that translates into exceptional all-around performance and terrific off-the-line launch feel. With active air intake, air entering the engine is continuously tuned through a valve in the intake manifold to deliver optimized low-, mid-range and high-rpm torque. In fact, 90 percent of peak torque is available from 1800 to 5800 rpm.
Variable valve timing is used to bolster performance, enhance economy and reduce emissions. An electronically controlled cam phaser provides for infinitely variable adjustment of camshaft timing in relation to the crankshaft. By electronically controlling the camshaft, the optimum location can be selected for various engine operating conditions, maximizing torque and horsepower outputs. The 3.9L V-6 is the first production cam-in-block engine to incorporate cam phasing.
Variable valve timing is used to bolster performance, enhance economy and reduce emissions. An electronically controlled cam phaser provides for infinitely variable adjustment of camshaft timing in relation to the crankshaft. By electronically controlling the camshaft, the optimum location can be selected for various engine operating conditions, maximizing torque and horsepower outputs. The 3.9L V-6 is the first production cam-in-block engine to incorporate cam phasing.
Jeremy
Re: Cam Phasing and VVT in a pushrod V6?
The engine has variable advance/retard of the camshaft and variable intake length. Obviously there is no way to change the LSA because it is a single cam engine. There is Variable Valve Timing but all the valve events move together.
In order to get more low/mid torque, the intake path length can be lengthened and the cam advanced so the tuning occurs at the desired rpm. Similarly as rpm increases the cam can be retarded and the intake path shortened to tune for more torque/power at higher rpm. The cam phasing is continuously variable and programmable so it can be used for part throttle as well as full throttle operation. Most of us think about wide open throttle power, but part throttle response and cruise fuel economy are HUGE issues with the OEM designer.
Variable cam phasing and variable intake length combine to flatten out the torque curve at full throttle allowing 90% of max torque throughout most of the operating range. When they add DOD (soon, I think), overall fuel economy also gets better.
I'm quite sure this type of cam phasing could be used on the LS V8. I'm not sure if that's in the plan. I still like the 2 cams in the block idea for the LS engines. There were prototypes, but I've not heard any plans for production.
In order to get more low/mid torque, the intake path length can be lengthened and the cam advanced so the tuning occurs at the desired rpm. Similarly as rpm increases the cam can be retarded and the intake path shortened to tune for more torque/power at higher rpm. The cam phasing is continuously variable and programmable so it can be used for part throttle as well as full throttle operation. Most of us think about wide open throttle power, but part throttle response and cruise fuel economy are HUGE issues with the OEM designer.
Variable cam phasing and variable intake length combine to flatten out the torque curve at full throttle allowing 90% of max torque throughout most of the operating range. When they add DOD (soon, I think), overall fuel economy also gets better.
I'm quite sure this type of cam phasing could be used on the LS V8. I'm not sure if that's in the plan. I still like the 2 cams in the block idea for the LS engines. There were prototypes, but I've not heard any plans for production.
Re: Cam Phasing and VVT in a pushrod V6?
I always wondered what happened to the "twin-cam in block pushrod" LSx engine concept. A couple years ago, everyone was predicting that is would reach production, but I haven't heard anyone mention it for at least a year. Any ideas on what happened?
The current MoTeC ECU's are set up for individual control of phasing for individual intake and exhaust cams.
The current MoTeC ECU's are set up for individual control of phasing for individual intake and exhaust cams.
The M800 is our flagship Engine Controller. It is capable of 8 High Flow injectors in sequential mode operation like the M48. It has 8 auxiliary outputs, 10 auxiliary Inputs and 1Mb of logging memory. Unused Ignition or injector drives may be used for additional output features. M800 offers 2 Lambda inputs which allow control of the Air Fuel Ratio Bank to Bank. The M800 is the first ECU in the industry offering the fully variable cam control option and Drive by Wire. Twin Turbocharged Big Block Chevrolets have produced over 3300 Horsepower using the M800 for precise fuel delivery. Advanced Functions are standard and include Traction Control, Anti-lag, Gear Change cut and High Low Injection.
.........
Fully Variable Camshaft Timing - MoTeC is proud to be the industry leader in the aftermarket for controlling engines with fully variable camshafts. We have several special modes written to allow full control of up to 4 fully variable camshafts per engine such as the Dual Vanos BMW V8 using our M800/880 series of Engine Management Systems. Special Ref/Sync modes were written to allow the tuner to use the stock trigger wheels and sensors. Camshaft timing can be independently adjusted for each cam in 1/2 degree increments based on RPM and Load. With full adjustment of camshaft opening and closing points, the engine's volumetric efficiency curve can be stretched providing optimum cylinder filling over a much wider range of RPM, increasing the average horsepower and ultimately making the car faster.
.........
Fully Variable Camshaft Timing - MoTeC is proud to be the industry leader in the aftermarket for controlling engines with fully variable camshafts. We have several special modes written to allow full control of up to 4 fully variable camshafts per engine such as the Dual Vanos BMW V8 using our M800/880 series of Engine Management Systems. Special Ref/Sync modes were written to allow the tuner to use the stock trigger wheels and sensors. Camshaft timing can be independently adjusted for each cam in 1/2 degree increments based on RPM and Load. With full adjustment of camshaft opening and closing points, the engine's volumetric efficiency curve can be stretched providing optimum cylinder filling over a much wider range of RPM, increasing the average horsepower and ultimately making the car faster.
Re: Cam Phasing and VVT in a pushrod V6?
Originally Posted by Injuneer
I always wondered what happened to the "twin-cam in block pushrod" LSx engine concept. A couple years ago, everyone was predicting that is would reach production, but I haven't heard anyone mention it for at least a year. Any ideas on what happened?
My "Deep Throat" in GM doesn't want to have to shoot me, so he doesn't tell me what's happening until it OK to do so.
So far I haven't heard any production plans for the 2-cammer. The last thing I got was LS7 info a while ago.
Re: Cam Phasing and VVT in a pushrod V6?
Originally Posted by Injuneer
Traction Control, Anti-lag, Gear Change cut and High Low Injection.
Re: Cam Phasing and VVT in a pushrod V6?
Originally Posted by mastrdrver
Is the variable runner kind of like what GM did with the LT5 motor?
The3900 V6 (LZ8) uses length control of the runners by a valve in the intake system. My guess is a rotating valve in the mid-point of the intake runners. VW did this with the VR6 and W8, I believe.
FWIW, I wouldn't have chosen "Lazy Eight" as the RPO code for a new V6 engine.

Here's a quote:
"The active air intake optimizes incoming airflow through a valve in the intake manifold. The valve creates longer or shorter intake tracts that correspond to desired engine-performance parameters. At low engine speeds, the valve creates a longer path for intake air, enhancing combustion efficiency and torque output. At higher engine speeds, the valve opens, creating a shorter air path for maximum power production."
Cam phasing is from 25* retard to 15* advance (crankshaft degrees). It sounds like a lot, but it's used for various things. By opening the exhaust very early at cold startup and low engine rpm you dump hot exhaust into the cat to get quick lightoff. This is good for low emission, and for anti-lag if it were a turbo! No EGR needed also.
Anyone remember the 'variable plenum' in the first GM 4.3 Vortec ('93)?
I like the 220 lb-ft available at converter stall and at hp peak also.
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