Elimination of Camshafts. Controlled by Computer Engine Mapping. Someone told me about in the lounge. Anyone hear of it and care to take an "Advanced" look at this? Really interesting I'd love to hear the details and/or read an article on it.

-Corey

 

yep, stay tuned

 

Umm.. you getting the system? I didn't know it was avaliable publicly yet, I thought it was still just a nascar thing ?

 

To my knowledge it hasn't been used in a race yet, but some F1 teams have admitted to testing non-camshaft actuated valves. F1 engines currently use cams to open valves and pneumatic (probably high pressure nitrogen) springs to close them. That allows 19,000 rpm. With cylinders smaller than the current 300 cc, they might rev past 20K, but pneumatic springs should be up to that easily. It looks like they might reduce F1 from 3.0L to about 2.4L. Most folks would go from 10 to 8 cylinders and keep the same bore/stroke and rpms.

Probably the obvious attraction for solenoid (or other non cam-actuated valves) is infinitely variable valve timing, and fewer limits on valve velocity (lift per degree of crank rotation). Of course there is still mass to accelerate, so 'square wave" valve motion still isn't practical, or for that matter desirable, but that's another story.

As for NASCAR, Nextel Cup engines are limited to flat lifters and pushrods. Not even roller cams. Yeah, and 9300+ all day with metal valve springs.

Don't hold your breath for solenoid retrofit kits for SBCs. .

 

About 20 years ago someone was doing research on rotary valve heads.

In principle it's very simple;

You have tubes filled with air/fuel that have slots cut in them. As they rotate the openings are exposed to the combustion chamber and the air/fuel mix flows into the chamber, then the continued rotation of the tube closes off the chamber and ignition takes place.

No shrouding, no delay.


I wonder what ever happened to that idea...?

 

That would be the Coates Rotary Valve....I think its Coatesengine.com or similar, just do a web search. It's basically gone nowhere.