Just wondering about the theory of a pushrodless LTx engine. Obviously the cam would still reside as to drive the oil pump and opti, but removing the pushrods.

You'd be able to actuate the rockers via computer controlled solenoid. This would yield limitless possibilities with the timing of valve events; duration, LSA, etc. Oversimply saying you'd be able to get a gas mileage tune, NA tune, N2O tune, and everywhere in between. Absolutely no sacrificing associated with 'picking the perfect cam' it'd be a near infinate powerband!

Just thinking out loud

 

Some F1 cars use a similar tech.

 

I belive that also necessitates converting to a 42V (?) system to be able to run solenoids powerful enough to work the valves.

 

I thought I saw this on some high end BMWs. I know Ducati is using a Desmonic(sp) valve train on the 998s. No valve springs.

 

F1 cars use compressed air to close the valves faster than the spring could. I'm pretty sure this is the primary reason they can turn such incredible RPM's (~19,000 in qualifying trim). I dont know if they still use a cam to open the valves though.

I read a while back that Mercedes is working on the camless engine using electromagnetic soleniods to open and close the valves. However like Blueyes mentioned they think they will need to switch to a 42v electrical system to pull it off.

Alot of people like to talk about the death of the IC engine but I still think there is plenty of life left in them utilizing technologies being developed today. Just think of the possibilities of a motor with displacement on demand, direct injection, and infinately variable valve timing (camless engine).

 

That would be desmodromic

http://redvolution.ducati.com/eng/motore.html

 

this could be the death knell for the 'performance' engine - they'd all be the same!
Pull huge vacuum at idle, and be able to rev it as high as it will hold together!

Finally, we might have a VTEC V8