Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2008

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 11, 2008 | 12:56 PM

#31

JakeRobb

Super Moderator

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 9,507

From: Okemos, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nashville

True. But when gasoline prices rise 30% in a matter of days as they did late this summer; every extra penny is noticeable.

Let's just say that expensive gasoline is a PITA regardless of what grade you are buying.

Granted. Just keeping you on your toes.

Dec 11, 2008 | 10:39 PM

#32

bossco

Registered User

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 2,977

From: SeVa

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSbaby

Oh it's a manufacturing achievement alright! That's why Chrysler did an iron block instead of the newer (and higher tech) alloy... because it was far easier & cheaper to build. That's why both Ford and Chrysler haven't followed GM down this path, it's because it isn't a simple process to mass produce alloy V8s.

By doing an all alloy engine, GM managed to shave 100 lbs from the engine alone - implied, it overcomes the OHV's deficiencies compared to DOHC 'equivalents'. That's a great achievement in any language!

Did GM switch the truck engines to all aluminum as well? Ford went all aluminum on the Mustang's 4.6 and I hear the GT500 around '11 will have an all aluminum engine as well.

In any event I'm not dazzaled by an all aluminum engine, cost most certainly is a factor, but there could have been other reasons for using cast iron as well. The knock your socks off technology from GM for me is the cylinderheads.

Dec 11, 2008 | 10:45 PM

#33

My Red 93Z-28

Registered User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 1,503

From: BFE, Ohio

I'm wanting to see some CGI blocks, lighter and stronger than cast iron, but unless something has changed...its a bitch to machine. CGI will probably just stick with diesels though.

Dec 11, 2008 | 10:48 PM

#34

My Red 93Z-28

Registered User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 1,503

From: BFE, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Bryant

If someone wants to get a chubby for tech specs, then pick the 6.4L Powerstroke - it's something else (sequential turbos with variable vane geometry on one, piezo injectors, more catalysts and heat exchangers than a coal electrical generation plant).

I'm glad you like it

It is definitely an amazing piece, it takes forever just to strip the engine down to the long block, between the two EGR tubes, turbo setup, filters, etc. I believe they recommend removing the cab/doghouse to do certain work on the engine.

Dec 12, 2008 | 05:42 AM

#35

SSbaby

Registered User

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 3,123

From: Melbourne, Australia

I'm a huge fan of GM's LSX but, on the flipside, is GM's 3.6L DI V6 really that good? Is it better than Honda, Toyota and Nissan V6s? Every report I've read so far has been less than flattering of GM's V6 in comparison...

Dec 12, 2008 | 05:52 AM

#36

Eric Bryant

Thread Starter

Registered User

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 2,400

From: Michigan's left coast

Quote:

Originally Posted by My Red 93Z-28

I believe they recommend removing the cab/doghouse to do certain work on the engine.

Yep. The same is also true of the 6.0L Powerstroke. I don't quite understand how this happened, considering that the hood opening on the Super Duty is the size of the average garage door