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View Full Version : Pushrods vs. Overhead Cams


Moloko
03-09-2003, 07:06 PM
From Fyrhwk1 on Hardforum. thought this was a pretty good explanation in case anyone was wondering.

"pushrod engines are much smaller, lighter and less complex, costs less to build and is easier to build, its more reliable simply because there are less parts. It's desireable in a performance aspect because of its simplicity, DOHC has over 3 times the friction and easily double the parasitic loss associated with moving the valvetrain, and with the advancments in head designs the 2V head can flow with the 4V in engines built for 6-7000 RPM.

Dohc is better because theres no pushrod and less distance from the cam lobe to the valvestem, theres more moving parts but those actually moving up & down are reduced, it has more high RPM potential because of this, and of course it typically supports twice as many valves. since small engines need to rev in order to be livable they need the higher RPM advantage of 3 & 4V heads. It really all depends on what you're building the motor for, 4V DOHC heads can work great on a low RPM motor and 2V pushrod can on a high RPM one, it's mostly in the setup."

Asad
03-09-2003, 07:30 PM
Same applies to s 2V Sohc?

T_MO
03-10-2003, 08:31 AM
i would think that OHC engines are more reliable than pushrod engines. why are pushrod engines easier to build? when you assemble an OHC engine dosent the entire head just bolt right on the block? that seems easier than dealing with pushrods??

firefly1_0
03-10-2003, 02:47 PM
Originally posted by T_MO
i would think that OHC engines are more reliable than pushrod engines. why are pushrod engines easier to build? when you assemble an OHC engine dosent the entire head just bolt right on the block? that seems easier than dealing with pushrods??

OHV=lifter-pushrod-rocker-stem
put cam in
drop lifters
drop push rods
bolt rockers
and you're almost done


OHC is a little harder to assemble, and there is more room for error during assembly.