Who invented overhead cams?

Ernest Henry
Ernest Henry (engineer)

Ernest Henry
Died	1950 (aged 64–65) Paris, France
Nationality	Swiss
Occupation	Automotive engineer
Known for	Creator of first 4-valve DOHC engine

When was overhead cam invented?

1900-1914. Among the first overhead camshaft engines were the 1902 Maudslay SOHC engine built in the United Kingdom and the 1903 Marr Auto Car SOHC engine built in the United States. The first DOHC engine was a Peugeot inline-four racing engine which powered the car that won the 1912 French Grand Prix.

What is the purpose of an overhead camshaft?

The main benefit of dual overhead cams is that they allow an engine to have four valves per cylinder. Each camshaft operates two of the valves, one camshaft handles the intake valves, and one handles the exhaust valves. Having four valves per cylinder gives an engine several advantages.

What is the difference between DOHC and OHV?

The main difference is in the placement of the camshaft. OHV means Over Head Valve. SOHC means Single Overhead Cam, while DOHC means Double Overhead Cam. …

Why is dual overhead cam better?

Dual overhead cam engines are found in most modern vehicles today. They allow better airflow with less obstruction and are generally much more efficient engines than OHV or SOHC engines. Two camshafts operate 4 valves per cylinder, one separate camshaft for intake and exhaust valves.

Which is better SOHC or DOHC?

To sum it up, a 4 Valve per cylinder SOHC engine with a lighter valvetrain mass would have better performance characteristics at the lower end of the powerband. However, at higher engine speeds, a DOHC setup with its higher valvetrain mass and as many valves per cylinder will develop higher peak torque and horsepower.

What was the first overhead valve V8?

The first American V8 production engine with overhead valves (a ‘pushrod’ engine) was used by the 1917 Chevrolet Series D. This engine used a counterweighted crankshaft, a detachable crossflow cylinder head, and had a displacement of 4.7 L (288 cu in).

What is the difference between a camshaft and crankshaft?

A camshaft uses egg-shaped “cams” to open and close engine valves (one cam per valve), while a crankshaft converts “cranks” (the up/down motion of the pistons) to rotational motion.

Does a camshaft increase horsepower?

Consider installing a performance camshaft. Performance cams increase the duration and timing of the valve openings during the engine stroke, increasing horsepower and making your car accelerate more quickly.

Which is better single or dual overhead cam?

A DOHC, four valves per cylinder configuration allows better airflow at high engine speeds, resulting in better top end power. However, at higher engine speeds, a DOHC setup with its higher valvetrain mass and as many valves per cylinder will develop higher peak torque and horsepower.

Is SOHC better than OHV?

Less common than say DOHC and OHV, but it’s not to say it’s worse. Due to only having one camshaft for each bank of cylinders, the Single Over Head Cam is lighter and simpler than it’s twin cam counterpart. And because there are less components, it’s cheaper to make as well.

Does a cam increase horsepower?

Performance cams increase the duration and timing of the valve openings during the engine stroke, increasing horsepower and making your car accelerate more quickly. You’ll idle slightly rougher with a performance cam, but get a throaty rumble that’s desirable for some gearheads, depending on your vehicle.

When was the first double overhead camshaft engine made?

Double overhead camshaft (DOHC, also known as “twin-cam”) engines have two camshafts per bank. The first production car to use an OHC engine was built in 1910. Use of OHC engines slowly increased from the 1940s, leading to most automobiles by the early 2000s using OHC engines.

How does the camshaft work in an overhead valve engine?

In an overhead valve engine, the camshaft presses on a pushrod which transfers the motion to the top of the engine, where a rocker opens the intake/exhaust valve. For OHC and DOHC engines, the camshaft operates the valve directly or via a short rocker arm.

What’s the difference between SOHC and single overhead camshaft?

Single overhead camshaft ( SOHC) is a design in which one camshaft is placed within the cylinder head. In an inline engine, this means there is one camshaft in the head, whilst in an engine with more than one cylinder head, such as a V engine or a horizontally-opposed engine (boxer;