I had no idea this type of valve was a thing. Interesting to learn a little about. Maybe something like this would make electrically controlled variable timing more viable and thus improve the efficiency of ICEs?
I had no idea this type of valve was a thing. Interesting to learn a little about. Maybe something like this would make electrically controlled variable timing more viable and thus improve the efficiency of ICEs?
Seems like an interesting option for naturally aspirated race cars. They let you hit high RPM without worrying about valve float and without using overly powerful and lossy springs.
The difficulty of keeping them sealed suggests they’re less than optimal for high boost turbo applications, or high compression, fuel efficient commuter engines. Narrow tolerances may also increase manufacturing costs and decrease longevity, which is less of a problem for a race engine compared to something designed for mass production.
That’s a great point! And maybe part of the reason they’re not widely used. Not long after these came around forced induction took off in motorsport and now it seems everything is a small engine with a turbo or two.
I wonder if optimized electronic timing could rival a small engine with a turbo for commuter cars?