

In-line engines are also much smaller in overall physical dimensions than designs like the radial, and can be mounted in any direction. A straight engine is considerably easier to build than an otherwise Flat or V engine, because both the cylinder bank and crankshaft can be milled from a single metal casting, and it requires fewer cylinder heads and camshafts.

They are also wider than other engines configurations, presenting complications with the fitment of the engine within the engine bay of a front-engine car. Flat engines offer a low center of gravity and thereby may offer a drive configuration with better stability and control. Most engines you read about have a “V6”, in some cases a “V8”, all the way up to a “V12”, which is essentially 2 separate “V6” engines put together, sharing the same crankshaft. Zequeia, Period 5Ĭommon Engine Designs The most common engine design, hands down, is the V design. Internal Combustion Engine The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel (normally a fossil fuel) occurs with an oxidizer (usually air) in a combustion chamber.
