Mark Reda wrote: > So after 20+ years GM finally decided to put a cam in the head.
Read it again, Mark. It says GM is going to stay with overhead valve technology, not overhead cams, well into the future. The case for it is pretty clear - a stock 2002 Corvette Z06 puts out 405 HP@ 6000 RPM/400 lb.ft.. of torque @ 4800 RPM. That's a normally aspirated, 2 valves per cylinder, PUSH ROD V8. In contrast, the 2003 Mustang SVT Cobra puts out 390 HP@ 6000 RPM/390 lb.ft.. of torque @ 3500 RPM. Close, but it took an intercooled supercharger, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, to do it (I know, the Z06 is 5.7 liters to the Cobra's 4.6, but...). Then there's fuel efficiency. The Z06 is EPA rated 19 city/28 highway, and R&T averaged 18.7 in their test. The Cobra is rated 16 city/22 highway, with R&T averaging 12.4. I've been giving a "Ford guy" buddy of mine shit about the OHC vs. push rod thing for years, now. Not to worry though, I love twisting my 16V to 8 grand way too much to ever trade it for push rods... --Holland [email protected] San Jose, CA
