I6 versus V8

[MacHaggis]

I've heard before and just browsed thorugh a thread down below saying that an inline 6 is to be preferred to a V8. Is this a performance thing, reliability or what? This wasn't a Cummins vs. PS or Duramax issue, but seemed to be about diesels in general. What's the concept with that?

 

[Sageair]

First and foremost in my mind is that the I6 is a much better balanced engine than a V8.

 

[RankRam]

The I6 has 40% less moving parts and alot better low end torque as well.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

An I engine will always lend itself to being a stronger design than a V engine. Everything is spaced farther apart such as connecting rods which allows you to run bigger crank journals (more surface area thus reducing pressure on bearings and other surfaces). Oil seems to lubricate better (no scuffing on the same side of all the pistons as some V engines can do). Less parts (one head assembly ect).



But there are pros and cons to both.

 

[EBottema]

I design in diesel engines are superior. V8 is a better gas engine... .

 

[NIsaacs]

Actually an inline design is better for gas or diesel for all the above reasons. The main reason the V-8 gas come into play was for size restrictions. In order to get the same hp and cubic inch out of an inline as the compact V-8, you had to have a hood like a Peterbilt. Remember the straight eight in the Chrysler and Buick's, the hood was longer than a well rope.





"NICK"

 

[NPloysa]

And don't forget, V8 means "muscle" to most Americans. Most muscle cars were V8s, therefore when newbie diesel guy wants a diesel, he says to himself that a V8 is better than an I6. Revs faster, higher, accelerates faster, and has two more cylinders. It MUST be better than an I6. And you know the two companies that sell pickups with V8s in them.



Nick

 

[CATCRACKER]

they promote v-8s also for all the reasons above. . on the side of the powerstroke you see v-8 they are proud of that fact. i always tell people as soon a john deere, cat, case etc start putting v-8s in thier farm tractors i will look at one.



reasons inlines are better: one rod per journal (larger surface area to displace stress), naturally balanced(all pistons are always equally oppossed to one another 2-2-2), no side wall loading, low end torque (the lower the rpm with the highest torque means less rpms and less fuel used), fuel efficient.



for heavy use the inline diesel eingies pulls the weight of america in the fields on the road and through the water!

 

[klenger]

You won't even catch me getting one of those I6 engines. Nope, no way. I'll just stick with my Cummings V8 Hemi Turbo Diesel that I have in my Dodge.

:--) :--)

 

[MacHaggis]

Well, you just go right ahead.



Izzat the one that getss 35 mpg uphill with the 15-ton fiver tied on? :-laf

 

[PC12Driver]

Yeah, that's the one. With the high performance glow plugs.

 

[BILLUA]

Pilatus? Pc-12

 

[PC12Driver]

Yup. A bugsmasher compared to your equipment...

 

[BILLUA]

Hey, I think the platapus is a cool airplane!!!

 

[nickleinonen]

Less parts (one head assembly ect).

that only goes for small bore engines, and a few larger bore engines [isx, s60]



many truck sized engines [10 liter-16 liter] are 2 [mack e6/e7] or 3 [cat c-12 iirc], and some have 6 cylinder heads [older volvo comes to mind] on their inline 6. . that seems to be going away with the overhead cam engines coming around, but i wouldn't be surprized to see it com back when camless engines get rolling.

 

[redfuelrules]

cat 3406's have 3 too

 

[MacHaggis]

Thanks, gang

I'd kinda divined the fewer parts on the reliability side, but hadn't thought of the off center scuffing and more space on the crank for bearing surface. Knew there had to be some logic, it was just escapin' me.



Gotta go out now and calibrate the sending units on my new tri-directional constant-flow tie-rod lubrication monitor.

 

[JJuday]

Plus an I-6 just sounds better! Heard an Excursion launch from the opposite lane stop light today, sounded like a coffee can filled with ball bearings! In the heavy Diesel realm V-8s are mainly used for generator sets and pumps of all sorts. Just check out the rod comparison and tell me you would want those weany little rods and pistons under your hood!















03' QC, H. O. 6-sp. 4X4

 

[NPloysa]

Yup, sound is a major factor. Straight piped PSDs sound like there is a butterfly valve opening and closing in the exhaust with all their flutter. The 6. 0s have a sweet exhaust whistle but thats it. Sounds like a jet powered sewing machine!



Nick

 

[EBottema]

When Dodge discontinues the Cummins I6 for a New mercedes v8 diesel in our ram trucks, Then all the new owners around here will say "ah the v8 is better than the i6", mark my word, i can see it now