I'm hoping GM engineers have electronic valves figured out for the C6 engine. There are no camshafts and no pushrods. The valves are controlled by solenoids. Can you say infinite valve timing? All timing would be controlled by computer and constantly changing depending on demand for the engine. You wouldn't even need a starter! This is most likely wishful thinking but it may be closer than we think.

 

No chance!

 

It's not closer than you think.

Power consumption, longevity (and her sister reliability), and NOISE are issues to be addressed.

Then, you're likely to see it in fleet trucks first.

.Jinx

 

Ducati is close too, and they rev to 9k RPMs. We could see it in bikes before cars. In any case it's been a long time coming, and I can't wait.

 

I've heard that Honda has a Formula 1 engine they are debuting next year that has electronic valves. Supposedly they are way ahead of the curve. I know having this technology for the C6 is really just wishful thinking, but it would be really cool.

 

Doesnt the new saab have electronic valves?

It will be cool to custom design the cam (a computer program )

ZD

 

[img]http]//www.corvetteforum.cc/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

 

Electronic valves will require a 42 Volt system- it requires too much juice to be done on the electrical system now. It is expected that electronic valves will be available in cars after 2010 sometime

 

I'm curious. Where did you get the 42 volts from? That's to move what size valve, at what speed? What size engine? With or without valve springs? Besides 42 volts is no big deal, how many amps?

While I agree we're probably a long way from having them in production cars, I have a tough time believing the 42 volts is based on anything but a particular prototype. At this time it can’t dictate the requirements. Right?

Again, just curious. If a fact is presented, I like to know where it came from.

 

JohnC,
If you are looking for facts on 42 volt automotive systems, almost every issue of "Automotive Engineering International" (ISSN 0098-2571),Published 12 times a year by SAE International, has an article in the "focus on electronis" section. SAE = The Society of Automitive Engineers,Inc.

 

The 42 volts comes from an article (can't remember where (senior moment!)) that was discussing electronic brakes (not breaks) actuated with solenoids at the wheel.

 

What happened to "slide valve technology?"
Maybe we will see 'hydrogen motors' like the Beemer.

 

I think you mean "sleeve valves". They were used on several British aircraft engines including a Bristol radial and the Napier Sabre H-24. A car makers also had them, but they were complicated, difficult to lubricate, and subject to excessive wear and excessive internal engine friction. The promise of the 1930s was gone by 1950.

Duke

 

For a look at the valve technology of the future you may want to look at the cam/valves on the new "Trailblazer". It is an L6. Yes an in line 6 cylinder chain driven twin cam 24 valve engine with electronic valve controls on the exhaust valves (at least one of them). It appears that the PCU deactivates one exhaust valve to affect low end torque. Power is 270 HP at 6000 RPM 295 FT Lb Torque with a very flat torque curve. The brochure says 90% of peak torque from 1600 RPM. Remember it is torque that you drive around all day, not horsepower! That engine for it's displacement is looking up there in Z06 territory and beyond. This could be the C6 head layout with the development/durability testing being done by all those new Trailblazer buyers.

 

Electronic valve disengagement is a far cry from electric valve actuation.

Variable valve timing seems more likely than added valves as Corvette's next step. But I doubt we'll see either when C6 debuts. An easier path to power than either of these is a little additional displacement.

When C6 is unveiled, the hood height and sight lines will tell us if a DOHC powerplant is in Corvette's near future.

.Jinx

 

I'm guessing the multi-valve per cylinder engines will disappear for a short while (5-10 years) when solenoid-activated valves first appear.

Why? Because of the cost of the electronic solenoids. Look at the cost of fuel injectors (which the solenoids for the valves will have to be very comparable to in performance), $500 for eight, 62.50 ea, and all they move is fuel which doesn't weigh anything. The solenoids for the valves will have to be WAY beefier (to move the valves under pressure, and twice as fast as a fuel injector), so I'm guessing probably four times the price, at least.

Let's see, $62.50 x 4 = $250, x 16 (2 per cylinder) = $4,000. That's a two-valve per cylinder engine. A four valve per cylinder 8 cylinder engine would be $8000. That's a lot of money.

With the electronically-controlled solenoid-actuated valvetrain (eSAV?), though, the manufacturers should be able to reduce fuel consumption and increase power at the same time, comparable to a standard multi-valve head, with less valves. As the price of the parts comes down, they'll move back to multi-valve engines, and the power and fuel economy with be at a point that we think is impossible to achieve right now.

What's the best, though, will be the thoughts of the engineers when they look back at the contraptions they built to get mechanical variable valve-timing to work (and why they even bothered). It'll be like looking at a dinosaur.

One last thought, if the powers that be make electronically-controlled brake calipers, will they outlaw those devices that some police departments use that send out an electro-magnetic pulse that disables your vehicle's engine management computer, since, with the brakes, it would pretty much cause you to crash? I would hope so.

 

I got it from an article in AI (Automotive Industries) I believe. Several months ago. The article was about the change to th 42 volt system because of the increase in electronics in todays cars and the benefits it allows. It had a timeline of different technologies (like electronic braking, electronic valves, electronic heaters) that will most likely require 42 volt systems and their expected introduction date into the market place. The electronic valve actuation will be the last thing to be introduced, according to this article.

 

The only talk of electronic valves I've heard is in Formula One. They said it was still several years away. Formula One engines spin north of 18K now and with EV technology they are supposed to go beyond 23K. It seems feasable to me inasmuch as you eliminate the cam. But I don't think we mortals will see this for quite some time.

 

you mean something like this?

 

Good God :eek: :eek: Things are getting complicateder and complicateder!!!!!!!They'll have to start making in line 8's and installing them on their side just to get them into the engine compartment :eek:

Jim Helm