OHV means OverHead Valve - an engine design where the camshaft is installed inside the engine block and valves are operated through lifters, pushrods and rocker arms (an OHV engine also known as "Pushrod" engine). Although an OHV design is a bit outdated, it has been successfully used for decades. An OHV engine is very simple, has more compact size and proven to be durable. |
OHC in general means OverHead Cam while SOHC means Single OverHead Cam. |
DOHC or Double OverHead Cam - the setup used in many today's cars. Since it's possible to install multiple valves per cylinder and place intake valves on the opposite side from exhaust vales, DOHC engine can "breath" better meaning that it can produce more horsepowers with smaller engine volume. Compare: The 3.5-liter V6 DOHC engine of 2003 Nissan Pathfinder has 240 hp, similar to 245 hp of the 5.9-liter V8 OHV engine of 2003 Dodge Durango. |
copy from the web
Mohamad Alkady
Hi Mohamad, nice to see you back! Apparently you were a little busy lately.
Anyway, great description and graphics, but quite frankly, in my opinion all piston engines are outdated. Only some kind of "inertia" keeps them alive. - Do you have something similar regarding the most recent rotary engines (perhaps more properly called "motors")? That would allow for an interesting comparison.