OHV, OHC, SOHC and DOHC (twin cam) engine design
OHV engine design
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 a "Pushrod" engine). Although an OHV design is a bit outdated, it has been successfully used for decades. An OHV engine is very simple, it has more compact size and is proven to be durable. |
OHC or SOHC engine
OHC in general means OverHead Cam while SOHC means Single OverHead Cam. |
DOHC or Twin Cam engine
4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine |
DOHC means Double OverHead Cam, or sometimes it could be called "Twin Cam." A DOHC setup is used in most of newer cars. Since it's possible to install multiple valves per cylinder and place intake valves on the opposite side from exhaust vales, a DOHC engine can "breathe" better, meaning that it can produce more horsepower 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. |
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