jreask

Can anyone explain the 3V in the OHC motor description? I am not mechanically inclined at all and I am the first to admit it. I understand that the Single OHC engine has the camshaft in the cylinder head. What does the 3V mean and can someone post a link that explains this? Thanks in advance for your help. I searched the forum and couldn't find anything on this. Perhaps a stupid question.

JR

NJ3

The 3V refers to the number of valves per cylinder. The 3v 4.6 has two intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder for 24 valves total.

A little more info on the Ford 4.6 here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine

socalwrench

It's actually SOHC (single overhead cam {per head}). There is also a DOHC version; being the 4v engine.

2007VistaBlueGT

That's a very good explanation in the link

jreask

Thanks for the info. The explanation was great. Another question: How does the 4.6L V8 produce so much horsepower? I have driven another vehicle with a similar size engine, but the power was less than desirable.


Here is another great link about the Ford Modular engines:

http://www.mustangandfords.com/techa...ine/index.html


TIA


JR

socalwrench

I think that one of the biggest benefits with the 4.6L engine is it's large amount of torque at low to mid-range levels. The engine just has a nice torque curve that can really move the car.

Ford Motor Company doesn't get half as much credit as they deserve with the design of this, and other modular engines. It breathes very well with limited camshaft profiles, and the VTT further helps produce power on demand, but fuel mileage when needed.

Vapour Trails

You mean VCT as in variable cam timing. We don't have variable valve timing.

vashthe3rd

He said VTT, variable time timing, oh yes Ford's dealing in quantum mechanics now!

Yea, the major benefit, and what keeps this car in competition with a motor that has been in use for over a decade is its head design and torque. The 3V's enable much more power and with the VCT we get low end torque to get these big heavy boats moving. It's kept the mustang going for a while now but I'm glad that Ford sees it's time for change.

socalwrench

VTT is the generic term. If you change the position of the cam(s) than you are also altering the valve timing.

Vapour Trails

Technically, you are right, but its not comparable to VVT systems which change lift/duration, as those are much better at improving power.

VCT made its way into the 3V engine mostly for fuel economy reasons. Most who get into serious N/A modes lock the system out.