Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihuxk.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!ihnp4!ihuxk!rs55611 From: rs55611@ihuxk.UUCP (Robert E. Schleicher) Newsgroups: net.auto Subject: Re: Electronic valve control Message-ID: <855@ihuxk.UUCP> Date: Tue, 15-Jan-85 16:47:05 EST Article-I.D.: ihuxk.855 Posted: Tue Jan 15 16:47:05 1985 Date-Received: Wed, 16-Jan-85 05:39:49 EST References: <498@amdcad.UUCP> <994@cornell.UUCP> Distribution: net Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL Lines: 24 In the discussion on electronic valve control, someone mentioned desmodromic (sp?) valve operation, where there are no valve springs, and there is both positive opening and closing of the valves. An early example of this principle (perhaps the first) was in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix cars in the late 30's, perhpas in the Auto-Unions of the same year. The M-B racing engine of the late 30's has become a legendary engine, being recognized in the recent Car and Driver as one of the 10 besrt engines of all time (in terms of technical advances, influence, importance, etc.) BTW, some of the others on this list include: - Model T Ford engine - 1920's Alfa Romeo inline 6 (first real use of overhead cam) - 1932 Flathead Ford V-8 - 30's M-B Grand Prix engine (for dominance of racing for several years) - Jaguar XK series DOHC six - VW flat 4 - Porsche 911 flat 6 - Chevy small-block V-8 (introduced 1955) - MB engine from 1910 or so - one I can't remember Bob Schleicher ihuxk!rs55611