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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
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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