V Configuration engine's 'rumble'

[stradlater]

The discussion came up at work the other day and I tried to offer an answer, but they wouldn't believe me. Here's the question:

Why does a V configuration engine have more of a rumble/thumping exhaust note where as a straight doesn't? IE a straight 6 vs a bent 6, or a v-twin vs a straight twin motor bike. I tried to suggest it was exhaust pulse timing and the amount of torque they created, but they wouldn't take it. Any ideas?

Additionally, I said the advantage of a V is that it has more torque. Again, they didn't beleive me. Am I wrong or something? Anyone got any technical reasons as to why a V is better from a power/torque/whatever production point of view?

[rob]

it sounds like they oppose your opinions purpously cause they just dont want you in their cool gang

[stradlater]

Ah, that must be it... hehe.

yes, 'Cool gang' A bunch of IT geeks, now tha'ts cool...

[TwentyTwo]

Pretty sure the noise is due to the harmonics generated in the exhaust, having dual primaries and the resulting standing waves gives a different sound to a straight 6.
I dont think V6's generate more torque, in fact the BA 4L generates about 50Nm more than the HFV6, though its 400cc bigger... I believe V's are better from a packaging point of view bu probably cost more to manufacture (2 heads, 4 cams etc.)

[stradlater]

I thought though that V's created more torque..

as a general rule, anyhow.. I know that there's probably plenty of examples that don't meet the rules.

[hi-ace]

Twenty two is pretty close to the mark with this.

Pretty sure the noise is due to the harmonics generated in the exhaust, having dual primaries and the resulting standing waves gives a different sound to a straight 6.

V8/V6 has every second cylinder firing into the manifold as opposed to a straight motor that has every cylinder firing into the same manifold.
"V" configurations allow a smoother running motor as the load from the conrods/pistons is distributed around the cranksharft better then an inline motor.

[Norbie]

A vee configuration has nothing to do with power or torque generated. The only reason they're built is because they're lighter and more compact than an equivalent inline engine. Imagine how big a straight 8 would be compared to a V8!

[The Witzl]

....... the witzl dreams of two 18RG's inline......

[stradlater]

But it wouldn't rumble.. hehe

[jonchai]

A vee configuration has nothing to do with power or torque generated. The only reason they're built is because they're lighter and more compact than an equivalent inline engine. Imagine how big a straight 8 would be compared to a V8!

i agree with this! have a listen to an inline engine, any inline engine and you'll notice its much smoother than the v equivalent. take the 2jzgte for example...super smooth.
a straight 8 was made, (by Bentley i think) but its crank was bending so much it was never really feasable. there is no power difference in either or both.

[Soarer]

I saw a straight 8 rear mounted in a Tarago at the MotorShow many years ago. Don't know what ever happened to it though.

[Nim]

Inline engines are naturaly balanced better than V config engines. The V config is just to package the engine in a small space. Although yes, an inline engine puts more strain on the crankshaft.

A V config engine shouldn't make more torque. There's no reason for it to do so. The combustion chamber isn't any different, the parts are not lighter by nature. If anything you're running a bigger timing belt, more cam gears etc so it should produce a little less torque.

The sound is just the exhaust pulse into 2 seperate manifolds rather than one. Subaru boxer engines are the same. They have much more of a rumble than a standard inline 4.

[JustCallMeOrlando]

As everyone has said, V engines make no more power and torque, it's a packaging thing. The reason they rumble is due to the exhaust pulses from two banks as opposed to one.

[Merudo]

One thing I've always been curious about is as to why there is no "V4" configuration engines... as in a V config four cylinder motor. Would have an insanely small footprint...

[Screamn_Sleeka]

er...

inline 6's do rumble, ever heard a 202?
new v6's/8 dont rumble... no new cars do, its the exhaust and fuel intake setup.