What Is The Strongest Type of Engine Block?

Cylinder block types and functions

Engine blocks are classified according to the configuration of the engine cylinders. Here are the 3 most powerful types of engine blocks:

1. V-shaped engine cylinder

It is the best sale engine cylinder type and is now widely used. In this configuration, the engines are arranged in two rows. The two rows are set at an angle to each other. The angle V is kept small, typically 15°to 20°, because the larger the angle, the more difficult it is to balance the engine. This type of engine is difficult to balance with the counterweight on the crankshaft. The crankshaft has only two cranks, and the connecting rods of the two rows of opposing cylinders are connected to the same crankpin. Every two connecting rods are connected to a crank pin. Different types of V-engines, heavy vehicles use V16, and V8s and small motorcycles use V4s as the cylinder block.

2. In-line engine cylinder

The inline engine block is a series of cylinders arranged in such a way that they run in a single row. Cars with this engine block run smoothly. This is why these are mainly used where high RPM is required. This is mainly used in passenger cars.

3. Boxer engine cylinder

A boxer engine is basically a flat-pressure V-engine. In this cylinder block, two cylinders are reached in two rows, each facing the other. This design is also known as a “pancake engine”. This requires very little headroom, so the engine compartment can be very compact. 4 cylinder block for sale is arranged on small vehicles. It's air-cooled and mounted to the rear of the car. This engine block is also used in Porsche and Subaru as well as some other premium engines.

Engine block material: iron or aluminum

The best aftermarket engine blocks are mainly composed of aluminum alloy, cast iron, and other materials. Here are their advantages: 

1. The aluminum alloy cylinder body dissipates heat quickly, because the heat transfer rate of aluminum alloy is higher than that of cast iron, so this advantage is particularly prominent. Light in weight, the overall quality of aluminum alloy is lower than that of cast iron under the same volume. It is not easy to rust, and the aluminum alloy cylinder can better overcome the oxidation reaction caused by antifreeze.

2. The biggest advantage of cast iron material is that it is cheap, which can reduce the cost of the engine. The cast iron cylinder block also has the advantages of high-pressure resistance, high-temperature resistance, and not being easy to deform. The engine cylinder blocks of many large engineering vehicles use cast iron types.

3. The cylinder block is the part with the highest temperature in the engine, so the requirements for the thermal conductivity of the material are higher. Under this requirement, the aluminum alloy can better meet the heat dissipation requirements of the engine, but because of the high cost, it is only used in some cost-effective engines. Cast iron material is widely used because of its low production cost. Therefore, the overall performance of the cylinder block made of aluminum alloy is better without considering the cost.

Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. The aluminum alloy cylinder body is lighter in weight and better in heat dissipation. The biggest advantage is that the operation is more flexible. Theoretically speaking, the quality of aluminum alloy will bring lower fuel consumption. But the only advantage of a cast iron cylinder is that it is a little stronger.

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