Porsche engines
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12
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From: Chicago suburb
Porsche engines
Can someone tell me why the Porsche engine case is in two pieces. The American cars I am familiar with have a one piece cast block (plus the heads, manifold etc.) and I just wondered why Porsche cases are 2 piece? Is it something to due with the fact that the engine is a boxer design and not a V or straight design? Are two pieces the norm for a number of engines? Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 700
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From: Kent, CT
Louis, Due to the boxer layout it is nessesary to split the case in order to get the crank and bearing journals in correctly. It is also the best way in which to cast the block so enough support and strength can be incorporated into the finished casting. In the case of a V8 for instance, all the cylinders are up and out of the way so the block can be cast leaving enough room to put the bearing journals underneath. I hope this makes sense
James
James
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 25
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From: Waco, TX
It's even more complicated than that. Most V-6s are constructed within three + one major parts (block and two heads, plus oil sump). The air-oil cooled Porsche boxer 6 includes approximately 16 + 1 (2-piece crankcase, 6 cylinders, 6 cylinder heads, 2 camshaft carriers, plus oil tank for dry sump system). Amazing, ain't it??
