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6SPD_FTW · 04-15-2010, 01:27 PM

You are correct that the number of cylinders has a lot to do with how smooth an engine is. The configuration of the cylinders has a lot to do with it, too. An inline 4 cylinder is just a very naturally unbalanced configuration. So is a 60º V6. The V6 is definitely smoother simply because you have overlapping power strokes. But if you look at a boxer 4 cylinder, it's still a 4 cylinder, but it's naturally balanced, just by how the cylinders are laid out and a lot smoother. It really takes some effort by auto manufacturers to make a smooth running V6...counterweights and ballancing and such.

The only inherently balanced engines are inline 6's, flat 4's and 6's, and V8's...at least as far as common engine types are concerned.

Late,
Trav

04-15-2010, 01:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
6SPD_FTW Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bristol, VA Posts: 59 Drives: 09 370Z Bl 6MT Rep Power: 16	You are correct that the number of cylinders has a lot to do with how smooth an engine is. The configuration of the cylinders has a lot to do with it, too. An inline 4 cylinder is just a very naturally unbalanced configuration. So is a 60º V6. The V6 is definitely smoother simply because you have overlapping power strokes. But if you look at a boxer 4 cylinder, it's still a 4 cylinder, but it's naturally balanced, just by how the cylinders are laid out and a lot smoother. It really takes some effort by auto manufacturers to make a smooth running V6...counterweights and ballancing and such. The only inherently balanced engines are inline 6's, flat 4's and 6's, and V8's...at least as far as common engine types are concerned. Late, Trav Last edited by 6SPD_FTW; 04-15-2010 at 01:32 PM.