Chum lee wrote:
"What is better about an OHC design?"
Among other things not already listed, when you have a DOHC (or Dual Overhead Cam) design, it allows both the intake and exhaust cams to be timed differently (varied to each other) at different RPM's. Honda's VTEC engine to name one. That option allows the engineers to optimize the valve timing for the entire range of RPM's allowing the engines to generate substantially more power with minimal flat spots in the power curve. That's for complex high performance engines which typically generators are not. OHC's also make it easier to have 3, 4, and 5 valves per cylinder which can be done with OHV engines, but not as easily. Now, . . . back to your regularly scheduled program.
Chum lee
So you're saying variable valve timing doesn't exist on OHV engines? Where did you get that idea?
Pretty sure the Cummins in my Ram also begs to differ with your latter point. Cummins has been making 24 valve B series engines for over 20 years now.
OHC is not a newer design, either. It's existed for just as long as OHV.