What's your favorite type of engine?

"Big Bubba Ray" (eganward01) 10/29/2014 at 12:52 • Filed to: None

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I was thinking just this morning that of all the cars that I have owned, they either have flat engines or inline engines. Without even realizing it, I'm biased towards these types of engines.

My Outback is the 2.5 boxer four.

My '73 Baja Bug was also a flat 4.

My '01 Grand Cherokee was the 4.0 I6.

And lastly, my 240Z has a 2.4 I6.

I don't know if I can choose which one I like better! What about you guys? What's your favorite engine, or even your favorite engine layout?

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 12:54

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My favorite engine of all time is the 440/6 Mopar, but my favorite attainable engine is the Honda J Series V6

Sweet Trav > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 12:56

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Favorite Engine?

Small block Chevy. All variations.

Favorite engine layout? Flat 4. I wish Subaru would make a Flat 8 though...

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 12:58

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I like I6, the VW VR6, high revving I4s (4AGE, F20, etc), and pretty much all boxers. I've never been that big of a fan of V engines for some reason, or I should say that there aren't really many cars with V engines that I would buy.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 12:59

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Diesel Engines, most of all Straight 6 diesel engines.

They are so good at multitasking. You can have a work, performance, and economy engine all in one. Plus, dat sound.

Mattbob > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:01

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I like straight 6's. I currently own two of different makes. They tend to be reliable and relatively simple in their design. The simplicity of only having one head, also more grunt and smoother than an I4.

HammerheadFistpunch > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:01

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I6/V12. oh man I love that natural primary and second order balance! I dislike flat 4's, sorry, mostly the noise. Im also a huge fan of flat plane V8's and VR engines. (basically just a goofy I6)

MonkeePuzzle > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:02

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i4, and I wish subauru would give up on the added complications of an H4 and go the Mitsu Evo route with an i4.

i dont think the advantages of lower (location of) weight are worth the added complexity of duplicating cams etc.

Cé hé sin > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:02

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Manuél Ferrari > Sweet Trav 10/29/2014 at 13:03

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ahhh yis

Flat 8 all he things!

PilotMan > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:03

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Ever driven a healthy V8 on a light chassis? Go test drive a new Camaro, Mustang, or Challenger, just for a taste of the other side. A healthy NA V8 is a wonderful thing and is quickly becoming less available.

I've had inline 4s with all running forced induction, I also had an XJ. They do not compare to the sound and torque of a good v8. My current cars are an Abarth and Ram 1500. The Abarth is angry and fun. The Ram is quiet and sedate until you give it some throttle then it turns into a roaring beast.

My favorites would be the LS7 or the E49 M5's V8. My current 5.7 Hemi with 395 horsepower is also pretty good for effortless power.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:05

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Porsche Flat-6

My favorite engines and layout.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:06

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V8s are my favorite, mainly the SBC and LS V8s. Rotaries coming second because they're just so cool.

Rock Bottom > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:09

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INLINE EIGHT OR GTFAC

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:11

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I'm going to have to say it's the V10. More specifically the viper V10.

As you can tell from previous post I really like this engine.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/viper-all-the-…

Sam > PilotMan 10/29/2014 at 13:16

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That... That intake... So sex.

WRXerFish - WRX-Wing pilot > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:16

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Favorite layout is the boxer (flat 4 specifically). The boxer rumble brings a smile to my face.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Sweet Trav 10/29/2014 at 13:19

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Porsche did. It is in their 908 cars. It sounds beautiful.

MultiplaOrgasms > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:20

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F6 and I6 over anything.

Sweet Trav > YSI-what can brown do for you 10/29/2014 at 13:21

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Yes, but it is a Porsche and therefore I must hate it based on principle.

camaroboy68ss > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:21

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I love small block Chevys, compact pushrod V8 that offers loads of power. All of our cars in the family stable have one.

I also love the 348/409 W motor chevy big block. We had a couple of them a few years ago. Great motors

PilotMan > Sam 10/29/2014 at 13:21

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Very H. R. Geiger-esque

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:22

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2.5L Audi 5 pot or the 5.2L Lambo V10. I love that off harmonic howl they make.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:23

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Favorite engine? It would have to be the L71 427.

Favorite layout? Would still have to be the V8, though I also find Inline-8s quite interesting.

thismightbemylastburner > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:28

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For me, its the Audi 4.2 V8 because 100 hp/litre, 8,000 rpms. It sounds fantastic.

I'm biased on that one though. For an engine that has won me over without having exposure to it; the GM crate engines. LSx. Feeding more auto enthusiasts than possibly any other engine line.

fhrblig > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:29

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Me gusta inline sixes. I also have a soft spot for NA low-power threes. maybe because it takes skill to wring the power out of them.

Nibbles > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:30

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Saab B202. Overly re-engineered Triumph 1.8 Slant 4, slapped out to 2.0. Then came the dual overhead cams, and the oil/water cooled turbo, and it quickly became a 200hp machine that could go a million miles without issue. All of this when, at the same time, most V8 engines were lucky to be pushing 175 hp. The block is so tough, and the 45° slant leads to a good deal of inherent stability, that pushing more juice than the transmission/subframe can handle is actually a pretty easy job

Plus it out burbles Subaru. Sorry, but 'tis a fact.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:33

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I drive a Subaru and I approve of this message. I've also got a soft spot for I-5's and I-6's. The 4.0L that I had in my JGC was bulletproof, and the I-5's just have such a unique sound. You might say that I like the oddities. The character that unusual engine configurations bring to the table is something that makes me happy.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:34

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I love them all! I like V's over the rest I think, but they all have their benefits and they all have their downsides.

LongLiveSAAB > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:49

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Best engine is the SAAB/GM B235R. And favorite layout has to be turbo charged flat 4

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:53

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What the hell? No rotaries in here yet?

Scary__goongala! > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 13:56

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Inline 6 for sure. Model doesn't really matter. Everyone I know of is good.

HooninMyVolvo > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 14:00

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Inline 5 cyl. Smoother than a 4 or 6, more powerful than a 4, more efficient than a 6. And come on, how many chances do you get to drive an odd number of cylinders?

DoYouEvenShift > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 10/29/2014 at 14:08

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90 degree cross plane crank V8 no contest, because that sound and torque!

All time favorite. LS power!

However, I've always liked inline 6 engines as well. The Atlas in my Trailblazer is smooth, reliable and gives decent mpg. I wish they would of Turbo'd it at some point

Because Race Kart > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 14:12

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Probably the only one here who loves these. And not because I race them. I've grown to appreciate how simple they are to intricate 4-strokes.

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 14:16

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These are my favorite engines to play with.

Anyone recognize it?

DoYouEvenShift > luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! 10/29/2014 at 14:25

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I see your solid fuel motor and raise you an F1.

1 combustion chamber ftw!

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > PilotMan 10/29/2014 at 14:30

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What I see

gawdzillla > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 14:33

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Compact, light, reliable, powerful, good on gas

let me think

only the LS1/2/3/6/7 seem to fit the bill

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > DoYouEvenShift 10/29/2014 at 14:36

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Not fair! That's two motors in one. It uses a 55,000 hp turbine engine just to pump the rocket fuel!

DoYouEvenShift > luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! 10/29/2014 at 14:39

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You know, Ive stood next to and inside those things many times, and it never fails to take my breath away. Up close, they are the simplest, complicated machines, if you know what I mean.

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > DoYouEvenShift 10/29/2014 at 14:48

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They really are awesome. I read this just the other day, you might find it interesting, too.

Sweet Trav > luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! 10/29/2014 at 14:59

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because rotaries are garbage. that's why.

Big Bubba Ray > gawdzillla 10/29/2014 at 15:01

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Haha, all good choices!

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > Sweet Trav 10/29/2014 at 15:01

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But they're sooo cool!

Big Bubba Ray > PilotMan 10/29/2014 at 15:02

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I don't have too much experience with V8's unfortunately. Just the Suburban I learned to drive on, a few supercharged Range Rovers and my friend's 06 Dodge Ram. I'm itching to drive a small car with a big V8 to see how it feels.

Big Bubba Ray > luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! 10/29/2014 at 15:03

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Good call!

Big Bubba Ray > Rock Bottom 10/29/2014 at 15:03

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OOOOH inline 8s are fucking cool.

Big Bubba Ray > Mattbob 10/29/2014 at 15:04

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Exactly why I like them!

Big Bubba Ray > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 10/29/2014 at 15:05

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Awesome. Exactly why I like straight sixes! They're so damn versatile. Showing up in my Datsun, my mom's Jeep, semi trucks, the possibilities are endless!

Big Bubba Ray > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 10/29/2014 at 15:06

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Haha I should have known you were going to vote for that!

Big Bubba Ray > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger 10/29/2014 at 15:06

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YES. Good call on the 5.2 V10. They make beautiful noises.

Big Bubba Ray > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 10/29/2014 at 15:08

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I forgot how much fun I5s can be until my friend picked up a Jetta with the 5 pot and a manual. Surprisingly quick little car!

Big Bubba Ray > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/29/2014 at 15:08

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I could have never guessed! haha

Big Bubba Ray > HooninMyVolvo 10/29/2014 at 15:10

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My brother bought a Volvo S60 with the 5 pot. Nobody believes him when he tells them that it's got 5 cylinders. Really cool little engines!

Big Bubba Ray > thismightbemylastburner 10/29/2014 at 15:11

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Audi does make great 4.2s. I like those a lot as well!

n54 & s38 > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 15:14

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Probably a good straight six. Have a 3.0 twin turbo I6 & a 3.6 I6 in my garage.

Mattbob > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 15:16

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yeah, I cant decide if I like my jeep 4L or my BMW M50 better. Both great, but very different motors.

DoYouEvenShift > luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! 10/29/2014 at 15:22

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Thanks for sharing, thats an amazing story. What a barn find, a flight ready F1. Im amazed that some of the most amazing machines, even by todays standards. Were designed and built by a bunch of guys with slide rulers and welders.

Rock Bottom > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 15:27

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Plus, they sound bad-ass in a rat-rod!

Big Bubba Ray > Rock Bottom 10/29/2014 at 15:47

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Dat lumpy idle.

Big Bubba Ray > n54 & s38 10/29/2014 at 15:49

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What's the 3.6 I6 in? Jag?

Big Bubba Ray > n54 & s38 10/29/2014 at 16:01

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What's the 3.6 I6 in? Jag?

YSI-what can brown do for you > Sweet Trav 10/29/2014 at 16:11

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nah dude. Their race cars are different from their road cars!! They are pretty much amazing.

kanadanmajava1 > Rock Bottom 10/29/2014 at 16:20

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Straight eight is my favorite too and I even own one. Its almost the same engine that's pushing the rod (but mine doesn't have a supercharger).

n54 & s38 > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 16:29

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this bad boy:

One garage. 12 cylinders.

Big Bubba Ray > n54 & s38 10/29/2014 at 16:37

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Shit, I totally forgot about the M5! The E34 M5 has been growing on me a lot lately since seeing your around here!

Sweet Trav > YSI-what can brown do for you 10/29/2014 at 17:20

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Oh I know, but principles are principles.

wallaby13 > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 22:32

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DOHC I-6's
Flat 4's
Pushrod V8's

And the I-5 because why not?

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Big Bubba Ray 10/29/2014 at 22:54

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Big fan of the straight six as well, although I'd have to say that my favourite engine overall is the straight eight. Unfortunately they were stopped putting them in production cars in the early '50s due to packaging issues and the emergence of the compact but just as powerful V8.

so smmooooth...

Big Bubba Ray > wallaby13 10/29/2014 at 22:55

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All great choices!

Rock Bottom > kanadanmajava1 10/30/2014 at 08:12

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You're a Packard herder?! That's rad! Can't be many of you guys left!

kanadanmajava1 > Rock Bottom 10/30/2014 at 08:49

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Mine is '48 Custom Eight and it has the nine bearing 356 engine that is said to the best Packard straight eight. The later 359 (nine bearing engine too) had more power but it had shorter bearing journals.

Packards are pretty rare here but I know one guy who has similar '48 too.

Rock Bottom > kanadanmajava1 10/30/2014 at 08:51

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That's awesome! Is it in presentable shape?

kanadanmajava1 > Rock Bottom 10/30/2014 at 09:52

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I looks decent but has some problems. The missing tooth from the second gear is the worst problem, front suspension needs rebuilding and interior is pretty much gone.

Rock Bottom > kanadanmajava1 10/30/2014 at 10:18

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That's a car with personality! Do you plan to restore it or modify it? I always thought that if I had a car from this era I would make an early NASCAR or Carrera Panamericana tribute car. You know, vintage-ish racecar!

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Big Bubba Ray 10/30/2014 at 11:44

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From a pure driving feel and fun perspective, the Mazda Rotary engine.

But from a daily driver perspective, it would be a Honda Inline 4... the K-series engine in particular.

kanadanmajava1 > Rock Bottom 10/30/2014 at 13:32

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I haven't decided yet. The body will likely stay in the original shape but engine upgrades and air suspension aren't totally out of the question. I could replace the worn and broken original transmission with a bit more modern 4- or 5-speed box.

I should decide my direction before I will try to fix the interior. The head liner is the only upholstery part that's still in good condition.

Restoration to original condition could happen too as it would be a lot more valuable that way. We have a special vehicle class for cars that are over 30 years old and in original condition. That would make yearly taxes and insurances a lot cheaper.

Rock Bottom > kanadanmajava1 10/30/2014 at 13:48

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Whatever you choose, I hope to see more of this on the site! Cool car. Super cool.

biker > Big Bubba Ray 11/02/2014 at 00:27

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my favorite engine? most people are not ready, how about an engine that runs, & only fires as needed. yes, fires as needed, so its rotating but not firing, & only fires to maintain RPM. the more load you apply, the more they fire, & usually the intake valves do not have a pushrod, but have a lightweight spring to open based on the cylinder suction opening the valve & when cylinder starts to compress the valve closes, during times the engine isnt firing, the exhaust valve is help open, & closes with a govenor.

these vintage engines saved fuel, & had tremendiously heavy flywheels, which allowed them to run with the stored kinetic energy of the flywheel, & only fired as necessary

the engines were called Hit & Miss engines, dont confuse with Throttle govenor engines, which work like conventional 4 stroke engines.

it is truely awesome to hear an engine running so slow, you can hear the fuel run into float bowl, the suction of the fuel & air across the venturim the intake valve opening & closing, hear the spark jump the plug, & the pop of the exhaust, of an engine running at under 40 RPM, yes I said under 40 RPM. I love it! most of these engines could get up towards 2500 rpm when the need arises. when working hard & under heavy load.

also for any Harley geeks, the first Harley V twin of 1909 had atmospheric operated intake valves, but was a flop, because the valves dont like operating at high speed, over 2500 rpm. the 1911 Harley had the revised engine with normal mechanical valves