Why are V formation engines (V6/8/12) considered better than having the cylinders in a different formation, such as in a straight 6. Bonus points if you can explain why more cylinders is better.
In: Engineering
What it really boils down to is packaging and materials. V-configuration engines are easier to package and fit into an area than an inline configuration, as well as using less material since things like cooling pathways, cam set-ups, intake/exhaust manifolds etc. can utilize the same space on the inside of the V. For the whole more cylinders = better argument, that is not necessarily true. The old adage “no replacement for displacement” is being disrupted by hybridization, downsizing & turbocharging, and advanced controls & technologies. One real benefit of more cylinders though is that, for instance, V6 vs V8, it is easier to balance vibration from the engine felt by the passengers for each bank of cylinders to have an even number of cylinders, a V6 has 3 on each bank and results in two cylinders moving up while the other is moving down, while a V8 has two and two. If the engine were opposed (boxer) configuration, it would be able to mitigate vibration even better, but again, boxer uses more material and space.
Source: Graduating with M.S. in Automotive Engineering in December
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