Cylinder Heads and Power

Summary

The complexity of an engine's cylinder head(s) is realized when you consider the multiple functions that must be satisfied. Among them are the provision of efficient intake and exhaust passages, a combustion space that optimizes power, a cooling "jacket" (except in high-demand racing cylinder heads) that enables temperature control, gasket sealing surfaces that accommodate high pressure combustion forces, attachment points for other major components (intake and exhaust manifolds) and a bolt pattern into the cylinder block that aids cylinder bore concentricity under a wide variety of stressful conditions.

Other than that, the objectives of cylinder heads are a piece of cake!

Interview:
Bob Hudgins
Owner of CNC Cylinder

(PDF: 812KB)
Lectures now available at Martel Brothers Performance

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