V-8 engines are very popular and practical engines that have been used in various types of cars and trucks for many years. They are basic in design, highly durable, and easy to install and work on. What follows is a brief description of V-8 engine properties.
A V-8 engine is a special type of engine block design that has all of its cylinders arranged in a "V" shape. Each side of the letter "V" represents each side of a V-8 engine; the bottom of the letter "V" represents the bottom of a V-8 engine, the portion of the engine that houses the crankshaft.
A V-8 engine has 8 cylinders. Each cylinder houses 1 engine piston; each engine piston is controlled by the engine crankshfat. All 8 engine cylinders are positioned at an angle to form the "V" shape of a V-8 engine.
A V-8 engine has 4 engine cylinders on each side of the engine. Each set of 4 engine cylinders represent one side of the "V" shape of a V-8 engine.
The majority of V-8 engines are made of solid cast iron steel, a very strong and durable form of steel that is highly resistant to breakage and/or damage and is very tolerant of excessive engine operating temperatures. The V-8 engine design is a very popular engine among high performance enthusiasts due to its durability and structural soundness.
A V-8 engine, unlike most newer car engine designs, is installed in a sideways position in a car. In this position, each set of 4 engine cylinders runs parallel to the car fenders. This type of engine installation is necessary due to a V-8 engine's size and also to make engine assembly easier.
