the angle of the cylinder banks?

[Wirenfeldt]

yes.. i am aware that you will not have a variable angle on the banks of the V configuration engines in game, but regardless i am curious regardless and this seems like the best place to ask..

what difference does the angle make?

what are the pros/cons of changing the angle?

[Slim Jim]

Narrow angle is good for packaging efficiency. Wider angle engines have a lower center of gravity.

Some engines are basically cut down versions of other engines (ie. a V8 turned V6 by chopping off two cylinders)... so instead of the more balanced 60* V6, you get a 90* V6. Other engines still, are V8s with extra cylinders grafted on (V8 turned V10 = Viper)... so instead of the more balanced 72* V10, you get a 90* V10. etc. By maintaining the same bank angle, you can use the same tooling and manufacturing processes which saves money.

Changing the angle pros & cons:

PROS: increased smoothness (depending on cylinder count), easier to fit in engine bay
CONS: expensive

NOT changing the angle, but changing the number of cylinders pros & cons:

PROS: wider variety of engines, easier to make on the same assembly line, cheaper
CONS: requires balance shaft for smoothness, takes up more engine bay space