Engine Design Class

Lets have a talk about engine design and theory. I had to learn about about motors to rebuilt my 364 in my 59 so lets see what I can remember! I remember hearing from a well respected Buick expert tell me the optimal bore to stroke ratio (not sure if its for pushrod or every gas engine) is 2/1. He also said the less timing advance needed the better because it has a good combustion chamber. We all know a good motor means having a very strong bottom end. The crank in the GM 3.8 is actually a nailhead crank with 2 cylinders cut short hence why both the V8 nailhead and 3.8 V6 are bullet proof (I actually used 3.8 crank seals on my 364).
Valve Train
On pushrod engines you want adjustable pushrods when using rocker shafts to adjust for wear, or standard pushrods with adjustable rocker studs. The advantage of rocker shafts is that they are much stronger and handle high rpm much better. down side is they don't tend to flow as well as studded rockers.
With pushrod engines there are 2 main types of lifters (flat tappet and roller). Flat tappets were used extensively until the 80s due to the decrease in friction with roller lifters. The advantage of flat tappet design is they tend to give you better lift, while also increasing wear (especially with very high performance grinds)
More things will come to mind, but this is all I can recall of the top of my head
Valve Train
On pushrod engines you want adjustable pushrods when using rocker shafts to adjust for wear, or standard pushrods with adjustable rocker studs. The advantage of rocker shafts is that they are much stronger and handle high rpm much better. down side is they don't tend to flow as well as studded rockers.
With pushrod engines there are 2 main types of lifters (flat tappet and roller). Flat tappets were used extensively until the 80s due to the decrease in friction with roller lifters. The advantage of flat tappet design is they tend to give you better lift, while also increasing wear (especially with very high performance grinds)
More things will come to mind, but this is all I can recall of the top of my head
