"SGE 2 Banger, The Little Engine that Could"

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/47945/2010-fiat-500-to-get-900cc-turbo-two-cylinder-petrol-engine-17-new-models-coming/

Fiat is planning for something pretty cool. Finally! a company that has the pants to finally break the ice in bringing to the table the good old 2 cylinder engines of yester year. In the late 40's and early 50's 2 cylinder engines in European cars were king. As mentioned before in one of my previous articles, Saab for instance used a 2 cylinder in their 92-94 models. Its been a long time since such an engine has since been used. The Yogo was probably one of the last cars to sport such a small scaled engine( 3 cylinder) and people by then were happy with their big displacement engines or econ 4 cylinders that Honda brought along with surprising power ratings.

Well, Fiat together with Chrylser has teamed up to bring the dubbed SGE(small Gasoline engine) to the masses. The engine will come in 3 flavors, one NA, mild turbo version and a top of the line turbo engine producing 110-115 hp, that impressive for 2 pistons. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne went on to say that with a small engine like the SGE fuel efficiency, Lower CO2 emissions coupled with Fiats New MultiAir would yield a very attracting MPG. Fiat also assures that the engine will be smooth with little vibration due to a balancing system designed for the crankshaft. Fiat will be pouring 13 billion( Yes, you heard right) into raising the production to 1 million units. 17 models are to be grown from this engine, to include a Crossover for Europe compliments of Chrylser(Someone is growing up FINALLY!). Looks promising and exciting and hopefully others can follow the piper toward a solution that I think all of us can agree, will leave some green in the old wallet at the pump. Congrats to Fiat!!!!

Big Block V8, Goodbye to a workhorse

On Friday GM cut the plug on the Chevy Big Block V8, marking 51 years of service to many large vehicles that made this country what it is today. Participating in getting goods across the nation, fighting the good fight during WWII or just part of an all American racing tradition on the 1/4 mile the big block V8 will be very much missed. Starting back in 1958, GM needed to produce an engine that could keep up with the needs of the day. Vehicles grew larger in sizes and and the engines needed to keep pace. 3/4 ton trucks could not be powered by the Small Block V8 with the amount of Torque it produced. Torque was and has always played a huge roll in larger cargo vehicles and the Big Block V8 delivered. The "W" series was the first generation. The engine was an OHV that were offset and had a unique scalloped Rocker covers. The first Generation was produced from 1958-1965 and were offered in 3 displacements. 348ci(5.7L), 409ci(6.7L), 427ci(7.0L). Average weight of the engine was 664lbs.

In mid 1965 GM released generation 2 or Mark IV series. Substantial power increase and a newly shaped combustion chamber, new Valves that opened away from the chamber and piston produced better volumetric efficiency above 6500 rpms. This prevented the engine from sagging at higher rpm's and keeping torque steady. The spark plugs has an angle of attack/ignition from the top. For the rest of the engine(Block, bearings, crankshaft) the "W" series designed carried over. There were also 3 displacement options offered, the 366ci, 396ci(6.5L), 402ci(6.6L). 427ci(7.0L part Mark IV design). These engines were produced from 1965-1972 with the exception of the 427ci, that was produced until the mid 90's. Gm went on to producing in 1970 the 454ci, 502ci(Late 80's early 90's) and 572ci offerings in 2003. The Mark IV generation saw duties in GM's on fleet of trucks, Blue Bird Corp, Transit Buses etc.

The last and final generation Vortec 8100 or MK VII is the refinement masterpiece of the Chevy Big Block. The major difference from older previous generations is that its stroked. The Vortex adapted its smaller brothers LS family, coil-on- plug ignition and the firing.



We will definitely miss the Big Block V8 for the history and technological advances it brought with each generation. What will GM have for us next? Will advances in V6 design kill off any plans for another V8? Can GM design for the floor up a new V8 that has technologies such as Direct injection, Quad OHC designs etc?? We'll see with time. For now, the TIME has come for Big Blocks.

Goodbye to an Innovative Quirky Company: "Saab"

Today, Gm announces that it will be pulling the plug on Saab. The quirky Swedish decent car company(Owned by GM 50% 1989 and by 2000 100%) had a good wonderful 62 years of bringing teachers and old people where ever they desired. Not always was Saab this way. From the late 60's to the mid 80's Saab did bring a lot to the table when it came to innovation, especially the Turbocharged Engine!! In some weird way we tip our hats, Goodbye Saab and thank you.

Saab Innovations to think about:

- 1976 Saab was the first manufacturer to produce a turbo engine with wastegate to control boost.

-1980 Saab introduces Automatic Performance Control (APC), and an anti-knock sensor that allowed higher fuel economy and the use of lower grade fuel without engine damage.

-1983 Saab introduces the 16-valve turbocharged engine

-1985 Saab pioneers direct ignition, eliminating distributor and spark plug wires.

- 1991 Saab introduces a "light-pressure" turbocharger.

- 1991 Saab develops its "Trionic" engine management system, equipped with 32-bit micro-processor. In 1994, Trionic T5.5 with a Motorola 68332.

- 1995 Saab presents asymmetrically turbocharged V6 at Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

-2000 Saab introduces Saab Variable Compression, an engine in which the compression ratio is varied by tilting the cylinder head in relation to the pistons.

Saab from 50's -80's had a successful record in Rally competitions with the Famous Saab 96 powered by both 2 stroke 3 cylinder engine and later the 1.5L Ford Taunus V4 engine, Saab 99 and 99 Turbo Competitions to include RAC Rally, Monte Carlo Rally, Great American Mountain Rally, Mid night Sun Rally and Boucles de Spa Rally.

What are your thoughts??

Fiat+Chrysler = Multiair 1.4L

Chrysler is preparing itself for the entry into the North American market of a 1.4L engine with new features like Multiair. Multiair promises to produce 10% more power at the same time reducing the amount of fuel used as well. Mutiair uses Electro- Hydraulic system to open and close the valves. Altering timing when power is needed. This eliminates drawing very little power from the engine. This differs from the traditional mechanical system that relies on the engine to open and close valves.
The first engine to sport the technology is the Fiat Mito GTA, with a 240hp rating. The engine in the Mito is complemented with a turbocharger in order to reach that peak power. The future for this engine looks promising. The addition of turbochargers suits for a good match up with Multiair.



What are you thoughts? Is Multiair a true leap forward? Will the independent eletro-Hydraulic during a failure have fail safes/redundancy?

Hyundai Theta II 2.4L GDI engine

Wow, from a boxy car company back when I was growing up to the New 2010 Hyundai Sonata . Hyundai is proving to be a promising alternative to those wanting to be smart and practical, buying a car.



There's more to just new looks and interior that make a company grow from its humble beginning's. Here at EngineTik were here to explore the world of mechanical wonders, from the point of view of just your average joe with an interest. I'm not here to be the expert of such a topic, but just share a common interest with others I hold in this ever so evolving world. You can use it for knowledge to just have or understand your own car even better. Today we explore the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine. Hyundai's premier into a new realm of efficient Gasoline engines. Don't just think that Diesel is your next option. Look no further to GDI(Gasoline Direct Injection)



The Theta II GDI 2.4L starts life with a simple problem, How to make more of a daily aging gasoline combustible engine. The US is faced with gas prices that for many, causes them to think twice on filling the tank up completely, or just putting in enough to get you from point A to B while still being able to save. Hyundai engineers at the U.S facility decided that with technology like GDI being widely used, Hyundai could come up with an engine that could use the technology, address MPG and be wrapped up in a package that would make it reliable and inexpensive. For being a first try with GDI Hyundai is pushing the standard. Theta II has been beaten senseless in every way you can imagine. Major upgrades and unique technology have found their way into the new generation. Among some are the Unique Block architecture( all aluminum), Valve train, intake manifold, pistons, Rods, crankshaft, and the very interesting Variable Induction System. The power plant delivers 200hp 6300rpm's and 186trq at 4,250rpm. This is all thanks to a Direct Injection system (150bar or 2175psi injection). Also, compression ratios improve from 10.5:1(Theta I) up to 11.3:1 in this latest generation. Competition of engines in its class come from GM's Ecotec 2.4L I4 that only produces 174hp, and VW's 2.5L 170hp@5700 177trq I5(MPG ranging 27-32) just to name a few. Estimated MPG is 10% over the current offers(35mpg, EPA cert still pending).

Hyundai definitely has something good for this next coming year. A brand new engine to power most of the cars, including small SUV's with the Theta II 2.4L. Take in consideration the 146 million Hyundai invested into this engine. Hyundai has also been able to keep strong sales, while others are having to cut back. So the next time you are out shopping for a car, take in consideration of all. It will be the best thing you've done for your money and the Wife, LOL.


What are you opinions on this engine or similar technologies on others? Will Direct Injection extend or pro-long the life of the petrol engine? Will Hyundai be well received for their efforts? When you think of Hyundai, what is your thought? Is there other potential, aftermarket wise? Would a turbocharger complement the Theta II?


What Questions do you have to share? Critics, where are you??? Come on.... where's the engine in you? Thanks for your inputs.