Engine: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 3.3/3.8L V-6 Engine:

ENGINE
The 3.8L (231 Cubic. Inches.) displacement engine is a 60° V type six cylinder power plant with cast iron cylinder block and aluminum cylinder heads. Firing order for these engines is 1-2-3-4-5-6. High turbulence cylinder heads allow a 8.9-1 compression ratio.

CRANKSHAFT
The nodular iron crankshaft is supported by four main bearings, with number two being the thrust bearing. Crankshaft, end sealing is provided by front and rear rubber seal.

PISTONS
The pistons are cast aluminum alloy. Three rings are used. Piston pins, press fitted into place, join the pistons to forged steel connecting rods.

CAMSHAFT
The nodular iron camshaft is mounted in four steel backed babbitt bearings. A thrust plate located in front of the first bearing, and bolted to the block, controls end play. Silent timing chain drives the camshaft. This chain is enclosed by a cast aluminum cover which also carries a front crankshaft seal, provides front oil pan closure, water pump mounting.

CYLINDER HEADS
Cylinders heads incorporate valve shrouding to create turbulence-producing combustion chambers, described as fast burn. Valve seat and guides are inserts. A steel flanged composition type gasket is used between head and block.

VALVE COVERS
The covers are sealed with steel reinforced silicon rubber gaskets.

VALVE TRAIN
Valve train design incorporates the use of hydraulic roller tappets. Rocker arms are installed on a rocker arm shaft attached to the cylinder head with four bolts and retainers. Viton valve stem seals provide valve sealing. Conventional type pushrods, retainers and valve stem locks are used. Unique beehive style valve springs are used with lightweight retainers for improved high RPM performance.

EXHAUST MANIFOLDS
Exhaust manifolds are log type with a crossover and are attached directly to the cylinder heads.