Engine: Description and Operation

3.3/3.8L V-6 Engines:

ENGINE-The 3.3L (201 Cubic Inches) and 3.8L (231 Cubic Inches) displacement engines are 60° V type six cylinder power plants with cast iron cylinder blocks 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 seals.

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-Cylinder heads are resigned to create high flow combustion chambers to improve performance, while minimizing the change to the burn rate of the chamber. Valve seat and guides are inserts. A steel flanged composition type gasket is used between head and block.

CYLINDER HEAD COVERS-The covers are sealed with steel reinforced silicon rubber gaskets.

INTAKE MANIFOLD-The intake manifold is a tuned two-piece semi-permanent mold aluminum casting with individual primary runners leading from a plenum to the cylinders. The manifold is designed to boost torque in the 3600 rpm range and contributes to the engine's broad flat torque curve, which was desired for excellent engine tractability, response and usable power output.
The intake manifold is also cored with upper level EGR passages for balanced cylinder to cylinder EGR distribution.

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 spring are used with lightweight retainers for improved high RPM performance.

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