RE: [alfa] non-Alfa project for the truly ambitious

[Joe Elliott <jee@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

If I recall correctly, the Merak redlines around 6600RPM, certainly 
no higher than 7000.  I could understand cam twist being an issue 
with a high-revving inline six, perhaps, but not a compact V.

-Joe



> From a technical standpoint the central cam chain helps eliminate 
> camshaft twisting which screws up cam timing and can lead to cam 
> breakage. I figure its not a big deal on motorcycles since thats 
> just the way its supposed to be. Cars have the cam drive in front, 
> we're used to it being in the middle on in- line motorcycle engines. 
> Its also a hell of a lot easier to change the cam chain on a bike 
> than in the engine bay of a car. I'm also not sure its really needed 
> on the Merak, whats it redline at? Modern motorcycle motors tend to 
> be a bit further along technically than those in cars and rev 
> higher, faster which puts more stress on the camshafts.
>
> Ed
>
> At 10:24 PM 6/3/2004, Joe Elliott wrote:
>
>
> > This has puzzled me for as long as I can remember, and while 
> > totally off-topic, I have to ask--why is the timing chain on the 
> > Merak/SM engine in the freaking middle of the engine?  It doesn't 
> > seem like a weird thing to do on a prewar straight-8 with a 
> > two-piece block, etc, but why on a modern V6?  (I guess the Honda 
> > Hurricane 600cc 4cyl also has a central timing chain, but it never 
> > struck me as so weird.)
> >
> > -Joe
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