The first question that many people ask when they see the IVTec is “How does it work?”. It’s important to understand that IVTec is the newest and best variable valve timing and lift engine that is on the market today. Basically, it has a variable camshaft gear, valve lift and cylinder management system to help you improve your car’s performance.
Variable valve lift
When you hear the term variable valve lift, you may think of the Honda VTEC system. This is a type of control mechanism that allows you to vary the duration and lift of the intake valve for various rpm.
Variable valve lift is a great way to boost power at high revs. Besides helping you increase horsepower, it can also improve fuel efficiency, depending on the vehicle. It can also help you reduce emissions.
There are several different types of variable valve lift. The most common is the cam-phasing variant. Some systems even shift the camshaft axially to produce a higher profile lobe. However, the ideal design would change valve lift continuously according to engine speed.
A cam-phasing VVT can be combined with a cam-changing variant to create a hybrid solution. This is useful to car makers who want to maximize their output, while still retaining good fuel economy.
Another option is to use pneumatic valve control. This method uses a spool to direct oil to chambers inside the cam drive sprocket. In this way, it reduces pumping loss and allows for constant adjustments of the intake cam position.
Variable valve lift has been available in some engines for decades. It has evolved to suit a variety of engine applications. Currently, it can be found in some vehicles from Honda and Toyota. As the market grows, more car makers are developing their own variations of VTEC.
Toyota’s VVT-i is another variation. Its patented technology optimizes valve timing for each RPM. This allows it to work well with turbochargers while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Variable valve lift has been implemented in many automobiles, from sedans to SUVs. Although it is more complex than the simpler VTEC, it is more cost-effective. And it is getting more popular every day.
Variable valve lift has been implemented by a wide range of automakers, including Ford, Porsche, and Nissan. Although there are several different variations of the system, they all operate in similar ways.
Variable valve lift can increase horsepower and fuel efficiency while reducing emissions. Carmakers are also looking into other variants, such as pneumatic valve control, which could replace camshafts.
Variable valve timing
VTEC, Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, is a technology that varies the timing of the valve openings. This improves fuel efficiency and torque while reducing emissions. It is also used in combination with turbochargers for maximum responsiveness.
Honda is one of the leading manufacturers of variable valve timing technology. In addition to the VTEC system, Honda has developed many other variations of the technology. These include VCM (variable cylinder management), which has appeared on several V6-powered Honda vehicles, and the i-VTEC(r), which is used in the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Honda Pilot.
The i-VTEC, or intelligent variable valve timing, is an electronic control system that combines the original VTEC with VTC. Depending on the engine load and RPM, the system can adjust the timing of intake and exhaust valves.
A patented valve, VTEC allows for varying the amount of time each cylinder’s inlet valve opens and closes. This reduces NOx and emissions. But there are problems with this technology. For example, a gasket can fail over time. Similarly, the solenoid can malfunction and require replacement.
The first variable valve timing and lift electronic control systems were developed in the 1980s. These systems use cam phasers to change the timing of the valves. Some of these systems have been a success. However, other variables have been incorporated to further enhance the performance of the engines.
The most common type of variable valve timing systems is the high-speed cam-phasing VVT. Unlike other technologies, this system enables precise control over the valve’s position over a wide range of engine speeds. Moreover, it can be manipulated for a variety of conditions.
Another variation is the Honda i-VTEC(r). Using two different cam profiles, the i-VTEC system continuously adjusts the intake valve’s timing. This allows the engine to open earlier and close later for different RPMs. Consequently, this increases high-RPM power, while increasing fuel efficiency.
Many automakers are now incorporating the VTC or i-VTEC into their engines. Although these electronic controls increase fuel efficiency, they have not been without issues. They have caused problems with lubrication and diagnostics.
Variable cylinder management
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) is a technology which reduces fuel consumption, and increases the efficiency of the engine. The system operates by monitoring the throttle position and engine speed. It then adjusts the ignition timing and gear selection to match the engine’s working displacement to the driving conditions. This boosts the engine’s fuel efficiency and minimizes pumping losses.
VCM can be found in a number of Honda V6 engines. It deactivates certain cylinders when not needed. For example, the rear bank of cylinders is shut off when there is little or no engine load.
When a cylinder is disabled, the spark plug continues to burn in order to maintain the heat of the plug. Oil pressure drives synchronizing pistons, and the rocker arm connected to the valvetrain helps to prevent pumping losses. However, the VCM cannot eliminate the effect of significant engine temperature changes.
During the initial startup phase, the cylinder is idled. Afterward, the system is switched to operate on a single cylinder for acceleration. In addition, the rear bank of cylinders is sealed by idling intake and exhaust valves.
The system also monitors the position of the gears and the vehicle’s speed. If the engine’s speed or gear position is not matched, it automatically shuts down the valves in the cylinders. These steps allow the cylinders to run smoothly at lower speeds.
The VCM also determines the appropriate cylinder activation scheme. Specifically, it switches between four-cylinder and six-cylinder combustion. Using this system, the Honda Accord’s V-6 engine reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
Although the system is designed to improve fuel economy, the check engine light may come on if the solenoid is not functioning properly. A faulty solenoid will cause the engine to run less efficiently, and will result in decreased performance.
The VCM uses a computer to direct the oil flow through the rocker shaft. It also monitors the pressure of the fuel and the catalytic converter. The engine is allowed to operate on fewer cylinders, which also helps to reduce friction and fuel consumption.
Variable Cylinder Management was introduced by Honda in 2005 on their Accord Hybrid. Later, the Honda Odyssey minivan was fitted with the same technology.
Variable camshaft gear
Variable valve timing is a method of regulating the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves in an engine. In addition to increasing performance, this technology also improves fuel economy. The system varies the timing of the camshaft to suit the needs of the moment.
Variable valve timing varies the timing of the camshaft based on the speed of the engine. This enables an engine to use its full power at idle. When the engine is running at high speeds, the camshaft will rotate 25 times a second. Therefore, it is essential that the timing is precise.
This type of valve timing is usually controlled by an electronic system called VVT-i. It receives a signal from the variable valve timing solenoid to change the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust camshafts. To do this, the engine control module calculates the desired valve timing based on the engine’s speed and conditions.
Variable camshaft gear is an innovative design that has helped revolutionize the automobile industry. Unlike traditional engines, these camshafts have variable lift profiles. They also provide a smooth transition between profiles. There are three lobes on the camshaft: a medium-lift lobe on the left rocker arm, a high-lift lobe on the right rocker arm and a center lobe. Each lobe serves a different valve.
A camshaft with helical movement is difficult to produce. It requires very accurate machining. This type of camshaft has a duration range of about 100 crankshaft degrees. However, it does not offer as much flexibility as pneumatic camless valve actuators.
The latest 3-stage VTEC introduced by Honda is equipped with three cams with different lift profiles. It is also used in the Civic sohc engine in Japan.
The Toyota and Lexus v6 cold start engine rattle disappears after the car builds oil pressure. This type of noise is caused by the variable valve timing camshaft gear assembly. Normally, this assembly contains four clamping bolts. These parts are made of billet aluminum and laser-etched aluminum.
Variable valve timing has been one of the most innovative breakthroughs in the history of cars. Today, more vehicles are equipped with this technology. Whether it is the Porsche Boxster or the Nissan Altima, this is an important piece of technology.