An overhead valve engine describes where the cylinder heads are on the engine. On an overhead valve engine, the valves are placed above the engine cylinders. The camshaft uses lifters and pushrods to operate the valves.
The other type of engine commonly seen in muscle cars is the overhead camshaft engine, which puts one or two camshafts in each cylinder head and cuts out the lifters and pushrods.
There are two big differences between the OHV and OHC engines:
Weight: Since the OHC engine doesn’t use lifters and pushrods, it’s much lighter than an OHV engine. However, the OHV engine is more compact and takes up less space.
Performance: OHC engines allow for higher engine speeds, which can increase power.
If your main desire for getting a muscle car is speed and power, you may want to opt for one with an overhead camshaft engine. However, the power output of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat
is nothing to sneeze at – if you like its design and features, go for it! Its overhead valve engine won’t slow you down. Be sure to protect your new muscle car with the best car insurance coverage. Jerry
can help you find great rates on the coverage you want in as little as one minute. MORE: 10 affordable American muscle cars