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The Porsche 914 cylinder block represents a fascinating piece of automotive engineering that emerged from a unique collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen in the late 1960s. This innovative power unit formed the heart of a mid-engine sports car that would challenge conventional automotive design principles of its time.
Engineering Marvel of the Flat-Four Boxer Configuration
The Porsche 914's cylinder block was a horizontally opposed, air-cooled four-cylinder design that showcased remarkable engineering precision. Constructed from special gray cast iron with cooling ribs, the cylinder block featured several distinctive characteristics:
- Cylinder Arrangement: Horizontally opposed, with 2 cylinders on each bank
- Bore Diameter: 90 mm (for 1.7L model) to 93 mm (for 1.8L model)
- Stroke: 66 mm consistently across models
- Total Displacement: Ranging from 1,679 cc to 1,795 cc
Technical Specifications of the Cylinder Block
The crankcase was a two-piece aluminum alloy design, split vertically through the crankshaft and camshaft bearings. This construction provided exceptional rigidity and thermal management for the engine.
Key Structural Components
- Crankshaft: Forged steel with 4 plain bearings
- Main Bearing Journals: - Journals 1, 3, and 4: 60 mm diameter - Journal 2: 40 mm diameter
- Connecting Rod Bearing Journals: 55 mm diameter
- Pistons: Alloy construction with special inserts
- Piston Rings: 2 compression rings and 1 oil scraper ring
Cooling and Lubrication System
The air-cooled system was a hallmark of Porsche's engineering at the time. A radial fan mounted on the crankshaft delivered approximately 800 L/sec of cooling air at 4,600 rpm. The lubrication system utilized a gear-type forced oil pump with a full-flow oil filter and an integrated oil cooler in the fan's air stream.
Oil System Specifications
- Oil Capacity: 3.5 L with filter replacement
- Oil Consumption: 0.5-1.0 L per 1,000 km
- Lubrication Type: Forced oil lubrication
Performance Characteristics
Depending on the specific model, the Porsche 914 cylinder block powered engines with varying performance metrics:
- 1.7L Model: 80 HP at 4,900 rpm
- 1.8L Model: 76 HP at 4,800 rpm
- Maximum Torque: Approximately 99.5 Nm at 3,500 rpm
- Compression Ratio: Ranging from 7.3:1 to 8.2:1
🔧 Note: The Porsche 914's cylinder block design represented a significant engineering achievement in compact, efficient sports car powerplants of its era.
The Porsche 914 cylinder block stands as a testament to the innovative engineering collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen, demonstrating how thoughtful design could create a reliable, performance-oriented power unit for an affordable mid-engine sports car.
What made the Porsche 914 cylinder block unique?
+Its horizontally opposed, air-cooled design with an aluminum alloy crankcase and special gray cast iron cylinders made it distinctive among sports car engines of its time.
How many cylinders did the Porsche 914 have?
+The Porsche 914 had a four-cylinder boxer engine, with two cylinders on each bank of the horizontally opposed configuration.
What was the typical displacement of the Porsche 914 engine?
+The displacement ranged from 1,679 cc in the 1.7L model to 1,795 cc in the 1.8L model, providing between 76-80 horsepower.