Notes

The ignition system delivers a spark that ignites the compressed air/fuel mixture in the cylinder at the end of the compression stroke. The ignition coil generates high voltage. The distributor ensures that the high voltage is delivered to the correct spark plug wire and spark plug.
the exhaust system directs engine exhaust to the outlet behind the vehicle to reduce noise and odor in the passenger compartment. The exhaust manifolds bolt to the engine and collect exhaust gases into a single exhaust pipe. The catalytic converter reduces pollutants in the exhaust. The muffler quiets the exhaust. The tail pipe routes the exhaust to the rear of the vehicle.Engines can be classified by their cylinder arrangement, camshaft location, and combustion chamber type. Select each image on the left to view more information on the types of engine classifications. When finished, click Next to continue.

Cylinder Block Arrangements
There are three types of cylinder block arrangements: V-type, in-line, and opposed. V-type cylinder blocks are positioned on an angle. In-line cylinder blocks are positioned in a row. Opposed cylinders are positioned horizontally.

Engine Types
There are two types of engines: overhead cam or in-block cam.

In an overhead cam engine, the camshaft is located on top of the cylinder head and can either be a single or double overhead cam configuration.

The in-block cam engine camshaft is located inside of the block.

Combustion Chamber Designs
Engines can also be classified by combustion chamber designs. There are four types of combustion chamber designs: hemi, wedge, pent roof, and flat head.

The hemi design combustion chamber is a round dome shaped chamber and can only have two valves per cylinder.

The wedge combustion chamber is wedge shaped.

A pent roof design combustion chamber is angled like a roof, which allows for more valves per cylinder.

And, finally, the flat head design, which is the classical design, allows the combustion chamber to have a completely flat top.