Engine Pistons - Displacement and Power
As engine pistons move up and down in the cylinders, the volumetric size of the combustion chamber increases and decreases. The difference between the maximum volume and the minimum volume in the combustion chamber is known as "displacement."
Displacement in an engine is measured in cubic centimeters (CCs) or liters (1,000 CCs equals a liter). Thus, a certain motorcycle may have a 750 CC engine (0.75 liter) and a certain sports car may have a 5,000 CC engine (5.0 liter).
Displacement is an indicator of engine power. All other things being equal, a cylinder that displaces 500 CCs (half liter) should be twice as powerful as a cylinder that displaces 250 CCs (quarter liter). Why? Because a cylinder holding half a liter of compressed fuel and air possesses double the combustion potential as a cylinder holding a quarter liter of compressed fuel and air. Simply, increased displacement means the engine can burn more fuel mixture during each cycle, which produces more power.
To put it another way, a standard 4-cylinder engine, where each cylinder displaces 500 CCs, would be called a "2.0 liter engine." An 8-cylinder engine arranged in a "V" pattern, where each cylinder displaces 500 CCs, would be called a "4.0 liter V-8." In this example, the 4.0 liter V-8 would be approximately twice as powerful as the 2.0 liter engine.
So, how does an engine builder increase power by increasing displacement? Well, as illustrated above, the two basic answers are (i) increase the size of the combustion chambers (bigger cylinders) and/or (ii) increase the number of cylinders. Simple enough! Of course, displacement is just one of the many processes to evaluate and optimize in your high performance engine.
At Embee Performance, we understand high performance engines. We work with the best engine pistons and other parts to maximize your power and efficiency. To get more information on Embee Performance and its specialty parts and coatings, please visit us now at the Embee Performance Store!
