What does SOHC mean?

[MattStarr]

I recently bought a 97 xlt with a v6 sohc engine. I noticed that there were two engine choices....a v6 and a v6 sohc. I dont really know much about engines, all I knew is that i had to buy an explorer to go offroad with. I just want to know what the SOHC does. I have no idea. I think it might be a more powerful engine.

 

[GR899V8]

SOHC = Single OverHead Camshaft
The camshafts are up on the heads on the SOHC, the V6 and V8 have it in the block.

 

[MattStarr]

I have no idea what you just said, could you maybe explain in a more simple way. What are comshafts and heads?

 

[410Fortune]

Single Over Head Cam

The "other" 4.0L V6 is the OHV, or Over Head Valve.

The difference is basically the SOHC uses a camshaft to open and close the valves where the traditional style OHV uses pushrods to open and close the valves.

The SOHC rev's higher, makes more power, basically because there is less rotating mass when the engine is running. It also has forged pistons from the factory.

It is a new design whereas the OHV 4.0L is based on a family of engine's that have been tried and true work horses for over 20 years.

The SOHC has it's share of problems, but any NEW design always has bugs to work out.


Congrats on your choice of trucks and engine's, the SOHC is a screamer and a Honda killer.

Almost all new engines are SOHC, or even D(ual)OHC so it's just Ford playing "catch up"

 

[jonny 5]

The SOHC has more power than the OHV, 205 compared to 160 I think.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Yep, you have a lot more horsepower and torque than the regular V6. You have just a little less than the V8, but weigh less so in the end you're faster.

 

[Rscotts1]

210HP with my 2002 XLS V6 SOHC....I think.

http://members.cardomain.com/scotts1

 

[Alec]

A few more things to add:

The SOHC motor makes its power at higher rpms than the OHV or the 5.0, so it's a little more rev-happy.

Also, there are much fewer mods available for the SOHC than the OHV or 5.0, but you start with more power in the first place so it is sort of a tradeoff.

 

[JDraper]

Simply Out Hauls Chevys!! :mattmoon:

 

[Alec]

How long did it take you to come up with that one Jeff?

 

[JDraper]

'Bout 30 seconds . Originally it was "Suckers only have Chevys", but then I remembered there's a Pontiac sitting in the garage.