Here's A Visual Demonstration Of A V8's Firing Order Using A Bunch Of Lights And Relays

To demonstrate the uneven firing order of a conventional cross-plane crankshaft V8, this guy set-up an amazing display using lights and relays

Matt Robinson

21 Jun 2016

It’s important to note this demonstration applies only to more conventional ‘cross-plane’ V8s. In these engines, the firing order between the left and right banks of the engine aren’t ‘even’, meaning you get a left, right, left, left, right, left, right, right thing going on, which is what gives you the trademark V8 burble, and a less balanced engine.

Flat-plane V8s on the other hand are even with a left, right, left, right etc firing order, making for a more balanced engine that doesn’t need such hefty counterweights on the crankshaft.

In case you were wondering: according to the uploader, the fastest ‘engine speed’ achieved in this video was the equivalent of 1500rpm, which was apparently too fast for the relays to respond.

Via Reddit Cars

Comments

try watching it on speed 2

even sounds a bit like it

Just like mine!

When you want an LS1 but electricity is life

Now you know why “Bundle Of Snakes” or “180° header” are so much better on X plane V8!

And very great noise too!
Not like two staggered 4cyl like Ferrari’s, and angry boat style conventional V8…

Raging & rich sound, the “real natural angle V8” sound
https://youtu.be/KEGUwvBG3rQ?t=39s

What about the x-pipe? Wouldn’t that accomplish the same as 180-degree headers? 180-degrees are a pain to fit in a car and make properly.

Thanks !!!

please, flat 6 :)

Fxxking awesome

Cant….Keep….up…

Not quite right: A flat plane crank V8 such as found in small ferraris is less dynamically balanced than a cross plane crank. However, the exhaust pulses are more shared between the left and right headers allowing for better power.

Also flat plane has a primary balance, which cross plane does not. It creates a rocking-couple. That’s why you need the heavy counterweights on the crossplane crank