1954 Cadillac - GM Heritage Center

LARGE VALVES AND PORTS
The Cadillac engine has large intake
and exhaust valves and ports. They
permit a large volume of fuel-air
mixture to enter the cylinders, and
provide easy, unrestricted exit for
the burned exhaust gases. Newly
designed exhaust ports in 1954 reduce
turbulence and permit even faster
exit of exhaust gases, thus increasing
breathing efficiency and power of the
Cadillac engine.
HIGH-LIFT
VALVE MECHANISM
Another major factor in the tremendous
power and performance
that make the 1954 Cadillac engine
the most outstanding in
Cadillac's long history is the
high-lift valve mechanism. By
lifting the large intake and exhaust
valves high off their seats, they
provide large openings for the
fuel-air mixture to enter the cylinders,
and large openings for the
escape of exhaust gases from the
cylinders. The result is that each
cylinder receives a maximum
charge of incoming air-fuel mixture
with minimum dilution from
left-over exhaust gases.
NEW WIDE-LOBE CAMSHAFT
The Cadillac camshaft is precision-built of high alloy cast
iron with super-hard and friction-resistant cam and bearing
surfaces. Wider cams, used in 1954, increase contact surface,
thus minimizing wear on cams and tappets.
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