1938 Cadillac V16 - GM Heritage Center

Crankcase and Cylinder Block
xIn general, the crankcase and cylinder block design
follows the principles long proven satisfactory on the
Cadillac V-8. The crankcase and the two eight-cylinder
blocks are cast as a single unit from hard alloy steel and
, iron. Included angle between the cylinder bore axes is
135 degrees. The crankcase casting has seven ribbed
bulkheads which increase rigidity and which, with their
front and rear crankcase walls, support the nine main
bearings. Since the camshaft is supported on five bearings,
camshaft bearings are placed, in alternate bulkheads.
v
Enbloc Cylindet—Crankcase
Cylinder heads are cast of the same material as the
block in accordance with Cadillac practice. Combustion
chambers are machined all over to avoid variations
in compression pressure between the cylinders.
The L-head combustion chambers and side valves
were chosen as most suitable to the "flat" design.
Because of the wide V angle there is ample room for
the side valve mechanism. The excessive engine width
which would be required by the greater cylinder head
depth of the valve-in-head design is avoided.
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