Automotive Engine Valves

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC: First Drive

Even if you've been in car-nerd lockstep with Maserati's GranTurismo derivatives, you can't be faulted for a bit of confusion. In Europe, the latest GT version is the GranTurismo MC Stradale, whose added horsepower, automated manual gearbox, carbon-ceramic brakes, racing buckets and nonexistent rear seating suggests a GranTurismo S dressed for a night out hustling races for cash.

That car won't be coming to the U.S. Instead, we're getting the GranTurismo MC, positioned as an edgier version of the GranTurismo S for buyers seeking more driver engagement. It's similar to the Stradale, but with fewer track-day airs. The U.S.-bound MC has two, decent-sized rear seats, a mild-mannered ZF automatic transmission standing in for the F1 box and a couple-hundred pounds of extra weight over the Stradale. Sounds like the Europeans got the fillet again, and we're stuck with another boiled eye-round roast? Close, but not exactly.

Maserati reps explain the dueling versions thusly: European buyers tend to garage their Maseratis in advance of the weekend's recreational flogging sessions, but Americans want to drive their Maseratis during the week. So, for a buyer in LA or New York, the F1 box might be too finicky in commuter traffic, while the Stradale's racing harness would likely crease their bespoke power suits. Unacceptable.

Still, both cars have gotten similar tweaks on the nose by the Maserati Corse racing program. In the MC's case, the modifications largely involve aerodynamics. Those include a new, hand-formed hood with air intakes, a new front bumper and splitter combo, new fenders with air outlets, new side skirts, a new rear bumper and a larger rear lip spoiler. The result is 25% more downforce at the front and 50% more at the rear, at 125 mph.

On a recent test day, I only drove the MC, and so I can't speak for the Stradale. I can state without perjury that the MC is the automotive equivalent of a pleasuredome.

Pleasure center number one: the engine. If you must rev all the way to five grand to wring out any meaningful shove, you might as well be revving Maserati's 4.7-liter V8. What else sounds as majestic as a Maserati V8 above 3,000 rpm? Not much. A chorus of angels performing "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" through speakers made from maplewood-smoked bacon, perhaps. But only with a scotch buzz on and if Freddy Mercury was singing contralto. Otherwise, the V8 wins, no question.

Common Questions About Automotive Engine Valves | Automotive ...

There are many valves that play a critical role in the efficient operation of your automobile. For example, intake valves enable fuel into each and every cylinder’s combustion chamber. Exhaust valves allow vapors to exit the chambers following the combustion process. When issues form with the valves, your engine could suffer performance problems, which includes misfires and compression leaks. It’s critical to have such problems addressed speedily to preserve your engine’s performance.

With that in mind, we’ll answer the most common questions folks ask about their vehicles’ valves. The following really should give you a much better understanding concerning why they’re crucial, the issues that impact them, and the greatest approach toward resolving troubles.

“What Causes Valves To Fail?”

Like all components, valves suffer wear and tear over tens of thousands of miles. If you drive your auto far sufficient, they’ll eventually require to be replaced. Nevertheless, they can fail long prior to they wear down due to burning or breaking.

Valves perform their jobs under extremely high temperatures. Exhaust valves run exceptionally hot (up to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit) since they are exposed to the vapors that result from the combustion process. These high temperatures make them specifically susceptible to burning.

When the valves burn, the metal grow to be much less sturdy. It is not uncommon for them to suffer fatigue, causing pieces to break off. When this occurs, a compression leak develops.

“What Occurs Throughout A Valve Job?”

This sort of repair work involves removing the cylinder head to expose the failing valves and guides. The a lot more thorough repair shops will fully dismantle the cylinder head so the individual components can be cleaned and inspected. If cracks are identified, the entire head is either fixed or replaced (cracks are serious because they enable coolant to seep into the combustion chamber).

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