Engines have more features for fuel economy, peformance and safety

What do all the three letter abbreviations mean? VVT, MDS, HEMI?

What is the difference between a 3.6L and a 5.7L?

Here's your crash course:

What is the Cam? The cam is the device that holds and operates the valves. It makes the valves move.
What does a spark plug do? The spark plug lights the fuel.

What does VVT stand for? Variable Valve Timing - If your engine has this feature your valves will rotate in use, improving the fuel efficiency and wear and tear on the motor. The valves are for intake and exhaust. They let fuel and air in and out.

The pistons compress fuel and air. They are held by the cylinders

MDS: Multi-Displacement System: with larger engines, this technology allows the engine to use less cylinders when all cylinders are not needed. This systems increases the life of engine and allows it to be more efficient.



1.4L, 3.6L, 6.1L
What does the "L" stand for?  The L behind the number designation is for Liters which is the measurement of inches cubed. So it means that this engine has 3.6 Liters of available space, when the pistons, are down for air and fuel (combustion). There are many sizes of motors. Here is a list of current motor sizes for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles:






1.4 Liter Dodge Dart
2.0 Liter Dodge Dart, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot
2.4 Liter Dodge Dart, Dodge Journey, Chrysler 200, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot
3.6 Liter V6 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 200, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Journey, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan
3.6 Liter V6 Ram 1500, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300
4.7 Liter Flex Fuel V8 Ram 1500, Chrysler 300
5.7 Liter V8 (HEMI) Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Ram 1500 - 3500, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300
6.1 Liter V8 (HEMI) is still in some vehicles but is no longer built. It has been replaced with the 6.4L
6.4 Liter V8 (HEMI) SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee, SRT Dodge Challenger, SRT Dodge Charger, and SRT Chrysler 300
6.7 Liter Cummins Diesel - Ram 4500-5500

We will get into Horsepower more but just so you know the basics: horsepower is the amount of weight that can be pulled and how far it can be pulled in a certain amount of time. One horsepower equates to being able to 330 pounds of material 100 feet in 1 minute.

A simple definition of torque is what keeps an engine going. So horsepower is what powers take off and torque is what powers continued motion. Check back for a blog post on Torque also.

If you would like to see a blog about a particular engine-related topic submit a comment by clicking the “no comments” link below.

You can check out all of our engine options on our website : http://www.gollingsarenadodge.net 

Also comment if I missed anything...and enjoy the engine photos!