"Better" is somewhat subjective

[larry leung]

------Original Message------
From: Unka Bart <gatorojo at earthlink.net>
To: larry leung <l.leung at juno.com>
Sent: October 6, 2000 10:40:14 PM GMT
Subject: Re: "Better" is somewhat subjective


Hi Larry,

First, thanks for the nice and informative physics lesson, not to metion
the forbearance, which I did not deserve.

>My GTi suffers from 2nd order harmonic vibrations, as do all non-balance
>shafted 4 cyl automobiles (Mitsu's, WC Porsches).

May I make a minor correction here?  All the inline 4 cyl Porkers use(d)
balance shafts, and since the 356 series were boxers (and please correct me
if I'm mistaken here), they wouldn't be plagued with that problem either.
Nicht War?

-----------snip------------

Yah, forgive much sleepiness and loss of command of the King's (and President's) English. 

I meant that Mitsu (2.4's) and Porsche (V-8 based all Al 4 cyl)had twin balance shafts, licensed from Mitsu. Audi and VW powered (i.e 924/924T) WC I-4 Porsches didn't have 'em. If I recall correctly, I think GM tried a single balance shaft set-up, possibly for the Quad 4's. They did the single to get around Mitsu's patent. 

Boxer 4's are nowhere near as bothered by 2nd order harmonics, as the opposed cylinder layout tends to cause cancellation. As an aside, 6's and 12's of boxer or inline layouts are perfectly harmonically balanced, as long as their components are. 

Oh well, must sign-off. Beer calls. As does the pillow. 

LL - NY