Most motorheads only want one thing, and it’s disgusting: speed. You know it, and we know it too. When it comes to DOHC vs. SOHC, lethal speed is the #1 priority and consideration. The choice between a dual overhead camshaft and a single overhead camshaft engine setup will have a direct impact on your Mustang’s overall performance, and SPOILER ALERT: the DOHC was built for speed freaks like us. While a DOHC engine setup might be a no brainer for guys with gasoline in their veins, it is not for everyone, especially when speed isn’t the only currency that matters in your world. Whether you’re working on a Ford Mustang GT or a Mustang Mach-1, understanding the advantages of a DOHC and SOHC setup is important for any car enthusiast and essential for burning rubber in a way that is best for you. So, let’s hit your gear-head with some knowledge.
The Technical Difference Between DOHC and SOHC
DOHC and SOHC refer to the layout of your engine and how it functions in relation to the camshaft. A camshaft is a cylindrical rod with oblong lobes protruding from it. As the camshaft rotates, the oblong lobes in different positions on the rod control the intake and exhaust of an engine. If you’re unfamiliar with the camshaft, we have other resources you can use to learn more, but this simple explanation is all we need to understand how a DOHC engine differs from a SOHC engine.
What Does SOHC Mean?
SOHC stands for single overhead cam. As the name suggests, it uses a single camshaft above the cylinder heads to operate both intake and exhaust valves. This set up allows for a configuration of 2 to 3 valves per cylinder..
What is a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)?
DOHC stands for dual overhead cam. Like the SOHC, it is positioned above the cylinder heads, but there are separate camshafts for the intake and exhaust valves. In other words, DOHC engines have another camshaft per cylinder row, and this easily allows for 4 valves-per-cylinder setups.
Now that you’ve been bored with the definitional differences between SOHC and DOHC, let’s answer the big question: what kind of engine setup is best for my Mustang?
The Advantages of SOHC & DOHC Engines
SOHC and DOHC layouts are commonly found in modern engines. Many older Mustang models featured single overhead cams, and the 1996 Mustang SVT Cobra was the first model to feature dual overhead cams. Choosing between a single overhead cam and a dual overhead cam comes down to a consideration of performance, weight, fuel efficiency and cost.
Performance
As we very subtly alluded to at the beginning of this resource, a DOHC engine setup is the right choice if performance is the priority. A dual overhead cam engine delivers more torque and horsepower at higher speeds. It also provides better valve timing since there is a dedicated camshaft controlling the intake and exhaust as opposed to one camshaft controlling both.
Weight
The biggest disadvantage to a DOHC engine layout is the weight it adds to your Mustang. Dual overhead cam setups require more components, which adds to the overall weight of your vehicle. However, this extra weight is not typically an issue for most drivers and their needs.
Fuel Efficiency
Please, we know you motorheads couldn’t care less. Even still, compared to SOHC engine setups, dual overhead cams conserve fuel more efficiently due to effective valve timing and control.
Price
Due to its greater complexity and additional parts, DOHC setups are more expensive to maintain. SOHC configurations, on the other hand, are cheaper due to their simple design and straightforward maintenance. However, the lethal performance and efficiency of a DOHC engine make up for its upfront costs in the long run.
Find Parts and Accessories for DOHC and SOHC Engines
Now that you understand the difference between dual and single overhead cams, Lethal Performance can help you upgrade your engine and turn your Mustang into a beast.
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