Question on SVX engine
 

Alot of people talk about how the the svx engine is unique in that one half is independant of the other. Iam not really sure how to explain this, hopefully someone would be able to understand what iam asking. But how exactly does the svx engine work differently then other engines. And how does this differ when turbocharging? Thanks
chris

What it means is that there are two banks of cylinders, an oxygen sensor for each bank and as such the computer can alter the fuel rate for each bank independently. There is nothing unique about this setup, many other OEMs do the same. Earlier/cheaper versions of EFI used a 'y'-pipe exhaust with only one O2 sensor and therefore could only alter fuel rates for both banks together.

well then what's all the ranting and raving about the svx engine about?

It's a well-designed engine, with few flaws, if any. A flat six has no inherent vibration and therefore runs extremely smooth. Consider that ten years ago 230hp from a 200c.i. engine, without forced induction, was pretty much the pinnacle of OEM engineering. Even by today's standards it isn't shabby.

If you look into the subject I think you'll find that the majority of SVX engine failures were due to poor maintenance or driver error. I'm sure a few were lost to fuel dumping, overheating, etc., but that's not really a reflection on the engine itself. With routine maintenance these engines will probably rot from the outside in before they wear out.

Just for comparison...
 

Just after I posted this came through in my e-mail. I belong to a group of techs (over 42,000) that share insights and problems. This is something to consider when asking "well then what's all the ranting and raving about the svx engine about?"

Quote:
"This is the fifth Intrepid I have had in my shop that needs
an engine. The first one had 29k and a rod knock. Replaced
w/used engine for 3k. The second one had a gaping hole
through the side of the block at 41k miles. The two I
have now have bad timing chains and guides and all intake
valves are bent. All engines are under 59k miles and all of
them have two inches of sludge under the valve covers. The
local dealer has short blocks and heads in stock and the
parts gut says he sells one every week. How do you tell
someone they need a new motor for 8k when the car only has
59k miles? The market for used engines for these cars is
insane. Everyone know they are junk except Chrysler Corp -
who knows but is in a state of denial. I found a used
motor for 3500 with 10k on it. So my first customer is
going out they door for 4500.00 dollars with a used motor
and a 30 day warranty. Chrysler techs? What is the deal?"

You see, there are a number of 'bad apples' out there...

Re: Just for comparison...
 

a poorly designed Chrysler product?!?!? no! he must be crazy!
the new turbo Neon will make a believer of you all!!!
<runs and hides:D >

Re: Re: Just for comparison...
 

You forgot something Alan :D

Todd (glad I sold my 300M)

Uh... the model was unintentional - really. I receive 60-90 e-mails each day, most being from this group. I just picked the first one I came to that kinda matched my point. I could have waited and posted this one, but it's not got quite the same ''punch' :

1994 Toyota Camry

Engine: 3.0 L / 6 cyl / Gas / DOHC
Fuel: Fuel Injection
Ignition: Distributorless
Trans: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle (Electronic)
Mileage: 117,561 miles
VIN: (Deleted)

Affected Item: 5 broken rods
Condition: 2 shattered pistons
More Info: Repair history included below

__________________________________________________ __________

"This Camry was towed in locked up with 2 holes in oil pan, 3
holes in the block, 2 shattered pistons and 5 broken rods.
Coolant passage was broken so I'm not sure if it was low or
not ,also no oil leaks or evidence of oil loss and lower pan
was empty. I have never seen so much damage and am wondering if this is from abuse...."

Quote:
"This is the fifth Intrepid I have had in my shop that needs
an engine. The first one had 29k and a rod knock. Replaced
w/used engine for 3k. The second one had a gaping hole
through the side of the block at 41k miles. The two I
have now have bad timing chains and guides and all intake
valves are bent. All engines are under 59k miles and all of
them have two inches of sludge under the valve covers. The
local dealer has short blocks and heads in stock and the
parts gut says he sells one every week. How do you tell
someone they need a new motor for 8k when the car only has
59k miles? The market for used engines for these cars is
insane. Everyone know they are junk except Chrysler Corp."

the Camry sounds like a case of abuse. the Intrepid sounds like junk. period. my best friend is a Service Manager at a Chynsler dealer and NEVER has a shortage of work. ;)

I agree. I had a couple CC dealers on my tool route and they both had three tranny techs each. Evaporators on minivans and LH cars, oil leaks and driveability on Neons, trannies in everything... Just to be fair, it was a dead heat between Mitsubishi and Saturn dealers for engines, on my route anyway.

The Svx is just another quality built engine by subaru in my opinion, after seeing 4 subaru's with over 250,000 and running strong,I mean my 90 legacy with 375,000 is not being driven because the entire body is rusting and won't pass inspection due to safety issues. i don't think it's any wonder why the svx engine is so reliable.

And I dont think the SVX would rust like that. :)

Mike

the svx may not rust like my car, but will the original svx engine last 375,000 like my 90 legacy? There's no proof of that

Beav, what's your opinion on the old GM 3.8 pushrod V6 engine?
My friend's '87 LeSabre has 337K on it & it ain't complainin'.
Yes - he changes the oil at 3-5K intervals.

Ron.

i don't think my SVX will ever see those miles, but its nice to know it COULD! :)