1. What is Engine Displacement?

Engine displacement is the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine. It's a key measurement that indicates the engine's size and potential power output, typically measured in cubic inches or liters.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the engine displacement formula:

Where:

• \( B \) — Bore diameter (inches)
• \( S \) — Stroke length (inches)
• \( Cyl \) — Number of cylinders
• \( \pi \) — Mathematical constant (approximately 3.14159)

Explanation: The formula calculates the volume of a single cylinder (π × radius² × height) and multiplies by the number of cylinders. Since bore is diameter, we use B²/4 instead of radius².

3. Importance of Engine Displacement

Details: Engine displacement is a primary factor in determining an engine's power potential, fuel consumption, and emissions. Larger displacement engines typically produce more power but may consume more fuel.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter bore and stroke measurements in inches, and the number of cylinders. All values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, use precise measurements of your engine's specifications.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between bore and stroke?
A: Bore is the diameter of the cylinder, while stroke is the distance the piston travels within the cylinder.

Q2: How do I convert cubic inches to liters?
A: Multiply cubic inches by 0.016387 to get liters (1 cubic inch = 0.016387 liters).

Q3: Does displacement alone determine engine power?
A: No, while important, other factors like compression ratio, fuel delivery, and engine design also significantly affect power output.

Q4: What is a typical displacement range for passenger vehicles?
A: Most modern passenger vehicles have displacements between 1.0-4.0 liters (61-244 cubic inches).

Q5: Can I use this formula for any engine type?
A: This formula works for most piston engines, including inline, V-type, and opposed configurations.