Does a V-8 have 2 camshafts?
In short, no. A V-8 engine does not automatically come with two camshafts; the camshaft count depends on the engine's valvetrain design. It can have one, two, or four camshafts depending on whether it uses pushrods (OHV), a single overhead cam (SOHC), or dual overhead cams (DOHC).
How camshaft count is determined in V-8 engines
Valvetrain architecture governs how many camshafts the engine uses. The camshaft(s) drive the valves through pushrods and rockers, or directly via tappets in the cylinder head. In a V-8, there are two banks of cylinders, which interacts with the chosen layout to determine total camshafts.
Common configurations
Below are the typical camshaft counts for the three main layouts used in V-8s. Each configuration has its own trade-offs in simplicity, packaging, and performance.
- OHV V-8 (pushrod): 1 camshaft total, located in the engine block, driving all valves through pushrods and rocker arms.
- SOHC V-8 (one cam per bank): 2 camshafts total, one in each cylinder head, usually driving multiple valves per cylinder via rocker arms or directly.
- DOHC V-8 (dual overhead cams per bank): 4 camshafts total, two in each head (one for intake valves, one for exhaust valves).
Each setup affects packaging, weight, maintenance access, and potential performance characteristics. OHV designs are typically simpler and robust, while DOHC designs enable more precise valve control and higher-rev potential, at the cost of complexity and weight.
Maintenance and performance implications
Engine maintenance, timing belt/chain replacement, and valve timing adjustments vary by layout. OHV engines often require maintenance on a single timing chain/belt path, while DOHC engines have multiple chains or belts and more components to service. High-performance DOHC V-8s commonly use four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing for improved airflow and efficiency.
Summary
The number of camshafts in a V-8 is not fixed. It depends on whether the engine uses pushrods in a block (OHV, 1 camshaft), or overhead cam designs (SOHC with 2 camshafts, or DOHC with 4 camshafts). This choice influences performance, packaging, and maintenance, but a V-8 is not defined by a universal two-camshaft rule.
