How many camshafts does a V4 have?
In most cases a V4 engine uses either two or four camshafts, depending on the valvetrain design. A two-cam arrangement (SOHC per bank) uses one camshaft per bank, while a four-cam arrangement (DOHC per bank) uses two camshafts per bank—one for intake and one for exhaust. Modern high-performance V4s typically adopt the four-cam setup, but both configurations exist across history and applications.
Understanding the V4 layout
A V4 engine consists of two banks of cylinders arranged in a V shape. Each bank's camshafts control the opening and closing of valves, and the overall camshaft count depends on how many camshafts are used per bank. This choice affects complexity, weight, and performance characteristics.
Common valvetrain configurations
Two camshafts total (SOHC per bank)
In this configuration, each bank has a single overhead camshaft that operates all valves in that bank. The engine therefore uses two camshafts in total. This layout tends to be lighter and simpler, and is more common on older or smaller-displacement V4s.
- Two camshafts in total — one in each bank
- One camshaft per bank typically drives all valves via rocker arms or followers
- Often chosen for simplicity and weight savings
Two-cam V4 designs emphasize compactness and cost efficiency, but may offer less precise valve control at very high RPMs compared with four-cam designs.
Four camshafts total (DOHC per bank)
In this setup, each bank has its own intake and exhaust camshaft, yielding four camshafts in total. This is the most common arrangement in modern performance V4 engines, providing enhanced valve timing control and better performance at higher engine speeds.
- Four camshafts in total — two per bank (one for intake, one for exhaust)
- Typically supports multi-valve configurations per cylinder and finer valve timing control
- Common in modern sport and performance V4s, including motorcycle and car applications
Four-cam V4 designs are more complex and heavier, but they offer improved high-RPM breathing and flexibility in timing that can boost peak power and efficiency in demanding conditions.
Practical notes and examples
As of the mid-2020s, many high-performance V4 engines used in motorcycles (notably Ducati’s Desmosedici Stradale family) employ a four-cam, DOHC design. Some older or smaller V4s used two cams in total. Automotive V4 implementations vary by manufacturer and model, with choices driven by desired power band, packaging, and cost considerations.
Summary
The number of camshafts in a V4 hinges on the valvetrain design. The two primary configurations are two camshafts (one per bank, SOHC) and four camshafts (two per bank, DOHC). Modern performance V4s overwhelmingly favor the four-cam DOHC setup for enhanced valve control and higher RPM capability, while simpler or older designs may use the two-cam SOHC arrangement. Always check a specific engine’s specifications for the exact setup.
Does a 4 cylinder have a camshaft?
This arrangement denotes an engine with one cam per head. So if it is an inline 4-cylinder or inline 6-cylinder engine, it will have one cam; if it is a V-6 or V-8, it will have two cams (one for each head). The cam actuates rocker arms that press down on the valves, opening them.
How many camshafts does a 5.0 have?
A modern 5.0L Coyote V8 engine has four camshafts, with two in each cylinder head: one for the intake valves and one for the exhaust valves. This is because the engine is a dual overhead cam (DOHC) V8, meaning it has two camshafts for each bank of cylinders.
- DOHC Design: A dual overhead cam engine has two camshafts on top of each cylinder head.
- V8 Configuration: With a V8 engine, there are two cylinder heads, which means a total of four camshafts.
- Function: One camshaft on each head controls the intake valves, while the other controls the exhaust valves.
- Ti-VCT: The 5.0L Coyote also features Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), which allows the engine's computer to adjust the timing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts independently for improved performance and efficiency.
Do V engines have two camshafts?
Therefore there are two camshafts for a straight engine and a total of four camshafts for a V engine or a flat engine.
How many camshafts does a V4 engine have?
Disadvantages of V4 engines include its design being inherently wider compared to inline-4 engines, as well as the requirement of two exhaust manifolds, two-cylinder heads, and two valvetrains (thus needing two sets of camshafts for overhead cam engines) rather than only one cylinder head, one manifold, one valvetrain, ...
