PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What is an overhead valve engine?
I want to buy a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, but I don’t really know anything about them other than I think they look cool. When I looked at the specs online, it said they have an overhead valve engine. What is an overhead valve engine? Does it give the vehicle more power?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
An overhead valve engine describes where the cylinder heads are on the engine. On an overhead valve engine, the valves are placed above the engine cylinders. The camshaft uses lifters and pushrods to operate the valves.
The other type of engine commonly seen in muscle cars is the overhead camshaft engine, which puts one or two camshafts in each cylinder head and cuts out the lifters and pushrods.
There are two big differences between the OHV and OHC engines:
- Weight: Since the OHC engine doesn’t use lifters and pushrods, it’s much lighter than an OHV engine. However, the OHV engine is more compact and takes up less space.
- Performance: OHC engines allow for higher engine speeds, which can increase power.
If your main desire for getting a muscle car is speed and power, you may want to opt for one with an overhead camshaft engine. However, the power output of the
Dodge Challenger Hellcat
is nothing to sneeze at – if you like its design and features, go for it! Its overhead valve engine won’t slow you down. Be sure to protect your new muscle car with the best car insurance coverage.
Jerry
can help you find great rates on the coverage you want in as little as one minute.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies