Electronic valve control

[Shannen Durphey]

Greg Pruett wrote:

> Scott Shotton wrote:
> >
> > delsol wrote:
> > >
> > > Has anyone had any experience with electronic control of  engine valves?
> > > Daniel
> >
> > This idea has crossed my mind before.  Computer controled valves would
> > be an invaluable tool.  Infinate duration and timing posibilities.
> > However, as far as I know, solenoid technology is not good enough for
> > that particular application.  I wish it were!
>
> I've toyed with the idea myself.  Never found any info on it.  I was
> thinking that it may be possible to use some hefty servos to do the
> job.  You could use weak valve springs so they'd have an easier time
> pushing the valves open and you could just reverse current to snap them
> shut.  I've also thought of using engine oil pressure but I'm not sure
> it'd be fast enough in opening the valves.  Then there's trying to get
> the damn thing started with a reasonable amount of cranking in the
> morning.
>
> Greg Pruett
> `72 Olds Vista Cruiser
> `67 Cutlass Surpeme
> `80 Cutlass Calais

  I saw a blurb about controlling lifter bleed down rate electronically.  Always
thought that would be a feasible way to control valves.  lifter bleeds down
slowly on initial opening, then dumps pressure to make an early closing, then as
rpm increases the lifter bleeds some while the lobe is coming up, and stops
bleeding completely to make a later opening.  Probably need to feed pressure
into the lifter body, and make sure there is some rocker lubrication, but it
doesn't seem to difficult to accomplish a working model.

Shannen