Weight Distribution
 

I understand the theory of getting weight to middle, center-line and as low as possible for best handling, What I am looking to understand is how the weight distribution of a V8 vs inline 6 effects handing. Lets assume they both weigh the same and placement front to rear balances out too (ie same corner weights). I can't help but think the inline 6 has the advantage due to being on the center-line of the car vs the V8 with it's heads hanging off to the side. What's the theory that is in play here?

Backstory: I purchased at BMW E36 M3 track car in the middle of a V8 transplant that I am looking to part out. When looking at the engine bay I thought of how much better the Miata's 4 cylinder placement was than the V8 in the M3. Aside from HP (class limits it anyway) what advantage/disadvantage would the V8 have over the inline 6 on weight distribution?

I understand this is OT for a Miata forum but I've come to appreciate and respect the great minds of the race prep group. I couldn't think of a better place to float the question. It's a good mental distraction for all.

I6 is generally going to be longer and taller than an V8 with same displacement. I6 crank has a larger rotational moment which affects gyroscopic forces. For a club race type build though, I think both these factors will not be significant enough to matter when that overall lack of pro level optimization isn't there anyway.
Anyway, LS or K24 turbo swap all the things. LS highest power density outside of a rotary (bleh). K24 best I4 overall.

I couldn't find any S50/S54 I6 pics online of crank horizontal center-line. The new S65 V8 sit awfully low (drysump) and further back (trans was shoved back 6' too) than the I6 as well.

It's hard for me to love the M3 after coming from a Miata. It seems porky, tall and boxy. That 600hp S65 is awful seductive though.

I was just trying to wrap my noodle around side to side weight placement of the I6 vs V8 and how that effects handling. I suppose that’s improper thinking, it should be evaluated as a whole. This S65 V8 seems so top heavy with it’s weight hanging off to the sides but then again it sits much much lower.

I suppose you’re right but I’ve always tried to stay true to solid design principles. I watched a friend build a LS1 Miata and every step he ignored weight placement. The car was a disappointment and never performed up to expectations. This M3 I got seems to be headed in the right direction with the new engine lower and the trans/engine shoved back 6” further than before.


I am a true believer in that statement. The LS is tough to beat for power/cost value. The K24 is more my speed though. I look forward to your mustang project with it.

This is the mockup placement of the S65. It sits pretty damn low (crank centerline below frame centerline) and we got it shoved back tight. I can’t find good pictures to compare it to prior 6 but based on the placement of this engine I bet the engine had 3 cylinders hanging in front of shock towers. Nothing like the Miata when #1 cylinder is just about even with shock towers,
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...142bd69ef1.png
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...205a0ef617.png
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...929211808f.png