What is cubic inch engine displacement?

Answer 1

Engine displacement is the volume swept by all of the pistons from the top of piston travel to the bottom of travel, and can be expressed in cubic centimeters, liters, or cubic inches.

The equation for displacement is as follows: (^2 means squared)

3.14159265 (Pi) X bore radius ^2 X stroke X number of cylinders

Example: Oldsmobile 307 Small Block

Bore=3.80in

Stroke=3.385in

3.80/2=1.9 (bore radius)

1.9 X 1.9=3.61 (radius^2)

3.61 X 3.14159265=11.34114948 (area of one cylinder)

11.34114948 X 3.85=38.38979099 (area X stroke= single cylinder displacement)

38.38979099 X 8= 307.1183279