Engine Tilting
26th February 2005
Part 3 - The real reason ............. finally ............... after so long .......................
One of the more important true reason for engineers to design the engine tilted is mainly because of output shaft angle.
For FF case it would be the drive shaft. Straight drive shaft will transfer power with minimum loss. Cars with suspension too low and causes the drive shaft to bend between the two universal joints looses some power along the way.
For FR case there is a propeller shaft. Some times one piece type is easier to match the straightness.
In this case, AE86 propeller shaft is used and is two-pieces construction. The middle universal joint will cause a bend and cannot be helped. However it should be used as a reference point towards the gearbox and hence engine tilting so that at least this section is completely straight and not bending.
The section from middle to rear axle may be compensated by the use of adjustable rear link control arms. See Rear Axle's Control Arms & Rod