Cadillac L-head V8 engine

The Cadillac L-head V8 was the side valve engine with which Cadillac began mass production of V8 power. Known as the Type 51, it was introduced in 1914 and became the standard engine for 1915 Cadillac models. It was a water cooled 90 degree V8 of 314 cubic inches, about 5.1 litres, with a bore and stroke of 3.125 by 5.125 inches, rated at 70 horsepower. Chief engineer D McCall White, hired by Henry Leland for his V engine experience at Napier and Daimler, led the design. For 1923 a crossplane crankshaft gave the now standard 90 degree offset to each pair of cylinders, improving smoothness and lifting output to 83.5 horsepower. A 341 cubic inch version followed in 1928 and a 353 cubic inch one from 1930 to 1935. The L-head appears on the Ward 10 Best Engines list of the twentieth century.