> OK. I've tried to guess and have worked in the >auto repair business > over 20 years, but I have yet to figure out what you >mean by "odd fired" > engine. Could you explain that one for me? > Don VIN 6860 Engine manufacturers commonly design engines with two opposing cylinders sharing one crankshaft journal. This is cheaper than making a crankshaft with a separate journal for each cylinder and is entirely adequate for everyday driving. When the cylinders are arranged in a 90 degree configuration with 6 opposing cylinders like the DeLorean's, the mathematics work out to one opposing cylinder creating more crankshaft rotation than the other. One turns the crank 120 degrees and the other 60 degrees. Ignition and valve timing must be tuned to this configuration so there is an odd firing sequence between opposing cylinders. Adding 2 more cylinders to make a 90 degree V-8 makes the math work out even firing with two cylinders sharing a common journal. Newer designed V-6's are done with the cylinders opposed at 60 degrees which makes the math work out even. It's my understanding the engine in the DeLorean was originally designed as a V-8 which in a 90 degree configuration works out to even firing. When 2 cylinders were lopped off it became odd firing. Bruce Benson