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V6 |
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A vehicle with six cylinders. The cylinders are divided into two banks, each of which is angled away from the other at the top, forming a 'V'. Typically, this angle is 60 degrees on V-6 engines. |
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V8 |
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A vehicle with eight cylinders. the cylinders are divided into two banks, each of which is angled away from the other at the top, forming a 'V'. Typically, this angle is 90 degrees on V-8 engines. |
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V-Type Engine |
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In a V-6, V-8 or V-12 engine, the cylinders are divided into two banks, each of which is angled away from the other at the top, forming a 'V'. Typically, this angle is 60 degrees on V-6 engines and 90 degrees on V-8 engines. |
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V/H |
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Vintage/Historic racing. Races for cars built and prepared to pre-1975 specs. |
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Valve |
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Device that opens and closes the combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine to admit the fuel-air mixture or exhaust the gases. |
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Valve Float |
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What happens when an engine is run at an RPM higher than what the valve train is capable of operating at, resulting in the valves' failing to close completely during the compression stroke. An engine suffering from valve float has a characteristic sound; the engine will suddenly began "cutting out", making a sort of rumbling, flatulent noise. Valve float causes loss of power and usually leads to engine damage. |
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Valve Train |
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The valves and camshaft(s) within an engine, and any parts attached to the valves, such as rockers and pushrods, to move them up and down. |
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Valves |
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Many overhead-cam engines, particularly multi-valve models, are described by the total number of intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder head. A 24-valve V-6 engine would have four valves per cylinder: two intake and two exhaust valves. A 16-valve V-8 engine has only the standard single exhaust and single intake valve for each of its eight cylinders. |
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Valves (E.G. 24 Valves) |
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Signifies the total intake and exhaust valves in an engine. For example, a 24-valve V-6 would have 4 valves per cylinder: 24/6=4. A 16-valve V-8 would have 2 valves per cylinder: 16/8=2. More valves allow the engine to breathe better at high RPM and produce more power. |
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Van |
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A box-shaped truck with a forward cab and a cargo area to the back bumper. |
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Vandalism |
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The willful physical damage to a property. |
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Variable-Assist Steering |
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A power-steering system that varies the amount of assistance it provides according to driving conditions. It provides maximum assistance at low speeds for maneuvers such as turning into a parking space or turning a corner after leaving a stop light. It provides minimum assistance at cruising or highway speeds to provide greater vehicle stability. |
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Vee Engine |
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An engine with cylinders arranged in two rows at an angle to the common crankshaft. Has a "V" shape when viewed from the front. |
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Vehicle Identification Number (Vin) |
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A seventeen-digit identification number, unique to each vehicle, which includes codes for the manufacturer, year, model, body, and engine specifications. |
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Vent |
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Hose On an Indy car, the alternative to a catch can for recovering fuel that overflows from the fuel cell during the refueling process. |
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Vent Man |
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Pit crew man who handles the vent hose. |
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Victory Lane |
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After winning the driver proceeds to an area of the race track grounds designated as Victory Lane for official ceremonies such as interviews, photos and presentation of the trophy and winnings. The ultimate destination of any race car driver. |
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Victory Lap |
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A celebratory lap taken by a race winner, after the race is over. Generally, the driver will remove helmet or gloves and wave to the fans. |
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Vis-a-Vis |
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A four-seater in which two passengers faced the driver. Used around the turn of the century. |
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Void |
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A term used to describe a policy contract that is free of all legal effect. |
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Voiture Legere |
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A light car, especially a racing car falling between the heavy cars and the voiturette. Term seldom used to describe production cars. Not used after 1914. |
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Voiturette |
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Early two-seater touring car. Name first used by Leon Bollee and then applied to any small car. |
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Vortex |
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In wet conditions, race cars can produce vortexes off their rear ends or wings. These vapor trails are similar to those produced by the engines of jet planes. |
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Vscc |
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Vintage Sports Car Club - Club for Vintage sports car owners. |
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