Timing Belt vs Timing Chain

[MarkM]

Magnetic actuation is still being worked on, and I suspect will eventually be common. It’s a good challenge getting the valves to open/close at the right times. It takes a good deal of power to move these things thousands of times per second. With a belt or chain there is a physical connection between them ensuring they all work together, though it’s still a good trick having springs that consistently do their jobs quickly and reliably. I’m always amazed that modern engines can get all these parts working together so perfectly.