Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Stovebolt combustion chamber

I have always wondered why GM made the stove bolt combustion chamber so odd compared to other motors.
By that I mean the exhaust valve is not level with the intake , but in a combustion well?
Later motors went to a bath tub design, does any one have any knowledge of why?
Is there an advantage to the design? Heat removal maybe?

Toyota and Mercedes both paid to use the design, the Jaguar V12 is quite similar.

Greetings . . .

This unique combustion chamber design was developed by Chevrolet engineers in the early 30’s when tasked with producing a marine racing engine. Their findings began to be incorporated into the 206 stovebolt beginning in ’34. The design intentions are described in the 1934 Engineering Features technical reference – beginning on or about page 25.

As a result the compression-ratio of the so called Cast Iron Wonder would increase 25% during the decade of the 30’s: carnut site - cheverolet technical specs

For those unfamiliar with the GM Heritage Center archives. The complete list of documents can be found here:
GM Heritage - Vehicle info kits


regards,
stock49