layouts without balance shaft, a straight eight design has very low inherent vibration, while the side-valve layout contains the moving parts of the valve train within the cast-iron block, enabling it to be very quiet compared to an overhead valve configuration (as in the contemporary Buick engines). Combined with a substantial exhaust manifold and effective intake and exhaust muffling this can lead to a very quiet vehicle, both internally and externally. At the time of its use, a quiet and vibration free engine was thought to be a mark of quality in an automobile. Bores need be of small diameter to keep the engine length down, and so strokes must be long to obtain larger displacements — such configurations (called "undersquare") exhibit good low-rpm torque and are capable of slow idle speeds, enhancing both drivability and quietness. While Chrysler vehicles had similar engines they were not targeted for the lower middle price range enabled by General Motors' manufacturing expertise and volumes of the time. Disadvantages As with other iron block straight configurations, the engine is considerably heavier than an equivalent V configuration, requiring more materials for the crank and crankcase and so increasing overall vehicle weight in even greater proportion. The long crankshaft tends to exhibit torsional vibration modes under high power, while side-valve flathead engines inhibit smooth intake and exhaust gas flow, limiting power. None of these disadvantages were disabling until the "horsepower race" initiated in the early 1950s ensured the dominance of the overhead valve V8. Applications During its run, the eight came in all Pontiacs, which included the Special and Deluxe (1936–40), Torpedo (1940–48) and Streamliner (1942–52), as well as the first six years of the Chieftain (1949–58) and the debut year for the Star Chief (1954–66). Specifications Compression on the "eight" started at 5.7:1 initially, and was increased to 6.2:1 in 1934. In 1940 it was increased again to 6.5:1. From 1952 to 1954 two compression ratios were specified, 6.8:1 with syncromesh (manual) transmission, and 7.7:1 with Hydramatic automatic transmission. The engine had a remarkably low idle speed of 450 rpm with standard transmission and 375 rpm (while in drive) for the automatic; a modern engine is usually tuned to a minimum 600-700 rpm. The electrical system was a 6-volt primary with a negative ground, and a conventional mechanical ignition, with the firing order 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4. The Pontiac engines employed a full pressure oiling system and full