Abstract: A crankshaft assembly (18) for a VDIC engine (16) of an automotive vehicle (14) includes a crankshaft (44) integrated within an internal combustion engine (16). The crankshaft (44) has at least two pendulum vibration absorber assemblies (58) integrated therein. Each pendulum vibration absorber assembly (58) includes a counterweight member (60) integrally formed within the crankshaft (44). The counterweight member (60) has a desired counterweight mass for providing, in conjunction with the mass of the assembly (58), first order engine balance. The counterweight member (60) has a pendulum (64) pivotally coupled thereto. The pendulum (64) has a desired mass and geometry for attenuating torsional fluctuation.

Abstract: A system 40 for starting a variable displacement internal combustion engine 12 of an automotive vehicle 10 has a controller 54 coupled to a starter/alternator 42 that is used for initiating the rotation crankshaft 50 of the engine 12. The controller 54 controls the amount of torque provided by the starter/alternator 42 of the crankshaft. The starter/alternator rotates the crankshaft to a predetermined torque to reduce torque ripple in the crankshaft.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine has a trunk portion and a crown portion slidably mounted above the trunk portion. The entirety of the trunk portion extends above the piston's wrist pin bore. A resilient element positioned the crown portion with respect to the trunk portion with sufficient force in a direction tending to separate the crown portion and trunk portion such that the crown portion will be placed in a position of maximum extension during at least some part of the combustion cycle.