Where are the rocker arms installed in an overhead valve configuration?

In an overhead valve (OHV) configuration, the rocker arms are installed above the valves. Their primary function is to convert the lateral movement of the push rods, which are actuated by the camshaft, into the vertical movement needed to open and close the valves. This arrangement allows for more efficient airflow into and out of the combustion chamber, which is crucial for engine performance and efficiency.

The lifters, where the rocker arms interact, are located in the engine block and help transfer motion from the camshaft to the push rods. Therefore, while it is true that rocker arms operate in conjunction with lifters, they are actually positioned above the valves to facilitate their operation.

This configuration is different from the positions mentioned in the other options. Valves are the components being actuated by the rocker arms, while pistons are part of the engine's internal structure that moves up and down in the cylinders. Cylinders house the pistons and are where combustion occurs, but they do not directly relate to the installation of rocker arms. Understanding these components and their placements is key to grasping the function of overhead valve systems in engines.