Jerry Wass wrote:

Using a V-8 crankshaft would result in a weird firing order..(A 4 cyl
crank has 4 throws 180ºapart===-The V-8 has 4 throws spaced 90º apart.)
Jerry

I guess that brings us back to the shallow V4 on a in-line 4 crank.
While it would have a slightly odd firing order too, it's nothing that
can't be worked around.

A 20 to 40 degree offset would be enough to allow for a little cooling
air to pass up the middle without making the firing order to weird.

Tony