The study of unsteady gas exchange processes in the intake and exhaust systems of four-cylinder, four-stroke cycle internal combustion engine is described in this paper. The calculation model for the intake and exhaust systems is established and solved by the characteristic method for the equations defining these systems. A constant pressure theory is used for modeling branches of intake and exhaust manifolds. The relationship between the volumetric efficiency and the intake, exhaust pressure variation is clarified by simulation of these systems. It is found that the volumetric efficiency mainly depends on the intake pressure during the short period before the intake valves is closed, that the volumetric efficiency is influenced a little by intake chamber volume in the intake and exhaust system.