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A thermodynamic analysis is presented for a reciprocating engine operating under heat exchange instead of through a combustion process, with the purpose to evaluate if such solution can be justified in the light of the obtainable performances. As far as the cycle is concerned, the engine operates identically to a conventional one, but the system configuration departs unavoidably from conventional solutions for reasons mainly related to heat exchange processes (exchanged thermal power, problems related to wall temperature, etc.). Taking into account real cycles effects, both attainable efficiencies and specific powers are determined, with reference to the system characteristics. Attainable efficiencies present quite satisfactory results, while specific powers, related to exchanged thermal powers, on the contrary, show much lower values than those normally encountered for conventional engines.