818-439-2587
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818-439-2587
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Techniques for Optimizing Engine Power
If optimizing engine power is your goal, stay focused on combustion space. Any change made should be intended to increase net cylinder pressure. Various types of motion imparted to the incoming air fuel charge can benefit power by influencing flame - travel characteristics and the exhaust process. The entire inlet combustion exit process occurs in milliseconds of time. Think of these events in slow motion and separate from each other. An engines intake and exhaust system each produce a torque curve which we study from dynamometer tests. We can tune each curve separately and produce an overall torque curve that we can make narrow or broader depending upon how many RPM's separate the maximum efficiency of each system. For example, a small intake system, the dimension from the carb to injector through to the valves and port area and a large exhaust tend to flatten the curve. The curve becomes peaker as the internal systems approach equality. Flow rate is determined by passage area. Create conditions in the combustion space that increases the combustion rate. High-density air fuel mixtures, cooler charges, improved active inlet flow, (high velocity) intake parts, surface dimples, swirl tumbling all increase faster combustion flame travel. This minimizes spark advance which is highly desirable. A benefit from this is improved throttle response and faster crankshaft acceleration. Base your parts selection to establish high flow rates and do what is necessary to make combustion space an area of activity. Small is often better than large. Build engines for torque and you will improve your chances for winning races. Build them for horse power and you will be fast but not necessarily the quickest in lap times.
Coatings for Durability and Power
Dry film lubricants also known as solid film lubricants, provide a lubricating film that reduces friction, inhibits galling, seizing and can aid in dispersing heat. They are extremely slippery and provide a low coefficient of friction. One of the obvious reasons for using a lubricating coating is to reduce friction which improves wear, extends part life and frees up horse power normally lost to friction. A second major benefit is a reduction in part temperature. This is especially important to parts, such as valve springs. Thermal barrier coating as the name implies, keeps heat in. Certain compounds are used on pistons domes and combustion chambers to reflect heat for a improved combustion process. This allows a better flame travel and we can reduce spark timing thereby receiving increased power output.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR JETTING Consider the piston in the cylinder of a engine as an air pump. Air is sucked in through the intake track and ignited under compression then exited through the exhaust track. Anything that makes the pump more efficient makes it displace more air. Example: 1. More intake volume by different means 2. Better exiting of spent gases 3. Increase displacement 4. More efficient mechanical seal of the pump (rings) (valve seats With more air being pumped the air fuel ratios increase. Example: An air fuel ratio of 12 to 1, now with more air becomes 15 to 1. Question, now that we have more air how do we get the air fuel ratio back to where we want it? Answer, Add more fuel |
