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Practical Engine Airflow: Performance Theory and Applications
The efficient flow of air through an engine is instrumental for producing maximum power. To maximize performance, engine builders seek to understand how air flows through components and ultimately through the entire engine. Engine builders use this knowledge and apply specific practices and principles to unlock horsepower within an engine; this applies to all engine types, including V-8s, V-6s, and imported 4-cylinder engines.
Former Hot Rod magazine editor and founder of Westech Performance Group John Baechtel explains airflow dynamics through an engine in layman's terms so you can easily absorb it and apply it. The principles of airflow are explained; specifically, the physics of air and how it flows through major engine components, including the intake, heads, cylinders, and exhaust system. The most efficient and least restricted path through an engine is the key to high performance. To get to this higher level, the author explains atmospheric pressure, air density, and brake specific fuel consumption so you understand the properties of fuel for tuning.
Baechtel covers the primary factors for optimizing the airflow path. This includes the fundamentals of air motion, air velocity, and boundary layers; obstructions; and pressure changes. Flowing air through the heads and the combustion chamber is key and is comprehensively explained. Also comprehensively explored is the exhaust system's airflow, in particular primary tube size and length, collector function, and scavenging. Chapters also include flowbench testing, evaluating flow numbers, and using airflow software.
In the simplest terms, an engine is an air pump. Whether you're a professional engine builder or a serious amateur engine builder, you must understand engine airflow dynamics and must apply these principles if you want to optimize performance. If you want to achieve ultimate engine performance, you need this book.
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1:
Airflow Basics
Airflow Path
The Seven Cycles to Max Power
Torque and Horsepower
Volumetric Efficiency
Theoretical CFM
Understanding BSFC
Contributing Engine Systems
Chapter 2:
Relevant Properties of Air
Physical Composition of Air
Mass and Weight
Density
Coping with Variables
The Ideal Gas Laws
Correction Factors
The MSA and the Air Density Index
Density Altitude
Fuel Properties to Consider
Octane Rating
Gasoline Variables
Conclusion
Chapter 3:
Engine Airflow Components
Fundamentals of Air Motion
Cross Sections and Path Lengths
Carburetors and Throttle Bodies
Air Velocity and Boundary Layers
Obstructions and Pressure Changes
Wave Tuning
Torque Peak RPM
Chapter 4:
Intake Manifold
Intake Manifold Types
Plenum Characteristics
Mixture Conditioning
Surface Texturing
Reversion
Additional Intake Considerations
Extrude Honing
Flow Testing Intake Manifolds
Chapter 5:
Cylinder Heads
Component Compatibility
Airflow Control Point
Street versus Race Heads
Where the Power Comes From
Best Racing Combo
Flow Factors
Valves and Valve Sizes
Evaluating Cylinder Head Potential
Piston CFM Demand
Critical Valve Transitions
Bore Size
Port Taper
Chapter 6:
Combustion Chambers
Cylinder Filling and Pressure Recovery
Combustion Power and Efficiency
Chamber Types
Chamber Flow Concerns
Chamber Texture
Valve Shrouding
Chapter 7:
Exhaust System
Pressure Wave Tuning
Flow Path Disruptions
Exhaust Flow Tuning
Power Adders
Exhaust Port Surface Texture
Valve Shape and Angle
Chapter 8:
Flow-Bench Testing
What Is a Flow Bench?
Consider Application Differences
Flow-Bench Information
Flow-Bench Limitations
Calculating Lift-to-Diameter Ratios
Calculating Valve Curtain Area
Flow-Bench Tools
Chapter 9:
Practical Applications
Begin with a Software Program
Air Filters
Carburetors and Throttle Bodies
Intake Manifolds
Cylinder Heads
The Exhaust Side
Conclusion
Source Guide
The efficient flow of air through an engine is instrumental for producing maximum power. To maximize performance, engine builders seek to understand how air flows through components and ultimately through the entire engine. Engine builders use this knowledge and apply specific practices and principles to unlock horsepower within an engine; this applies to all engine types, including V-8s, V-6s, and imported 4-cylinder engines.
Former Hot Rod magazine editor and founder of Westech Performance Group John Baechtel explains airflow dynamics through an engine in layman's terms so you can easily absorb it and apply it. The principles of airflow are explained; specifically, the physics of air and how it flows through major engine components, including the intake, heads, cylinders, and exhaust system. The most efficient and least restricted path through an engine is the key to high performance. To get to this higher level, the author explains atmospheric pressure, air density, and brake specific fuel consumption so you understand the properties of fuel for tuning.
Baechtel covers the primary factors for optimizing the airflow path. This includes the fundamentals of air motion, air velocity, and boundary layers; obstructions; and pressure changes. Flowing air through the heads and the combustion chamber is key and is comprehensively explained. Also comprehensively explored is the exhaust system's airflow, in particular primary tube size and length, collector function, and scavenging. Chapters also include flowbench testing, evaluating flow numbers, and using airflow software.
In the simplest terms, an engine is an air pump. Whether you're a professional engine builder or a serious amateur engine builder, you must understand engine airflow dynamics and must apply these principles if you want to optimize performance. If you want to achieve ultimate engine performance, you need this book.
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1:
Airflow Basics
Airflow Path
The Seven Cycles to Max Power
Torque and Horsepower
Volumetric Efficiency
Theoretical CFM
Understanding BSFC
Contributing Engine Systems
Chapter 2:
Relevant Properties of Air
Physical Composition of Air
Mass and Weight
Density
Coping with Variables
The Ideal Gas Laws
Correction Factors
The MSA and the Air Density Index
Density Altitude
Fuel Properties to Consider
Octane Rating
Gasoline Variables
Conclusion
Chapter 3:
Engine Airflow Components
Fundamentals of Air Motion
Cross Sections and Path Lengths
Carburetors and Throttle Bodies
Air Velocity and Boundary Layers
Obstructions and Pressure Changes
Wave Tuning
Torque Peak RPM
Chapter 4:
Intake Manifold
Intake Manifold Types
Plenum Characteristics
Mixture Conditioning
Surface Texturing
Reversion
Additional Intake Considerations
Extrude Honing
Flow Testing Intake Manifolds
Chapter 5:
Cylinder Heads
Component Compatibility
Airflow Control Point
Street versus Race Heads
Where the Power Comes From
Best Racing Combo
Flow Factors
Valves and Valve Sizes
Evaluating Cylinder Head Potential
Piston CFM Demand
Critical Valve Transitions
Bore Size
Port Taper
Chapter 6:
Combustion Chambers
Cylinder Filling and Pressure Recovery
Combustion Power and Efficiency
Chamber Types
Chamber Flow Concerns
Chamber Texture
Valve Shrouding
Chapter 7:
Exhaust System
Pressure Wave Tuning
Flow Path Disruptions
Exhaust Flow Tuning
Power Adders
Exhaust Port Surface Texture
Valve Shape and Angle
Chapter 8:
Flow-Bench Testing
What Is a Flow Bench?
Consider Application Differences
Flow-Bench Information
Flow-Bench Limitations
Calculating Lift-to-Diameter Ratios
Calculating Valve Curtain Area
Flow-Bench Tools
Chapter 9:
Practical Applications
Begin with a Software Program
Air Filters
Carburetors and Throttle Bodies
Intake Manifolds
Cylinder Heads
The Exhaust Side
Conclusion
Source Guide
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