This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Optimizing Race Engine Performance One Cylinder at a Time
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Performance of multicylinder engines is dictated by the sum of the contributions from the individual cylinders, each of which must be optimized to maximize the total output. Cylinder-to-cylinder imbalance causes each cylinder to operate differently, making individual-cylinder optimization a challenge. Unfortunately, cylinder-to-cylinder imbalance exists in all multicylinder engines, even those in which careful steps are taken in design and manufacturing to prevent it. While optimizing each cylinder of a multicylinder engine in high-volume production applications is not feasible, it is feasible in racing applications and can provide a significant competitive advantage.
This paper investigates causes of cylinder-to-cylinder imbalance and discusses techniques to optimize race engine performance one cylinder at a time through the systematic optimization of individual-cylinder intake valve closing, spark timing, and compression ratio.
Recommended Content
Authors
Citation
Randolph, A., "Optimizing Race Engine Performance One Cylinder at a Time," SAE Technical Paper 942488, 1994, https://doi.org/10.4271/942488.Also In
References
- Randolph, A. L. “Cylinder Pressure-Based Combustion Analysis in Race Engines,” SAE 94xxxx 1994 Motorsports SAE Conference
- Asmus, T. W. “Valve Events and Engine Operation,” SAE 820749
- Puzinauskas, P. V. Eves, J. C. Tillman N. F. “Measureing Absolute Cylinder Pressure and Pressure Drop Across Intake Valves In Firing Engines,” SAE 941881
- Pischinger, S. Heywood J. B. “How Heat Losses to the Spark Plug Electrodes Affect Flame Kernel Development in an SI-Engine,” SAE 900021
- Groff, E. G. Sinnamon J. F. “The Effects of Ignition Location in a Swirl Field on Homogeneous-Charge Combustion,” SAE 821221
- Puzinauskas, P. V. “Examination of Methods Used to Characterize Engine Knock,” SAE 920808
- Xiaofeng, G. Stone, R. Hudson, C. Bradbury I. “The Detection and Quantification of Knock in Spark Ignition Engines,” SAE 932759