Since visiting this board more frequently, I've been reading several sources
of engine tuning and picking up some pretty advanced Physics.

It seems that with a grasp on pulse tuning, flow of fluids within a tube, and
flow requirements to attain a certain level of power, most of the pieces will
come together when selecting engine parts.

Understanding what head volume, valve timing, and intake/exhaust dimensions
to select within a certain RPM range seems like more than half the battle.

Knowing how atmospheric conditions change the pressures within the engine,
as well as setting air/fuel ratio also seems high up on the list.

Nearly complete my book and would like to purchase another. I've already
picked up an intermediate level Physics text to refresh the basics.

What would you consider the main concepts to study which will encompass
major points of understanding engine tuning as a "system".

Here's a list that I've read about:

- Resonance/ Acoustic energy for tuning
- Phasing of pressure pulses (valve timing)
- Surface drag (friction) as it applies to fluid flow in a tube
- Optimising volume of a tube/runner for best cylinder filling within the operating range
- "Area under the curve" (HP curve) for gear ratios
- "Area under the curve" (cam lobe) for cam lobe and head design
- Pressure differentials within the exhaust, cylinder and intake to set valve timing

There are quite a few applications I'd like to try with my car next season
after learning some of the above points.

Are there any other fields you would consider a benefit to study? If not,
which of the above do you feel are best to study more in depth?

 

Looks like you've been reading a lot of good helpful Books, Articles, & Posts

but comes a time when you need to experience hands on real world application of what you Book-learned

sometimes a lot of experience and good instinct wins out

-------------------------------------------------

>>There are quite a few applications I'd like to try with my car next season
after learning some of the above points. <<<

Great..thats where you'll gain hands-on experience/knowledge

you can't loose..in other words...even if you do something that slows your Car down..you still learned something that day !
To every Action ... a reaction
To every question ... an answer (hopefully)

Like the old guy said
"it can only do 3 things : Go Faster , Go Slower, or Stay the Same"

 

Who's the old guy?

 

Thanks for the reply Larry.

I know it was a subjective question, but I appreciate the quote of the wise.

In my parts of the world, the saying goes like this:

"it can only do 4 things : Go Faster , Go Slower, Stay the Same, or blow itself apart."

 

Zero_to_69,

"Go Slower" => would cover the engine blowing part

so its still 3

 

What books have you read? I already have been through the "Theory of intake/exhaust" book and would like to move on.

 

Just wondering...where are you guys getting these books?

 

Mastr,

Are you asking me, or Max (Larry)?

In any case, it's a short list, but here goes:

* Autmotive Mechanics & Engine Technology, 3rd Edition - Steckner

* Scientific Design of Exhaust & Intake Systems - Phillip, Morrison


* Subscription to National Dragster magazine. Awesome tech articles.
I must have a stack of ND mags that reach my waist.

Other than the teenage binge of Car Craft, and Hot Rod magazines, I've
picked up the GM shop manuals for the 1996 Fbody platform. I've yet to
put a dent in those. The series is about two phone books thick of tech
information and basic functions of the sensors, electrical, computer, etc.

 

i really like that quote.

 

Good advice!

-Mindgame