The Basics of Engine Performance
Jun 20, 2003 | By: Matyas Varga - SRO
In a brief and very basic summary, an engine's performance is dependant on its ability to create a rotational force through its cranking mechanisms. While rotary and piston engines achieve this through different means, the basic end result is a rotational force that translates into the momentum of the vehicle. In turn, those who seek to maximize their engines performance seek more of this rotational output.
Different types of engines achieve rotational power through different means. The most common of these involves a piston mechanism. Another extreme variation is the rotary concept. But for the sake of understanding the basics of performance, we need not differentiate among the two as the power derived by the two systems is dependant equally on the same basic factors. The first is an engines ability to circulate the greatest volume of fuel and air, whether it be burned or not. the second is the egines ability to compress an air fuel mixture whithout compromising its ability to meet first factor mentioned above.
In turn, the factors affecting performance ultimately aim to create a combustion which then translates into the rotational output that I referred to above. So our job then, as the expert tuners that we all are is to maximize this combustion to the best of our abilities. That is to say, we want to make the strongest and longest burning combustion that we possibly can. Now in order to do so, we must concentrate on the basic factors which will allow us to achieve this goal. The first then is our ability to get as much of the fuel and air mixture into the engine that we possibly can. The second is our ability to compress it together to make it super combustible. Third, we must blow it up! Then finally, we got to get that burned up crap out of the way so that we can bring in as much of the new air fuel mixture as we possibly can to create the next big bang. This whole process cycles over and over again in each and every single one of the cylinders. In the end we get that nice smooth rotational power that makes us fly up and down the street like crazy lunatics.