 |
Heat Management
At best a petrol engine is around 25% efficient. The majority of the fuels remaining energy is simply lost to heat. A tuned engine or simply one driven hard will generate even more heat. All of this heat underbonnet does not help in our quest for cool air to the engine. Not to mention the possibility of overheating the water and oil.
Heat management may seem a little dull compared to power and handling but it can actually create power. Lagging an exhaust manifold will reduce the heat released into the engine bay. This will lower the incoming induction temperature, directly or indirectly, resulting in denser air and more power. In addition by keeping the heat in the manifold the exhaust gases become less dense and as result flow faster. This is similar to the effect of a performance manifold. The gases exit the system faster, there is less back pressure and more room in the cylinder for a fresh charge of fuel and air.
If you have a turbo-charged car then you can purchase a turbo-insulation kit which will have a similar effect. It reduces turbo-lag and again reduces the very high underbonnet temperatures associated with turbo cars. In addition this can increase longevity of other components in the engine - sometime the heatsoak from a turbo can cause camshafts to wear prematurely.
Another important consideration is the coolant and oil temperature itself. Competition use causes both water and oil temperature to rise. There are various options available. Firstly the cooling system must be clean and filled with high quality coolant, changed regularly. This will ensure you do not have gasket problems. Secondly ensure the system is properly bled and able to keep the engine at a temperature of around 80-85 degrees. Higher temperatures can increase fuel economy and will cause marginally less engine wear but when you venture on track you are operating too close to the safe limit. Lower temperatures may generate slightly more power but you can go too low and bore wear will double. The engine may well run roughly as well. So if you can't keep the coolant at around 80-85 when you are running the engine hard you will benefit from improving the cooling system. |
|
VertPower Ltd T/as Balance Motorsport are based in Henfield, West Sussex. We are close to Brighton and Worthing
