Practical Engine Airflow: Performance Theory and Applications

by John Baechtel

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.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2015

About the author

John Baechtel served as technical editor of Car Craft Magazine in the seventies, executive editor of Hot Rod Magazine throughout the eighties and then editor of Car Craft again in the nineties. He was a GM motorsports consultant for ten years and then opened a race engine testing facility for over a dozen years before retiring early to write technical and historical automotive books and manage a growing group of automotive high-performance enthusiast websites.

He is a Bonneville racing veteran, 200 MPH Club Member, International FIA speed record holder and avid collector of land speed record memorabilia and LSR model cars. He builds his own race engines and is the author of a dozen technical books on engine building and race car construction. He enjoys researching and collecting vintage engines and speed equipment.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not say enough wonderful things about this book. From the easy to view size and generous number of well defined, precise photographs, to the clear instructions which did not make me feel like they were "dumbed down" for me. Straightforward and complete.

I spent a good number of hours during high school hanging around garages.
I have spent weekends with friends up close and personal at the racetrack.
I even took a "nontraditional careers" weekend preview course for female auto mechanics at a local trade college. I believe that I learned more, understood more, in this book than those previous experiences and explanations. I plan to buy other books in this series and read them more than once.

I also had better educated (than me) mechanics look at this book and all were impressed.
They said to bring other books by this author to the shop.

If you have a child interested in engines or autosports or someone of any age who can appreciate understanding more about the language and fundamental operations of engine efficiency, you need a copy of this book and I am betting others in the series. I am looking forward to being able to better take part in conversations with my increased understanding.

[Thomas Petri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written and thorough in its coverage of theory and practice. While it covers well what specialists do, it gives little encouragement to the amateur who wants to try for himself. actually, it sounds like a pretty much closed issue unless you have the training required. The author does offer a good resource list and makes many good references through out the text. All of his examples in the text are backed by examples of how the pro's see and fix the needs for better air flow in high performance and race cars. After reading this book you will know how and why specialists do what they do, informed consumers are better prepared to get the most for their money. And this book will do that for you. book was awarded by LibraryThing

[Daizy Rajput · Rating 5 out of 5]

ultimate book