The use of aluminium in race engines is widespread; where it is allowed, it is generally used for structural castings and is also widely used for machined components. Pistons are also generally made from aluminium, and most race pistons are forged. Aluminium has a number of properties that make it an attractive material for use in race engines. For example, it has low density, and some alloys possess good specific strength (strength divided by density) and high thermal conductivity....
In previous issues of RET-Monitor under this keyword, the focus has been on dynamometer systems designed for measuring running engines. This month the focus will be on systems that do not operate on a running engine, and specifically their use for monitoring movement in reciprocating components using laser measurement systems. The use of lasers to measure the movement of the valvetrain and other components is fairly well documented, however a brief summary is beneficial. In essence, a...
It is hard to imagine that a current-generation racecar, in a leading race series, owes its gearbox design to a unit that first appeared in a roadcar in 1957. However, this is the case in NASCAR Cup, where the only approved gearbox designs still have to resemble the venerable Borg Warner ST10, first used by General Motors in the 1950s. The external appearance is where the similarity ends though, with the internals, provided by a number of manufacturers, bringing the design right up to...
The previous rockers article in RET-Monitor looked at the important matter of component stiffness; with the advent of the now widely used Spintron testing, engineers began to see the value of increased rocker stiffness when considering the ability of the valvetrain to remain under control. The same reasons that pushed people along the development path of increased pushrod stiffness also led them to consider again the use of steels and other high-stiffness materials for rocker manufacture....
Larry Morgan is the only driver in NHRA Pro Stock professional racing to have campaigned a Ford Mustang throughout the 2011 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. Although he came close, he didn't make the play-off Countdown to One. He's developed the Ford's engine throughout last year and into this, and the major problem he's had with his engine is valve springs. Like most Pro Stock entrants, he's increased his rev range into the 11,000 rpm range and, as he says,...