Engine tuning stand

[dduclaux]

I would like to build an engine stand that is suitable for running and tuning Porsche 911 and 930 engines. Our host has one pictured on page 8 of the rebuild book. abisel has modified a rear clip into an engine tuning stand. (he has posted pics on the OffTopic Forum -- "random pics that YOU have taken" thread -- page 75.)

Does anyone have plans or experience they would be willing to share on such a project? They would be greatly appreciated.

Some questions that come to mind:

Should the stand accomodate the engine and transmission or just the engine? If it is just the engine, how does one mount or support the flywheel end?

Presuming it is safe to operate an engine outside of the car in the first place, is it safe to operate the engine with just the onboard oil cooler or should an auxillary oil cooler be utilized?

Is there a way to assemble a universal fuel delivery system, given the two fuel pump set-up on the turbo engine but a single pump on all others? Should a fuel accumulator be used?

Does any p-lister in the Mid-Atlantic area know of a tuning shop that has a stand-alone engine tuning stand I may be able to rent some time on instead?

Anything else you guys can think of, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

-- Duane Duclaux
Richmond, VA

[911quest]

One way to do it is to find a junk trans and cut the bell housing off or just the starter mount section and build you a cart strong enough to mount the motor to. Its a lot easier if you just deal with carbed engines but you get the idea

[Avery]

I have a GO POWER engine dyno that is made up from 3X3 thickwall tubing. I'm sure you can make one up easily if you have access to welding equipment. Here's a few pictures. I'd be happy to send more details and dimensions if there's interest.

[CBRacerX]

Try Clarkson Enterprises, in the Poconos - they have a 911 engine dyno that I have rented time on.

[boyt911sc]

AVERY/Felmir,

Do you a picture of the transmission side mounting? I have a cut-off section of the transmission housing that will go with my engine test stand. Looking for some idea how to secure the transmission end to the stand. Thanks.

TD

[john walker's workshop]

the car itself is pretty much a test stand. you have access to everything easy enough.

[briankeithsmith]

Avery:

Was that particular GoPower unit built specifically for Porsche engines? Or is that a generic model that just happens to fit pretty well?

Thanks,

Brian

[Avery]

The GO POWER water brake is a standard old school unit that is rated to handle up to 600HP motors. You don't need it unless you want to get torque readings. TD is on the right track as far as mounting a 911 motor. Use a old tranny housing to bolt the engine to....just make sure you have enough space so as not to interfear with the flywheel and ring gear. This "adapter" can then be welded to a thick plate and in turn bolt the plate to the stand. I'll shoot some pictures and post them tomorrow so you can get a better look. The front supports that bolt to the engine mount (pulley side) is kinda slick. Better to show detail in pictures. Please note.....My stand was built by GO POWER..I did not design nor build it.

[chris_seven]

Making the stand should be easy but it may need quite a wide base to react torque. The forces involved if an engine seizes are quite high.

Cooling shouldn't be too bad if you fit all of the shrouds but I would certainly fit a few temperature measuring devises and you will need fans to cool exhausts.

How do you plan to measure torque? Mounting the dyno on a trunion is quite complex but does mean you can use a load cell which is much cheaper than an in line torquemeter.

What will use as the brake?

Water dynos are good but the cooling systems are quite costly and f you use a closed circuit you may have some health issues. Closed circuit coolers can allow ugly viruses such as Legionella to develop.

An Electromagnetic truck retarder may be an alternative that is cost effective.

Coupling the engine to the Dyno needs thinking about. It is quite common to use Carden Shafts but at 7000 rpm + they can be quite scary and you would need a very good guard to contain the shaft if it failed. Flexible disc couplings are better but you would then need very good alignment.

Fuel storage systems are also a bit tricky and most dynos have fuel tanks in hazardous areas away from any iignition sources

[Avery]

Here's a few pictures on how the 901 tranny cases was adapted to hold the engine. The rear section of the tranny was removed with the bell housing section only used. A very thick plate was bolted to the tranny and the plate was in turn bolted to the stand. I think this is OK for a simple engine test stand. When you have a desire to TUNE the motor on a test stand, you get into a whole different ball game and will need to locate appropriate method to place load on the motor (mine is the GO POWER water brake). You'll be placing lots of torque on the stand when you do that....that design and build is best left to a pro in my opinion.




[img]

Oil tank..I've seen a few test stands that used a 911 oil tank.

[boyt911sc]

AVERY/Felmir,

Thanks for the attached pictures. My planned engine stand is just to test run a spare engine off the car and not as sophisticated like yours. If I'm buying a motor, a running motor is more attractive than a non-functioning one. Just my two-cents......

TD

[911quest]

Also if you dont want to cut up a 911 trans a VW will also work for the eaarly engines just an idea

[djdsc]

Example.

[911 tweaks]

djdsc- That is what I am looking for. Please explain what the parts are and what 911 engines will mate to it.

Thank you!!

Bob