Quote:
Originally Posted by island911
"An engine is essentially an air pump."
I cringe when ever I hear/read that. I know what you're saying but...
First there is the importance of fuel/air mixing and the control of the chemical kinetics. --the "bang" produced is of utmost importance.
Second, what you are talking about is limiting torque losses (preserving MEP) at higher rpm ... which comes back to the chemical kinetics.
Overall I agree with you that the HP claim on pump gas, naturally aspirated and 10:1 CR is dubious. I expect that their secret is that they are lying about the HP number, or lying about the work-around. Perhaps fuel used and CR. Perhaps it's unsustainable steady state /cooling.
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Oh, I agree - the "air pump" analogy is horribly simplistic. It is somewhat useful, however, for forming an image for those who are not so mechanically inclined. You know, the sort who believe these kinds of horsepower numbers.
Far too many engine builders these days are reminiscent of the butcher with his "thumb on the scale". They feed a portion of the hobby wherein folks have a great deal of money to throw around, but no real basis for understanding what is happening. They get a motor out there that they have convinced a less than savvy customer has some pretty unrealistic numbers, he brags it up at the cars and coffee, and the next guy with a fat checkbook comes a'knockin'... And the honest engine builder, who gave his customer real numbers, goes hungry.