What is Engine Detonation? · Help Center - Summit Racing What is Engine Detonation? Definition and Description Detonation is spontaneous combustion inside the cylinder AFTER the spark plug fires It is similar to Pre-Ignition, but it is different During normal ignition, the spark plug fires just before the piston reaches TDC The flame travels across the combustion chamber igniting the Air Fuel Mixture
What is Engine Pre-Ignition? · Help Center - Summit Racing It is similar to Detonation, but it is different When pre-ignition happens, something ignites the Air Fuel Mixture d uring the Compression Stroke This creates too much pressure inside the cylinder, too soon The piston is then forced to compress already heated, expanding gases Pre-ignition will cause significant damage without warning
What is engine quench? · Help Center It creates turbulence, which forces the air fuel mixture toward the spark plug This reduces the possibility of Detonation It also leads to cleaner emissions What should it be? Quench should be as tight as possible, without the piston contacting the head Recommended quench depends on your max rpm and the type of connecting rods you use
Supercharging Basics – Engine Preparation · Help Center Detonation is the single most destructive force in a supercharged engine This may include lowering boost level, retarding timing, installing a boost timing master, increasing fuel flow to prevent leanout, and or using a fuel additive to raise octane level
What are the differnt Piston Styles? · Help Center It can be used in turbocharged or supercharged engines to help avoid Detonation It makes for a fast-burning, compact combustion chamber Domed Pistons This piston has a dome-shaped top It reduces the chamber volume and increases Compression Ratio However, it can create slow-burning, inefficient combustion chambers Valve Reliefs
Do I need aluminum heads? · Help Center - Summit Racing Aluminum heads will dissipate heat faster This allows for higher Compression Ratios with less risk of Detonation The cooler head also delivers a cooler air fuel mixture to the combustion chamber Cooler air is denser and can make more power Cast iron heads will help the engine warm-up faster This is good for drivability after a cold start
What is the compression ratio? · Help Center Definition and Description Compression Ratio (CR) tells you the relationship between minimum and maximum cylinder volume The cylinder is largest when the piston is at BDC It is smallest when the piston is at TDC The ratio is expressed as: Max Cylinder Vol : Min Cylinder Vol Actual measurements are used to calculate the ratio Then, the numbers are reduced to simplify the expression For
What is ignition timing? · Help Center Retarding the timing can help reduce Detonation However, if the spark happens too late, you will lose power This is because the cylinder pressure won't reach it's max until the piston is already headed back down on the Power Stroke Engine damage and overheating can also be a problem How is it controlled?
How is Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Controlled? · Help Center They are very sensitive and detect Detonation as soon as it happens It signals the ECU to retard timing Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Actuator The IAC is located on the throttle body It is controlled by the ECU It provides just enough air for the engine to maintain idle speed An IAC valve provides air while the throttle blade stays closed
What does the gasoline octane rating mean? · Help Center This is because the ignition timing will need to be retarded to prevent Detonation On the other hand, a higher octane rating will not improve the engine's performance The Compression Ratio of the engine is set by the cylinder head and piston design