What is Engine Detonation? · Help Center - Summit Racing Because detonation interrupts that design, it robs the engine of power Most engines can handle some minor detonation Modern, fuel injected engines can sense a knock and adjust the Air Fuel Ratio and Ignition Timing However, if the detonation is not fixed, it will damage the engine Just one major detonation event could cause significant damage
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
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 is engine quench? · Help Center - Summit Racing The right amount of quench can promote fast, complete burn of the air fuel mixture 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
What is ignition timing? · Help Center - Summit Racing Retarding the timing means the plug fires later in the compression stroke (closer to TDC) 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
What does the gasoline octane rating mean? · Help Center Use the octane recommended by the engine manufacturer Running gas with a lower octane rating will cause a reduction in power and fuel efficiency and possibly engine damage 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
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
Crankcase Ventilation · Help Center - Summit Racing The crankcase ventilation system is more important than people know When there’s a problem, it can cause oil sludge build-up, oil leaks, and oil consumption
What are the differnt Piston Styles? · Help Center - Summit Racing 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
What is the compression ratio? · Help Center - Summit Racing High compression engines require fuel with a higher Octane Rating to prevent Detonation Engines with power adders will require a lower CR Camshaft selection and Ignition Timing may need to be adjusted