Experimental Optimisation of Manifold and Camshaft Geometries for a Restricted 600cc Four-Cylinder Four-Stroke Engine

Abstract

Restricting the airflow to the engine is a convenient, and therefore common, method of regulating engine performance in many forms of motor sport. Formula SAE, and its European counterpart Formula Student, impose such restrictions on engine configuration. The capacity of the engines must not exceed 610cc but, more specifically to this study, the intake system must be fitted with a 20mm diameter restrictor through which all the air must pass.There are, however, a number of geometrical parameters which can be changed to maximise the performance of the restricted engine. In this study, the effects of modifying the restrictor design, intake runner length, intake camshaft profile, exhaust geometry, and silencer design were measured using a transient dynamometer. These tests were performed on a 600cc four-stroke, four-cylinder Yamaha YZF R6 engine. For each configuration examined, the ignition timing and fuel maps of the DTA engine management system were optimised using torque and emissions readings.The optimum engine configuration produced an increase in peak power of 12kW (16hp), 23.5% greater than the standard engine in restricted format. In addition, the torque curve was significantly improved with 90% of the peak engine torque available over the useful speed range of 6,000 -12,000rpm. This provides progressive torque delivery and makes the engine much more suitable for FSAE and Formula Student applications.

Development of a New-Concept Supercharged Single-Cylinder Engine for Race Car

“…What is worth mentioning is that the Cooper Union Formula SAE (FSAE) team adopted the Suzuki GSXR-600 engine and adjusted the runner through the control mechanism in different engine conditions, which could change the length of the air intake's flow pass from 216 mm to 325 mm and eventually improve the peak power by more than 22% and increase the output torque by 5% [6]. Besides, optimising the intake manifold, changing the camshaft to change the timing distribution system and other ways can improve the engine power performance [7][8][9].…”