What is the key to making more power in a motor? Obviously you need more air and more fuel. But Im looking for more detailed ideas on making power. Increasing the flow(velocity) of air into the motor, or just increasing the amount of air moving into the motor? Or maybe its a combination of both? Im guessing that velocity is more important, thats why FI is so powerful. Then you get more air compressed into the chambers and you get better power output. If thats the case, whats the best way to increase the velocity of air moving into a naturally aspirated motor? Im just basically looking for some theories from some of you motor/head builders to see what you think.

For instance, take my motor for example. Currently running slight port job, bigger cams, with higher compression pistons, stock gasket, 70mm TB, and 3" AEM CAI intake. Exhaust side Ive got a slight port job, headers, and carsound cat, stock exhaust. Its making power all the way to redline of about 9K. Obviously as the revs increase, the motor is sucking in more air, with increased velocity. Now, say I went to a smaller intake and TB, the air would be forced into the motor through a smaller space, therefore increasing the velocity, correct? But how come I would probably lose power on the top end if the motor was sucking in air at a higher velocity? Im guessing thats why a good port job is important, it doesnt matter how big you make the openings, its how you make the air flow threw them and direct it to the right place.

Anyway, some of us were discussing this tonight, and I just thought Id see what you guys had to say. Sorry I kinda rambled, Im tired as hell.

btw, fvck rain!!

 

.....I think the reason that you wouldn't get more power with your setup using a smaller IM and TB is because you wouldn't be getting as much air in. You'd be getting less air, but with a higher velocity. Ideally, it's a happy medium that makes the most power with your setup. I always try to think of the whole thing as a system. That's why dropping the biggest cams into a stock motor isn't necessarily the best way to make power.

And to add fuel to the fire (no pun intended ): I seem to remember Dropspeed telling me he made 2-3whp across the board (maybe more) by just shaving the angle of the intake manifold flange by ~5degrees. It is so minute, that it actually doesn't require any changes to the studs or mounting, etc, but it makes power by making the angle of the runners more direct - from what I understood. How's that for cheap/ usable/ effective power adders?