I know this is of topic, but it has something tech relate that I wanted to learn about, and cannot find through searching.

http://www.bcw3design.com/m3/us_euro_faq.htm

In this page, from the link...the author mentions that the Euro M3 engine has "6 single throttles"...

What does this exactly mean? There are 6 butterflies that are individually controlled? I am not too sure.

If there are indeed 6 butterflies that are individually controlled, what performance gains can this have? Doesn't some honda engine have individual butterflies for each cylinder (but contorlled all at once right?). I am also under the impression that some "normal" cars only have one butterfly for all 4 cylinders. Again, I am not too sure...and as you can tell, I do not know much about this...

Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks!

 

Yes, it has a throttle for each cylinder. The E46 M3 and M5 both have this (some others might as well). The ECU controls the butterflys (Drive-by-wire).
Here is a picture of the M5 setup:
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caran...lass=43&page=2

Imagine a throttle and intake for each cylinder- it almost acts like six (or eight) single cylinder engines- no turbulence or flow losses from a manifold splitting the air amongst the cylinders. Instant throttle response and hopefully more power.

Somebody please let me know if I have it wrong.


[Modified by MaxPower, 9:43 PM 10/16/2002]


[Modified by MaxPower, 9:45 PM 10/16/2002]

 

Do a search for "ITB". They have them for b-series motors.

 

Are B Series ITBs individually controlled as well? I though they open and close at the same time....

 

Thanks that was a great source of info!