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5.0stang
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Would someone explain to me why back pressure is not needed on a 4-stroke engine and what exactly is exhaust back pressure?
Thanks guys and gals.
Thanks guys and gals.
The relative length of the header pipes is a matter of design, as you say, but if you are dealing with limited space, then the resistance induced by the the bends of the closer pipes must be weighed against the lower resistance of the longer, straighter pipes. This resistance must be balanced against the ability of the exhausts from other cylinders to aid in exhaust scavenging, so that the next pulse of exhaust emitting from that cylinder will encounter the least resistance possible. Throughput=horsepower.belliott4488 said:turbo-1 - That's interesting. Is that what is involved with "exhaust tuning"? I always assumed that that phrase referred to adjusting the relative length of the header pipes so that when pulses from one cylinder worked their way back to another, the timing would be such that the optimal pressure (low, presumably) was achieved there.
Many modern engines use a “tuned” exhaust to improve the volumetric efficiency of a high-performance engine. The operating principle is simple in concept: When exhaust gases exit the exhaust port at very high velocities, a mild vacuum is created in the cylinder. Engine builders therefore use intake and exhaust valve timing to take advantage of this vacuum effect to increase the intake charge of air and fuel entering the cylinder.
Since most of the torque generated by the combustion process takes place by 90 degrees after top dead center (TDC), the exhaust valve usually begins to open before bottom dead center on the power stroke. The residual combustion pressure in the cylinder is then released into the exhaust port, through the exhaust system, and into the atmosphere.
In most naturally aspirated applications, the intake valve is timed to open a few degrees before the piston reaches TDC on the exhaust stroke. When the piston reaches TDC, both exhaust and intake valves are open, which results in valve timing “overlap.” The mild vacuum created by the pulse of exhaust gas exiting the exhaust manifold and header pipe will accelerate the air/fuel mixture entering the cylinder. This acceleration effect is called “exhaust scavenging,” and is used to a great effect in naturally aspirated engine designs.
Exhaust back pressure refers to the resistance or pressure that the exhaust gases face as they exit the engine through the exhaust system. It is caused by restrictions in the exhaust system, such as the muffler or catalytic converter, and can affect the performance and efficiency of the engine.
Exhaust back pressure can affect engine performance in several ways. It can decrease the power output of the engine, reduce fuel efficiency, and increase emissions. It can also cause backflow of exhaust gases into the engine, which can lead to engine damage or failure.
The ideal exhaust back pressure for a 4 stroke ICE varies depending on the engine and its intended use. Generally, it is recommended to keep exhaust back pressure below 1 to 1.5 psi at maximum engine load. However, some high-performance engines may be able to tolerate higher levels of back pressure.
Exhaust back pressure can be measured using a pressure gauge that is installed in the exhaust system. This can be done by drilling and tapping a hole in the exhaust pipe, or by using a temporary pressure gauge for testing. It can also be monitored by using an OBD-II scanner, which can display real-time data from the engine's sensors.
Exhaust back pressure can be reduced by using a less restrictive exhaust system, such as a performance exhaust or a straight pipe. It can also be reduced by using a larger diameter exhaust pipe, removing unnecessary components like the catalytic converter, and optimizing the engine's air-fuel ratio. It is important to note that reducing back pressure too much can also have negative effects on engine performance and emissions.