Discussion
When cars like the Ferrari 550 Maranello and McLaren F1 have the "ram air" openings on the bonnet. They must let rain water in and soak the filter and get sucked into the engine. Is that not a bad thing or is it seen as charge cooling?
Is this basically what people are trying to achieve when the place big tubing directing air at filters and does it work?
Thanks
Si
Is this basically what people are trying to achieve when the place big tubing directing air at filters and does it work?
Thanks
Si
I think most Ramair systems have a long enough inlet tracts to stop most of the water getting in. Don't know about cars but many sportsbikes have some sort of Ramair and the Airboxes have drain holes in them to let out any water, some goes in the engine but would anyway as humidity.
The point of Ramair is to force air at speed into the airbox to create a higher than atmospheric pressure so that the engine takes in a greater volume of air per charge, like a low powered (but free!) Turbo or Supercharger, of couse the injection/carbs then need to allow proportionately more fuel, otherwise it runs lean and makes less power - fuel injection systems will have an air pressure sensor to linked to the ECU for this purpose.
Motorcycle manufacturers claim that Ramair adds a few BHP at high speeds but the amount is difficult to measure/prove (needs a Dyno in a wind tunnel) and it only really has any noticeable effect at very high speeds.
The point of Ramair is to force air at speed into the airbox to create a higher than atmospheric pressure so that the engine takes in a greater volume of air per charge, like a low powered (but free!) Turbo or Supercharger, of couse the injection/carbs then need to allow proportionately more fuel, otherwise it runs lean and makes less power - fuel injection systems will have an air pressure sensor to linked to the ECU for this purpose.
Motorcycle manufacturers claim that Ramair adds a few BHP at high speeds but the amount is difficult to measure/prove (needs a Dyno in a wind tunnel) and it only really has any noticeable effect at very high speeds.
Just to add to Catso’s comments the air rams on fighter aircraft (so possibly cars) actually had a twist in the inlet (Think radius turn in inlet pipe), the centrifugal force throws heavier objects to the outside of the bend radius where there is a small catcher device (like another air scoop) that would separate debris and water out of the main flow. I suspect this or a catcher system in the filter would be employed, perhaps you could ask some one with a Ferrari 575, Pontiac Firebird, McLaren F1 or Lamborghini to take a peak for you.
Not that a little water would hurt the engine any way.
Similar thing for a 4wd:
>> Edited by speedy_thrills on Monday 7th November 05:22
Not that a little water would hurt the engine any way.
Similar thing for a 4wd:
>> Edited by speedy_thrills on Monday 7th November 05:22
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