Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
(OP)
I'm thinking of making some changes to the internals of my engine,namely:
1. Titanium connecting rods
2. Lightweight valve train
3. Heavy duty rod bearings
Would any changes to my ECU be necessary if all else is left alone?
Would I experience any increase in wheel horse power as a result of the reduction in reciprocating mass? I'm assuming the engine would rev higher much quicker.
Opinions welcome
1. Titanium connecting rods
2. Lightweight valve train
3. Heavy duty rod bearings
Would any changes to my ECU be necessary if all else is left alone?
Would I experience any increase in wheel horse power as a result of the reduction in reciprocating mass? I'm assuming the engine would rev higher much quicker.
Opinions welcome





RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
Very minor effect on hp
2. Lightweight valve train
detectable effect on hp
3. Heavy duty rod bearings
negative tiny effect on hp.
Assuming you are measuring real hp, as opposed to making a wild guess at it via an inertia rig.
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
The main advantages of light weight moving internal engine parts are:-
Less stress on other parts as engine revs increase, increasing the potential to rev higher from other mods.
Less power consumed to accelerate the motor parts, so increased acceleration is obtained without an increase in actual measured steady state power.
Simply reducing the weight of the flywheel might be a lot cheaper and reducing crank weight might be somewhat cheaper.
So long as cam, compression, manifolds, exhaust, throttle bodies and ports are not changed, the ECU will not need a change unless you wish to raise the rev limiter cut in speed.
Regards
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
$1200 for lightweight valve train
2 extra Hp --- priceless!
Seriously, Pat and Greg are right that your choices have a very low bang for the buck. Usually the cheapest and biggest return on effort is to reduce the weight of your vehicle, especially wheel weight. Lighter wheels benefit your handling and reduce your rotational inertia for a slightly quicker rev. The next steps are usually improving air filter/intake restriction, exhaust restriction, and valve timing.
The best thing to do is find some enthusiast web sites for your particular vehicle. They will have tried most of the usual tricks and can tell you which ones are worth it.
ISZ
RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
Making horse power is easy, but it all has to pass through here. http://classichemi.com/HPIM0145A.JPG
All I hve to do is Get a lot of mixture in every cyinder, mixed with the right amount of fuel in every cylinder, squeeze it tight, and ignite it at the right time.
RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
As the engine was probably not designed to run reliably at this rpm, bitter experience will probably indicate the weak points and therefore what requires heavier duty parts for reliability.
Maybe someone here has run one of these that hard, but you might do better at a car club type forum specialising in your engine type.
Regards
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
RE: Upgraded lightweight internals - ECU changes and benefits?
Be aware that most of “results” you can find on forums are somebody’s marketing combined with wishful thinking.