LSA Performance Tuning - Part Two

In the first article, we discussed the modifications we made and components we changed on our supercharged LSA motor.

-  Dave Hartz

Based on its fuel consumption in (pounds per hour) and the propeller pitch and the RPMs it turned, we were able to make a reasonable estimate our engine is producing 720 h.p.

However, estimating the output of a supercharged engine can be tricky because of its wide torque range. This allows the engine to push through the propeller, whereas a naturally aspirated engine with a narrower power band could be stalled earlier by the prop before the motor develops its peak power. That is why testing our LSA on an engine dyno will provide us with valuable additional data.

Not all engine dynos are equal. Over the years, I have seen a lot of dynos utilized more for marketing purposes than for engine development. When I first started dyno testing airboat motors 20 plus years ago, we did all our engine dyno testing at Bo Laws. They are leaders in performance carburetion and were heavily involved in Winston Cup R&D. Their dyno was all about testing for every gain.

Another dyno we really enjoy using is the DTS dyno at JB Racing Products. They specialize in endurance road racing and high-end BMW and Porsche work. They are also focused on finding the most minute power gains wherever possible. We always look forward to working with Jim and Dennis at JB.