Desktop Dynos: Using Computers to Build and Test Engines (Includes PC Software) [With Software Disk]

by Larry Atherton

Build your own engine - from 1 to 12 cylinders and from 17 to 1,000 cubic inches! This accurate and sophisticated engine simulation package does for you what multi-thousand dollar software packages do for professional engine builders. Using this software and book, your PC becomes an engine dynamometer test cell, allowing the selection and fine tuning of over 20 engine variables including bore, stroke, number of cylinders & valves, camshaft design...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1884089232
• ISBN13: 9781884089237
• Release Date: December 1996
• Publisher: S-A Design
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.3" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Good News, BAd News

ANYONE contemplating an engine rebuild or bolting on "performance" products should read this book first and also run the program. The practical presentation of the theory and science behind Mr. Otto's engines is excellent.The bad news is that the software included is from 1996 and runs in DOS. So, if you are rusty on working in DOS it can be frustrating at the beginning. But, the program is awesome to start with and the fact that it is relatively cheap means there is no reason to pass this up (unless you think you know everything there is to know about engines already.)The menus include configurations for popular engines plus you can manually enter configurations for everything else.As much as it irritates me that publihers contiue to sell items that are, in essence, a way to dump obsolete software, I have to admit this book is a deal. Buy it.

Lots of very tecnical information.

I am useing this book and computer program in the auto shop class that I teach. It allows the students to try diffrent engine combinations with out the mega bucks that would be necessary to build them in real life. With it they are learning to appreaciate what their favorite racers are acomplishing, and, at the same time, what pitfalls to avoid.