Just got the demo, addicted!

[utopian201]

Hi
How do I take screenshots? When I use print screen, it takes the desktop, not the game. I'll post the image when I get home.
My first 'performance' engine is I4 NA, 1994cc, 192nm (141lb ft), 162kw (217hp) redline 8200rpm, but the torque curve is quite peaky - how can I broaden the torque curve?

I also noticed because of the way I have the cams set, when it passes a certain RPM point and activates the second cam, the exhaust noise switches to a more aggressive tone. Just like a VTEC! Love it! My other question is: is this change in noise a function of the torque graph or will the game always switch exhaust noises when it detects a jump in torque?

I notice it even for some mild cam switch overs, but when the two torque curves blend into each other, there isn't a sound switch over, even when the second cam is active.

[nialloftara]

Yup the lift changes the sound, if you enjoy that be sure to try the exhaust bypass valves. welcome to the forum and happy tuning.

[Daffyflyer]

I also noticed because of the way I have the cams set, when it passes a certain RPM point and activates the second cam, the exhaust noise switches to a more aggressive tone. Just like a VTEC! Love it! My other question is: is this change in noise a function of the torque graph or will the game always switch exhaust noises when it detects a jump in torque?

I notice it even for some mild cam switch overs, but when the two torque curves blend into each other, there isn't a sound switch over, even when the second cam is active.

It's a function of cam profile, the more aggressive the 2nd cam profile is the bigger the change in sound, pretty neat huh?

Screenshots are bit of a pain right now sadly, personally I use windowed mode + Snipping tool.

[utopian201]

old: http://i61.tinypic.com/2i07s43.jpg

Are there any obvious areas where this engine can be improved (say for a hot hatch application), or is this about the limit of a NA I4 engine under 2000cc using non race parts on 91 fuel?

Edit:Updated to show latest iteration

[nialloftara]

that looks like a very well-balanced engine, you've got the reliability to spare so I'd say push your red line up to 8500 to 8700 for more usable power band. Beyond that it's up to your preference of hot hatch, you could bump the economy or power up higher but whichever you picked it would cost you the other. What compression are you running?

[utopian201]

11.6, quite high. When I increase the RPM limit, there is no further increase in power as it peaks at 7900.

But how do I widen the power band between 6 and 8000 RPM so that the race cam engages sooner but continues to produce high torque until 8000rpm? Or is that the trade off?

I really do like the race cam sound engaging, I just wish I could hear it earlier and longer since I only get 2000rpm range to hear the sound!

My first engine when I was playing around got reliability into the 6 figures but I didn't save that engine. I've been struggling to create a reliable engine even into the 79000 range let alone higher.

[nialloftara]

There is no power gain but by making a higher rev limit your car can stay closer to the peak power during shifts. As for torque that curve looks very good already, you can try adjusting each cam profile for a wider band, a lower first stage cam should engage it sooner, but I wouldn't bother unless you're not happy with it.

[Dragawn]

A point of criticism that I can give is this:


You don't want sudden drops in your torque curve, in engine designer it may not be obvious, but a smooth powerband gives a Tameness bonus, or a bumpy one gets you a penalty.