Engine Masters Season 2 Episode 26 How Much Boost Can a Stock Engine Take?

Engine Masters is a show that delves deep into the world of engine building and modification hosted by David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich. In season 2, episode 26 of the show titled "How Much Boost Can a Stock Engine Take?", the hosts explore the question of how much power a stock engine can handle.

The episode begins with the hosts discussing the allure of turbocharging an engine and its ability to provide significant power gains. However, they also acknowledge that there are limits to how much boost a stock engine can handle before experiencing catastrophic failure.

To test this theory, the hosts acquire a 3.6L V6 engine taken from a 2017 Camaro. They decide to use this engine as it has proven to be a reliable and powerful offering from General Motors. The team begins by baselining the engine to determine its current power output. They then proceed to install a range of modifications to the engine, including a turbocharger system, before incrementally increasing the boost pressure.

Throughout the episode, the hosts discuss the importance of monitoring various engine parameters such as air-fuel ratios and exhaust gas temperatures to ensure that the engine is not pushed beyond its limits. They also dive deep into the theory behind forced induction, explaining how changes in boost pressure can impact engine performance.

As the episode progresses, the team increases the boost pressure and documents the resulting power gains. However, they also encounter some setbacks such as broken exhaust manifold studs and failed turbocharger wastegates. Despite these challenges, the team presses on in their quest to determine the maximum level of boost the stock engine can handle.

The hosts also take the time to explain the various components of the turbocharging system, such as the intercooler and turbocharger sizing, and how these can impact an engine's ability to tolerate high levels of boost.

In the end, the team is able to achieve significant power gains, pushing the stock engine to output almost twice the amount of power it was initially producing. However, they also discovered the limit of the stock engine's ability to handle boost pressure without fuel upgrades.

Overall, Engine Masters season 2 episode 26 is an engaging and informative episode that provides viewers with a detailed look at the challenges and rewards of turbocharging a stock engine. With a blend of theory and hands-on testing, the hosts provide valuable insights into the world of engine modification and help viewers gain a deeper understanding of how engines work.