Engine Masters Season 6 Episode 85 Carb Hats For Blowers

Engine Masters is a show that seeks to explore all aspects of engine design and modification, from cylinder head choices to ignition timing. In season 6, episode 85, titled "Carb Hats For Blowers," the show takes a deep dive into the world of forced induction and the role that carburetors can play in squeezing every last bit of power out of a blower motor.

The episode begins with hosts Steve Dulcich and David Freiburger discussing the importance of carburetor selection for a blower motor. They note that the carburetor is the last step in the airflow chain before the intake manifold, and therefore plays a critical role in determining the overall performance of the engine. They also point out that carburetors designed for naturally aspirated engines may not work well with a blower, as the boost pressure changes the way air and fuel are mixed inside the carburetor.

To test this theory, the Engine Masters team has brought in two different carburetors: a traditional Holley 850 double-pumper, and a specialized "carb hat" designed specifically for use with a blower intake. The carb hat is a cone-shaped air intake that sits on top of the carburetor and is fed by a dedicated blower inlet. The idea behind the carb hat is that it helps to reduce turbulence and improve airflow into the carburetor, resulting in better overall performance.

To test the two carburetors, the team sets up a dyno test with a 540 cubic inch Chevy big block engine. The engine has been equipped with a Weiand 6-71 supercharger and is running on E85 fuel. The first test uses the traditional Holley carburetor, which has been jetted for the E85 fuel and set up with a standard air cleaner. This test produces a respectable 879 horsepower and 756 lb-ft of torque.

The team then swaps out the Holley carburetor for the specialized carb hat. They note that this carburetor has a different air/fuel ratio curve than the Holley, which means they'll need to adjust the jetting accordingly. After making the necessary adjustments, they run the engine again and are impressed with the results. The carb hat produces 921 horsepower and 797 lb-ft of torque, an improvement of 42 horsepower and 41 lb-ft compared to the Holley.

But the team isn't done yet. They want to see if they can improve the carb hat even further. To do this, they experiment with different types of air cleaners and air filter elements, as well as different carburetor spacers and lid designs. Each change is carefully tested on the dyno, with the team monitoring throttle response, air/fuel ratio, and overall power output.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to in-depth analysis of the various components and techniques that go into building a high-performance engine. The team discusses the importance of fuel delivery, camshaft selection, and ignition timing, among other topics. They also provide detailed explanations of the science behind forced induction, including boost pressure, volumetric efficiency, and intercooling.

Overall, "Carb Hats For Blowers" is a fascinating and informative episode of Engine Masters that will appeal to anyone interested in high-performance engines. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or a novice enthusiast, you're sure to learn something new and exciting about the world of engine tuning and modification.