Auto Racing: About altering a carburetor, sarasota florida usa, turbocharging and supercharging

Question
If I increase the pressure in the intake vent of a carb. , which otherwise runs on gravity, will the power increase?.... due to letting in more fuel eventually?


Answer
Hello:

All internal combustion engines depend upon both air and fuel to create the power we desire.  

First, a carburetor relies on vacuum rather than gravity to feed fuel to the engine.  Accordingly, any increase in the air intake will increase power so long as there is additional fuel to mix with the air.

The answer to your question is 'yes', and that is the primary reason for turbocharging, and supercharging of various engines.

Many gas (piston) driven aircraft engines also use turbocharging or supercharging, not so much for added horsepower, but to allow them to operate at higher altitudes. The supercharging creates higher internal pressure, allowing the engine to run on compressed air.  Some World War II airplanes were able to operate above 30,000 ft. (11,800 m ) because of this.

I hope this answer is a help. Most people start out by adding a performance air filter to thier car for added power. After that, the sky is the limit.

Good luck !

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida USA