Autosport Dictionary

engine control unit

driftburger — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:19:39 +0000

An engine control unit (ECU), also known as power-train control module (PCM), or engine control module (ECM) is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running. It does this by reading values from multidimensional maps which contain values calculated by sensor devices monitoring the engine.

distributor

driftburger — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:18:21 +0000

A distributor is a device in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine that routes high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. The first reliable battery operated ignition was developed by Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co. (Delco) and introduced in the 1910 Cadillac. This ignition was developed by Charles Kettering and was considered a wonder in its day.

starter

driftburger — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:17:11 +0000

A starter motor (also starting motor, or starter) is an electric motor that rotates an internal combustion engine to cause the engine to begin powering itself.

WasteGate

ricatandys — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:57:48 +0000

A wastegate regulates boost by allowing excess exhaust pressure to bleed off. Wastegates

I-Vtec

ricatandys — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:55:31 +0000

(intelligent-VTEC)

Valve lift and duration are still limited to distinct low- and high-RPM profiles, but the intake camshaft is now capable of advancing between 25 and 50 degrees (depending upon engine configuration) during operation. Phase changes are implemented by a computer controlled, oil driven adjustable cam gear. Phasing is determined by a combination of engine load and rpm, ranging from fully retarded at idle to somewhat advanced at full throttle and low rpm. The effect is further optimization of torque output, especially at low and midrange RPM.

HDFC

ricatandys — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:52:28 +0000

The EDFC (Electronic Damping Force Controller) makes it possible for the driver to control the damping force at the touch of a button while in the driverfs seat. This is accomplished by controlling stepping motors installed on each shock absorber. Because the damping force can be controlled with such ease, the driver can adjust the suspension to suit all road/track conditions. Thus allowing the driver to fully enjoy the driving experience.

shift knob

driftburger — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:33:11 +0000

A shift knob also known as a gear knob, gear shift knob and stick shift knob is the physical interface between the manual transmission stick shift and the drivers hand.

alternator

driftburger — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:32:40 +0000

An alternator is an electromechanical device that converts mechanical energy to alternating current electrical energy. Most alternators use a rotating magnetic field but linear alternators are occasionally used. In principle, any AC electrical generator can be called an alternator, but usually the word refers to small rotating machines driven by automotive and other internal combustion engines. Alternators in power stations driven by steam turbines are called turbo-alternators.

disc brake

driftburger — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:31:00 +0000

The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel. A brake disc (or rotor in U.S. English), usually made of cast iron or ceramic composites (including carbon, Kevlar and silica), is connected to the wheel and/or the axle.

ABS

ricatandys — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:29:08 +0000

Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS)