Flow bench build
Specially now when aiming to build high horsepower M50b25 naturally aspirated. I have come to the conclusion that I would benefit from a flow bench, where I could test out cylinder heads flow numbers and match them between each other. This could be also applied to the intake and both of them combined.
The design will be quite simple. Large enough to fit inline six cylinder head and any smaller cylinder head. All data will be obtained and viewed through arduino. Biggest hassle is to determine which kind of vacuum source to use to get all the data out from the cylinder head. Most likely it will be controllable electric motor, running properly sized air pump that is sucking air through the head.
Bench it self will be made most likely from steel frame with heavy duty casters for easier movement around the garage. Summer break is soon here and will give me more free time to design and build. Currently having a lot of homework from uni doesn´t really help with giving time for hobbies.
Instrumentation for the bench would be mainly made in form of LCD display that arduino would supply data to show for example "CFM" values and current air speed. Those values would then need to be documented with pen and paper with correct valve lift to calculate runners optimal flow speed with cam, throttle etc.
Some of the sensors needed will be air pressure sensor, air speed sensor, air temperature sensor (not fully needed but might aswell throw it in there) and hand held air speed probe to measure air speed in different areas of the runner in question.
We will also need adapter plates to get air tight seal with our chosen head, and adapters bore should be close to what the actual cylinder bore would be to get accurate readings for the engine. These adapters could be made from aluminium but it gets quite pricey fast. So either wood or acrylic/ plastic might be the optimal material, with maybe steel supports for heavier heads.
My budget for the flow bench will be around 500 euros hoping to go under it. Biggest cost will be coming from sensors, instrumentation and vacuum source. Hoping to get at least the plans made this summer, and maybe even finished up to be uploaded to here.