Over the last
twenty five years the specific power output of internal combustion engines has risen
dramatically. Many road cars today have bhp/litre outputs that would previously have been
considered good figures for racing engines.
Current normally aspirated racing engines achieve power outputs that could only have been achieved historically, through forced induction. Contemporary turbocharged engines can develop unprecedented levels of performance, but with standards of driveability that would traditionally have been considered impossible.
These advances have been made possible by the availability of electronic sensors and controls. The cost effective availability of these has revolutionized all aspects of life in the last quarter of the twentieth century, from satellite communications to pocket calculators. It is the ability of microprocessors to handle information and to be programmed to provide near instantaneous controls, that allows Engine Management systems to transform the performance of internal combustion engines.
As important as the improvements in power and torque, is the advance that has been achieved in driveability. Accurate control of the relevant criteria has maximised the width of power bands, flattened torque curves and transformed cold starting and warn up responsiveness. These characteristics allow racing, rally and high performance engines to be used much more easily and effectively by the driver. Traditionally engines relied on static settings that could only relate to the ideal calibration at one engine speed, with a narrow band of adjustment based on manifold depression and centrifugal forces. Managed systems are pro-active and provide a broad spectrum of ideals across a range of engine speeds.
Significant in the
benefits of Engine Management Systems, is the fact that standards of reliability in
electronics are such that we take it for granted whether in business or domestic
equipment. This is mirrored in Engine Management Systems which have achieved very high
levels of reliability, when properly fitted and when wiring is of an appropriate
specification.
The comparative performance of car engines is controlled by a number of factors, but induction and combustion are always critical. The optimisation of air flow, its emulsification with fuel, and its combustion rely on a complete understanding of both the physics and the chemistry of the natural phenomena involved.
At WEBCON, there is nearly half a century of leadership in carburettor technology and design, and this provides a unique basis for our fuel injection development. This expertise in combination with the capabilities of electronic controls, results in leading edge performance being achieved. The electronic control of fuel and ignition, allows the engine to function at its best at a variety of engine speeds and loads, whatever the conditions. The sensors monitor a broad variety of factors and the system memory is programmed to readjust the calibration to maintain the optimum performance.
WEBCON have extensive engine management experience from SuperTouring, single seater formulae and rally dominating systems to high performance road cars such as Aston Martin Lagonda, Ferrari, Ford Sierra/Escort RS Cosworth, Lancia Delta HF Integrale etc.
This manufacturer
original equipment experience and componentry is included in the ALPHA
Engine Management System, but with the advantage in this application, that
specifications are flexible and the system is easily programmable. This allows each
fitment to be tuned to the required engine characteristics as either a one off or for
consistent series production. The settings can be instantly modified, for changed
conditions or for modified specifications.
The programming of the ALPHA system is designed to be user friendly and accessible. The software is menu driven and includes preset calibrations to provide a starting point and is designed for IBM-Compatible Personal Computers.
The concept of the ALPHA system requires that it is adaptable and must be suitable for a large number of different engine configurations and uses. It is suitable for engines from 1 to 12 cylinders (normally aspirated, turbo and supercharged), four and two strokes and for Wankel rotary engines.
Our experience has also demonstrated that it is necessary to have an integrated system and we can provide all the elements that are required. This ensures that all components are compatible and that we can develop systems and specifications as entities.
To meet market demands our system can be tailored by any of our appointed Alpha dealers, to meet any requirement from major international formulae to the replacement of traditional twin carburettors. Because of our position as major suppliers to the major car manufacturers, all components comply with the standards set by them for original equipment. None of our competitors in the supply of one off or small run Engine Management Systems can make even a similar claim.
The broad range of applications in many countries allows us to amortise research, design, development and production costs over significant volumes and therefore ALPHA Engine Management is the most cost effective package on the market with standard warranty terms. If required technical support and parts are available to end users.