Question?

[Kevin Weber]

Does the current engine design freeze rule affect the crankshaft design and manufacture and does the rule also affect the engine timing sequence. 2nd question who would I contact if I got bored off my ass one night and just so happened to design an engine / engine part that would improve engine performance?

[Tifoso]

Welcome aboard!

I'm sure coysht (Tom) will have the answer for you. Keep your eye on this space.

[coysht]

...and here I am! Although not entirely sure I have any real answers as such on this one.

Can't find the specific regs relating to the 'freeze' on engine developement, but I wouldn't think you could change much in terms of the major mechanicals - but I'd need to dig out the relvant regs to be sure - I don't really do engines, most of the knowledge I have of them comes from general engineering knowledge and seeing motorbike engines at work.

The timing will be controlled electronically (there is no mechanical link from the crank/pistons to the valves) so I would guess they can and do change this, possibly even as part of the engine maps they swap between during races.

As for the 2nd question, I'm afraid the chances are that there aren't many companies who would listen seriously to someone sending them ideas out of the blue.
If you happened to come up with something groundbreaking you'd need to look into getting it patented and then try and either sell or lease the idea to someone, or even try and get it produced yourself - and thats neither easy or cheap to do, and is therefore unsurprisingly rare.
Of course if you wanted to give it to a company out of the goodness of your heart you might be able to get them to look at it, but basically I go back to point 1, not least because they would be sceptical of anyone giving them stuff for free.
Finally, you could keep you ideas up your sleeve and use them to try and get yourself a job. Bring up just enough of the detail of a good idea in an interview with an engine manufacturer or consultancy and you could sway them to give you a job.

[Fiondella]

Here's something from the FIA re the engine freeze
Like looking for a needle in a heystack. Their search engine isnt exactly upto google standard.

Appendix 6: Engine Homologation
Appendix 6 defines a homologated engine as one ‘delivered to the FIA no later than 31 March 2008,’ or if the team has not got a car to the finish of both events, at the first opportunity. This will become the definitive frozen engine for the 2008-2012 seasons. It should be identical to the engines used in 2007, but with the following exceptions: ‘The homologated parts of the intake system up to and including the air filter, fuel rail and injectors, ignition coils, engine mounted sensors and wiring, alternator, coolant pumps and oil pumps need not be identical to the parts used during the 2007 Championship season.’ In addition, ‘three different designs of intake trumpet may be homologated no later than 31 March 2008 and used freely during the homologation period.‘

http://www.fia.com/mediacentre/Press...150308-01.html

[Fiondella]

Does this mean that all team are allowed three different manifolds?

[Fiondella]

And here's something form 2006 but not sure how much of this is actually is current :

ENGINE HOMOLOGATION
27.03.2006

On March 24, the FIA held an informal meeting with Formula One engine experts from Cosworth, Ferrari and Renault.

The purpose of the meeting was to formulate proposals to modify and extend the new (2008) rules for engine homologation so as to encourage research into engine efficiency and the more effective use of available energy.

The meeting agreed on the following proposals (which should be read in conjunction with Article 86(e) and Appendix 6 of the 2008 FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations):

1. The engine will be homologated for 5 years, being 2008-2012 inclusive.

2. Each year modifications to the engine can be homologated. Details will be delivered to the FIA before January 1st of the year in question, and a complete engine delivered before the first of February of that year.

3. The elements of the engine which can be changed in this way on an annual basis, are:

- ports;
- combustion chamber shape;
- valve size, shape, and angle;
- piston crown (the weight of the piston must remain the same, as must piston ring position and compression height);
- camshaft profiles and valve actuation kinematics;
- intake manifolds;
- injector nozzles (not injector actuator);
- spark plugs;
- changes to the cylinder head consequential upon and limited to those resulting from the above;

4. Changes to the engine on the “fair and equitable” principle will be limited to those that the FIA is satisfied are carried out and necessary for cost reduction or reliability. No modification will be permitted which, in the opinion of the FIA, may result in a performance gain. These changes will be published by the FIA.

5. For 2007, those present will endeavour to secure changes to the 2007 Sporting Regulations to incorporate the 2008 engine homologation regulations (Article 86(e) and Appendix 6) into the 2007 Regulations, including a limitation of engine speed.

[SS454]

To be able to change your heads and cams, and intake is going to allow for significant changes in power and torque curves.

[Kevin Weber]

ok thanks for the information.