A V8 engine was developed to optimize it for the Prototype 2 category (LMP2) of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) racing. This engine was introduced at the 2007 Sebring 12 hour race.The technical character of the performance, reliability and serviceability were all changed while keeping within the ALMS regulations such as a 44 mm inlet restrictor for the 3.4L V8 engine. The Indy Racing League (IRL) engine was utilized for the comparison reference. The effects of the significant differences between the series, such as the change from ethanol fuel to an ethanol/gasoline mix and changing from a rev limited engine running mainly on oval courses to an intake-restricted engine, running on road and street courses are discussed.New test procedures that we created to assess engine hardware changes are discussed. Novel design features of the engine such as the valve gear detail and the combustion chamber design are reviewed.
Article of Honda R&D Technical Review Vol.19 No.2 (26 - 31)