In the past, the only way to accurately determine the horsepower and torque curves of an engine was to build the engine and then dyno it. However, to borrow an overly used term, that process is "old school" in today's world. Now, with Accelerator for Windows, you can design and test your engine combination on your home PC and determine the best parts combination for any application. In seconds, you can see what a cam change will do or compare a big-bore motor against a stroker combination and know what kind of power they will produce before you shell out your hard-earned cash. With this desktop dyno, you can eliminate the guesswork and have the results at your fingertips.
Accelerator for Windows is the newest version of Craig Walters' popular Accelerator software simulation program. This new Windows version is more powerful than previous editions, offers more input variables for greater flexibility and precision, and provides a more elegant graphical interface. Used by professional racers and major race teams since the early '90s, Accelerator is the standard for Harley-Davidson computer-generated engine simulation. The application runs on Windows 98, SE, ME, 2000, or XP operating systems and is available only on CD-ROM.
Accelerator is a multi-function program designed to perform dyno simulations of a given engine combination and then generate horsepower and torque curves based on that combo. The program can calculate engine displacement, compression ratio, cylinder-head volume, drag-race e.t., and mph. It also provides for the calculation of cylinder, pushrod, and manifold lengths, along with the ability to determine port velocity.
The software also allows you to design custom camshaft grinds, calculate gearing that aids in the selection of gear ratios, and convert cylinder-head airflow values to different test pressures. Additionally, you can test theories, install high-flowing ported heads, explore different valve timing, adjust ignition timing, change exhaust systems, and much more. In the process, you will gain a better understanding of internal-combustion-engine principles and concepts because you can see the power gain or loss due to modifications made to an engine combination and the relationship of different factors.
Accelerator for Windows includes five sub-programs:
ff,ff,,,ff,,f,,* Engine Simulation
ff,ff,,,ff,,f,,* Camshaft Design
ff,ff,,,ff,,f,,* Gearing
ff,ff,,,ff,,f,,* Cylinder Head
ff,ff,,,ff,,f,,* Utilities
Input variables include the following: bore; stroke; number of cylinders and rod length; static compression ratio; rpm; cam timing; ignition advance, intake, and exhaust-systems airflow; and valve, seat, and port dimensions. Additionally, there are options for choosing either line or table screen formats, horsepower with either SAE or DIN correction, and crankshaft or rear-wheel horsepower.
Engine Simulation Program
Accelerator for Windows uses your PC to sort through various engine combinations to find the one providing maximum performance in the rpm range you select. You can change engine displacement, bore/stroke geometry, and compression ratio, or assign a different rpm limit and see the effects on torque and horsepower. You can also determine the effects of different cam lifts, duration, or timing, and whether the cam specifications are a good match to the engine's compression ratio. The program allows you to input various combinations of bore, stroke, rod length, compression ratio, cam specifications, and maximum rpm. It then calculates the estimated horsepower and torque at both the crankshaft and rear wheel, as well as the required airflow and piston speeds at various rpms. Horsepower and torque graphs are printed, along with other important information such as corrected compression ratio.
Camshaft Design Program
Accelerator comes preloaded with camshaft specifications from most major manufacturers. You can optionally design your own custom cam grinds and input their specifications to the engine simulation function for comparison horsepower and torque curves. This function calculates cam lobe centers, lift, and duration, along with opening and closing timings.
Gearing Program
The gearing program calculates transmission gear ratios and a bike's speed at a given rpm. It will also calculate the percentage of rpm drop between upshifts at a specified rpm. The gear combinations are then saved for later reference
Cylinder-Head Program
Professional cylinder-head porters flow-test heads at different test pressures. For an accurate comparison, airflow cfm values must be compared at the same test pressure. This program converts airflow cfm values taken at different test pressures to a cfm value at an identical test pressure.
UtilitiesAccelerator includes convenient utility functions for estimating a bike's quarter-mile e.t. and mph, calculating tire sizes, and converting millimeters to inches.
Accelerator for Windows can save you time and money by helping you avoid common engine-building pitfalls while sorting out parts combinations. Moreover, it provides an accurate, low-cost alternative to expensive dyno time and can save wear and tear on your engine by reducing the number of actual dyno or racetrack runs needed to dial in a specific combination.
Whether you're into superior street performance, racing, dyno shootouts, or just want to squeeze a few more ponies out of your motor, get yourself a copy of this money-saving software and gain a performance edge.