This paper gives the results of a general survey of the influence of various factors, such as valve arrangement, head design, octane number, and specific weight, on the power output of automobile engines. The scope of the paper is similar to that of the very early one presented to the Institution of Automobile Engineers (Lanchester 1907)†, but has benefited from the results of recent work.
It was felt that many of the conclusions drawn from the survey could be presented most effectively by calculating, as a basis for comparison, the primary dimensions and performance characteristics of a series of engines, each intended to develop 100 b.h.p. The results are collated in tabular form.
