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Title: Evaluation of the LaForce-modified AMC Hornet

Book ·
OSTI ID:7334720

Fuel economy and emissions tests (1975 Federal Test Procedure, the Environmental Protection Agency Highway Cycle, and steady-state emissions tests) were performed on a LaForce-modified AMC Hornet. The modified internal combustion engine included the following changes: delayed inlet valve closing, milled cylinder heads, and separation of liquid fuel from the fuel-air mixture. The LaForce engine failed to meet 1975 Federal emission standards for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides during EPA testing; and compared to the 1977 standards, the exhaust emissions were approximately 600 percent too high in unburned hydrocarbons, 565 percent too high in CO, and 65 percent too high in NO/sub x/. Full-load steady-state tests conducted on an electric chassis dynamometer indicated that the modifications resulted in a power loss of about 20 percent compared to an unmodified 1974 Hornet in economy tune. The LaForce modified car delivered about 35 percent better fuel economy than the stock 1974 Hornet over the 1975 Federal Test Procedure; however, on an equal performance basis, the fuel economy of the LaForce car was not significantly different than that of a standard car. Data from acceleration tests conducted at the General Motors Proving Ground are also included.

OSTI ID:
7334720
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English