How to calculate Carburetor CFM

How to calculate Carburetor CFM

The formula for calculating how much CFM (cubic feet per minute) your engine requires is: CFM = Cubic Inches x RPM x Volumetric Efficiency ÷ 3456.

Any ordinary stock engine will have a volumetric efficiency of about 80%. Most rebuilt street engines with average bolt-ons have a volumetric efficiency of about 85%, while race engines can range from 95% up to 110%.

Example: Using a 355 CID engine x 5,500 max rpm = 1,952,500
Take 1,952,500 x .85 = 1,659,625
Then 1,659,625 ÷ 3456 = 480 CFM

Even with about a 10% cushion, a 500 CFM carburetor will handle this engine great. If you try this formula yourself, be honest with how much rpm the engine will see. You’d be better off with a carb smaller than needed rather than something oversized that can lead to poor drivability and performance. Symptoms of Wrong Power Valve Briefly Explains Fails/Blows out

Are Edelbrock carbs any good? Click here for more information about Edelbrock 1906 vs 1406 Carburetor Edelbrock 1406  carburetor versus the Edelbrock 1906 carburetor.

Want to Know the World’s Original High-Performance Carburetor Holley 1850 vs 4160 Click for more about the Holley 1850,  Holley 4160 carburetors and why they’re  good.

What size carburetor do I need for a 400? Find Best Carburetor for Small Block 400 and about 400 sbc carb size.

Read More

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.