Glossary of Terms
I
A shaft capable of rotating (or supporting another rotating component) without transmitting the rotational force itself.
Ignition System --The engine’s electrical system which transforms the battery’s voltage into a timed series of high voltage pulses that are sequenced appropriately to ignite the internal air fuel mixture of an internal combustion engine.
Independent Suspension --A suspension system in which either wheel on a particular end of a car can undergo vertical motions without directly impacting the motions of the other wheel.
Induction System --Those parts of the engine directly associated with creating or transporting the combustible mixture, as well as any associated attachments.
Injection Nozzle --The component of the fuel induction system in which a combustible mixture is created through its being pressurized and forced to combine with air.
Inlet Port --The cylinder head duct that leads to the intake valve(s).
Insert (Strut) --The portion of a suspension strut which is replaceable, and essentially a tubular shock absorber with the fastening component(s) for the upper strut mounting point.
Instrument --An indicator or readout with driver reference information about some aspect of a car’s operation.
Instrument Panel --A panel providing a mounting area for assorted gauges and controls in a driver-visible location within the car’s cockpit.
Intake --The opening in an enclosure through which fluids/air may enter.
Intercooler --A heat exchanger whose actions correspond with that of turbocharging or super-charging. The Intercooler is located in the ducting between the turbo/super-charger and engine and functions to reduce the temperature of incoming air or air/fuel mixtures.
IR --Stands for “Individual Runners” (No balance pipe, no plenum).
