Miller Cycle

[ptimmerm at mashtun.JPL.NASA.GOV]

I attended the LA auto show, and was suprised to find
that Mazda has been selling a Miller Cycle supercharged
V-6 in their Milenia for three years.  I had not even
heard of the Miller Cycle previously.  The system delays
intake valve closure timing, to provide backpressure to
a supercharger.  This then appears to provide a higher
intake pressure, and more efficient intercooler operation.
Higher pressure, higher temp, higher heat transfer = better
volumetric efficiency for the motor.  Have I got it right?

I was also wondering if grinding cams to give a miller 
cycle is an option for modifying cars to run superchargers,
as it has the effect of reducing the compression ratio,
so says Mazda.  They claim the equivolent of 8.0:1.
Seems easier than changing pistons!

paul timmerman