Driveline HP loss

[LodiWino]

It's not uncommon for a 600HP engine to produce 100HP less at the rear wheels. Where's all that energy being burned up? With energy loss this big, why hasn't a solution been discovered?

[Cobra #3170]

Originally Posted by LodiWino

It's not uncommon for a 600HP engine to produce 100HP less at the rear wheels. Where's all that energy being burned up? With energy loss this big, why hasn't a solution been discovered?

The Ford GT typically loses about 5% through it's transaxle and half shafts, for example, the GT is rated at about 550 hp depending on ambient air temperature and produces about 535 Hp at the wheels +/- 10 hp. A typical Cobra with 1:1 transmission gearing (top Loader) loses about 15%, so that 550hp would be about 467 hp at the wheels. The solution is a much more efficient transmission and differential, no drive shaft and CV joints instead of U joints in the half shafts.
There are lots of other factors but the big ones are transmission and differential.
This assumes that the engine was engine dynoed with the proper exhaust and ancillaries.

[CobraEd]

Originally Posted by LodiWino

It's not uncommon for a 600HP engine to produce 100HP less at the rear wheels. Where's all that energy being burned up? With energy loss this big, why hasn't a solution been discovered?

The solution is to minimize the friction. One proven way is to use Royal Purple in the transmission and rear end for a slight gain.


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[Excaliber]

Modern cars, generally speaking, seem to be in the 11 to 12% range. Back in the day it was 20-25%, so there has been a lot of progress.

One of the early methods was roller lifters in engines, like the Ford 302, shoot now everybody does that or goes to OHC. Top Loader's like a classic trans oil like 90 wt or higher. Most modern trans use ATF even in the manual transmission. Seems to me the new Mustang GT-500 is using an electric power steering pump? Yet another way to combat parasitic loss. Synthetic oil of course, making a strong showing. CVT trans are now offered in some cars as well, they are VERY efficient (but boring). Belt drive instead of chain for motorcycles. New ideas coming out all the time.

A "slight" gain here and there, it add's up if you stay with it.

[FWB]

the weight of the rotating mass behind the engine.......different combos....different loss.
C-6 trans with steel drum=75hp loss.....