Right now I know as much about cars as I do about plasma physics but I'm trying to learn. Why is it that you lose 10-15% HP between what the engine produces and what you have at the wheels. Is it because stock valve trains, header, etc. are inefficient?

 

no, its because of the transmission. through the gearing of the transmission and friction that happens in the transmission, you lose power.

 

"Mechanical losses"

Cheers,
Roy

 

You also have to consider losses due to to unsprung weight. Expect it to be about 14% on a front wheel drive car. It's even more on a rear wheel drive car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dc231 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You also have to consider losses due to to unsprung weight. Expect it to be about 14% on a front wheel drive car. It's even more on a rear wheel drive car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

What?

14%!? 14% of what? Upsrung weight accounts for a 14% decrease in power? Shaved ice in Siberia? Bong water prices in Amsterdam?

The 14% you refer to is from mechanical losses, as was already stated. It's not from unsprung weight, it's from the friction of all those pieces turning together.

Cheers,
Roy

Cheers,
Roy