power to weight - Toyota Yaris Forums

eric81 · 06-22-2009, 03:01 PM

Yeah, any way you look at it, rotational weight is the place to do the reductions, unless cost is the main issue, then rock on with your bad self. I am not an engineer either, just like to research stuff like that. That's why lighter oils help improve power (even if it's just 1 to 3 hp), because the less resistance there is for the engine to work, the more it can put to the ground. That is why air intakes and headers and mufflers work so well. The engine works less to get air in and out, the more it can put towards the ground. Try sucking through a straw sometime, maybe 1/16" or so. Then try sucking through a straw that is 2/16" (or 1/8" for those who suck at math) and see how much easier it is. Same goes for your car. Slowly sucking is about the same, but suck something in really fast, and see how much difference there is. And it just occured to me how dirty this all sounds, but trust me, the idea is sound, and it has been proven by a LOT of companies.

Tamago · 06-22-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric81

Yeah, any way you look at it, rotational weight is the place to do the reductions, unless cost is the main issue, then rock on with your bad self. I am not an engineer either, just like to research stuff like that. That's why lighter oils help improve power (even if it's just 1 to 3 hp), because the less resistance there is for the engine to work, the more it can put to the ground. That is why air intakes and headers and mufflers work so well. The engine works less to get air in and out, the more it can put towards the ground. Try sucking through a straw sometime, maybe 1/16" or so. Then try sucking through a straw that is 2/16" (or 1/8" for those who suck at math) and see how much easier it is. Same goes for your car. Slowly sucking is about the same, but suck something in really fast, and see how much difference there is. And it just occured to me how dirty this all sounds, but trust me, the idea is sound, and it has been proven by a LOT of companies.

scape · 06-22-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric81

Yeah, any way you look at it, rotational weight is the place to do the reductions, unless cost is the main issue, then rock on with your bad self. I am not an engineer either, just like to research stuff like that. That's why lighter oils help improve power (even if it's just 1 to 3 hp), because the less resistance there is for the engine to work, the more it can put to the ground. That is why air intakes and headers and mufflers work so well. The engine works less to get air in and out, the more it can put towards the ground. Try sucking through a straw sometime, maybe 1/16" or so. Then try sucking through a straw that is 2/16" (or 1/8" for those who suck at math) and see how much easier it is. Same goes for your car. Slowly sucking is about the same, but suck something in really fast, and see how much difference there is. And it just occured to me how dirty this all sounds, but trust me, the idea is sound, and it has been proven by a LOT of companies.

lol, and I believe you that there are priorities in tuning a car for performance...
either way I was just pointing out something to the OP. but we can talk about engines too ;)

I think if you're looking to put the most power to the ground, your best bet is removing the entire transmission/driveline altogether and using generators and high KW AC motors-- then you will have the most efficient engine to ground power transfer possible-- and also an unbelievably expensive car. but perhaps this is all for a different thread

gokartride · 06-22-2009, 03:47 PM

I have a friend who was into tuning Volkwagons and Porches and Triumphs back in the day....he says there is something "just right" about 100 hp in a 2,000 lb car. "Just right" is fine as the whole "need more hp" thing is totally lost on me. I've always said "if a car isn't fun while driving the speed limit, it's just not good enough"...but then I come from Sprites, Midgets, and Spitfires. The Yaris' delightfully twitchy and snappy turning radius are the fun part of this car for me, and I can use that every day jsut driving around town. The car plenty of power, imo.

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06-22-2009, 03:01 PM	#1
eric81 View User's Garage Drives: Toyota Salesman Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Clarksville, IN Posts: 297	Yeah, any way you look at it, rotational weight is the place to do the reductions, unless cost is the main issue, then rock on with your bad self. I am not an engineer either, just like to research stuff like that. That's why lighter oils help improve power (even if it's just 1 to 3 hp), because the less resistance there is for the engine to work, the more it can put to the ground. That is why air intakes and headers and mufflers work so well. The engine works less to get air in and out, the more it can put towards the ground. Try sucking through a straw sometime, maybe 1/16" or so. Then try sucking through a straw that is 2/16" (or 1/8" for those who suck at math) and see how much easier it is. Same goes for your car. Slowly sucking is about the same, but suck something in really fast, and see how much difference there is. And it just occured to me how dirty this all sounds, but trust me, the idea is sound, and it has been proven by a LOT of companies.

06-22-2009, 03:47 PM	#4
gokartride Drives: 2009 Yaris 3-Door Liftback Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 213	I have a friend who was into tuning Volkwagons and Porches and Triumphs back in the day....he says there is something "just right" about 100 hp in a 2,000 lb car. "Just right" is fine as the whole "need more hp" thing is totally lost on me. I've always said "if a car isn't fun while driving the speed limit, it's just not good enough"...but then I come from Sprites, Midgets, and Spitfires. The Yaris' delightfully twitchy and snappy turning radius are the fun part of this car for me, and I can use that every day jsut driving around town. The car plenty of power, imo.