So who's enjoying faster cars with this colder weather?

[Princey]

I certainly am, after not driving my VXR for a few months due to a company car I've now noticed it being a fair bit more responsive and it pulls harder now the cold weather has settled in. Can't wait for Stage 3 at the end of the month!

 

[Phate]

I am enj......

Oh wait

 

[Princey]

 

[PMKeates]

Have there been any scientific studies in to the effects of different ambient air temperatures on engine performance?

 

[cymatty]

No, although I wont get to with my massive 2 miles a week driving.

 

[Phate]

On the cold weather note, unbolting bits from said car when its ****** freezing is no fun!

 

[Princey]

Have there been any scientific studies in to the effects of different ambient air temperatures on engine performance?

Not that I know of, but owners of turbo charged cars seem to notice it the most.

 

[Scuzi]

Have there been any scientific studies in to the effects of different ambient air temperatures on engine performance?

Colder air = more performance. You can really see the effect on a piston engined aeroplane with carb heat. When you turn the carb heat on to melt any ice in the carburettor, there is a significant and noticeable drop in power. When you turn it off you can notice the increase in power.

 

[Lashout_UK]

Typical statement is a ten degree drop in intake temperature results in a 1-1.5% increase in output.

 

[TaKeN]

Not that I know of, but owners of turbo charged cars seem to notice it the most.

You see, this is one that baffles me slightly.. Colder air is denser so your getting more into the engine, which means more fuel can be stuck in so you end up with more power right?

Well.. a N/A Engine just gulps up whatever comes through the air filter (nice and cold)

But.. a Turbo engine is sticking that air through a hot turbocharger then through an intercooler (luke warm ).. so does it make that much difference?

 

[Lashout_UK]

Don't forget that the cooler air also hits the intercooler, lowering the intake air temperature. You're talking fractions though, not massive hikes in output.

 

[Princey]

Well the intercooler will be running cooler for a stat. Hence stage 3 for me is a larger intercooler to cool the air better.

 

[PMKeates]

I realise the apparent reason for the improvement in performance, but I was just curious if anyone knew of some actual studies.

 

[Naf]

No, although I wont get to with my massive 2 miles a week driving.

You're pretty screwed as far as the "drive 5 miles less per week" crap is concerned then?

...though you could always try the old Ferris Bueller trick

 

[PMKeates]

Typical statement is a ten degree drop in intake temperature results in a 1-1.5% increase in output.

So in the average 100 hp car, we're talking a 2-3 hp difference over the course of the entire year? You'd have to be incredibly in balance with your car to notice that!

 

[cymatty]

You're pretty screwed as far as the "drive 5 miles less per week" crap is concerned then?

...though you could always try the old Ferris Bueller trick

I am doing my bit for the environment (if you believe that you will believe anything)

 

[agw_01]

On the cold weather note, unbolting bits from said car when its ****** freezing is no fun!

haha, I know this only too well.

Good news is I'm doing a bit of wiring under the dash at the moment which means lying on the carpet inside the car with an oil heater and a light... much better

 

[Phate]

haha, I know this only too well.

Good news is I'm doing a bit of wiring under the dash at the moment which means lying on the carpet inside the car with an oil heater and a light... much better

haha. I would imagine you fit in the footwell quite nicely to

 

[kaiowas]

Have there been any scientific studies in to the effects of different ambient air temperatures on engine performance?

If I remember I'll post up details of the atmospheric correction factors used on the dynos at work tomorrow. Should give a good idea of the effects of temperature, pressure and humidity on power output. In general though the differences are measureable but barely large enough to be noticeable behind the wheel.

 

[agw_01]

haha. I would imagine you fit in the footwell quite nicely to

Seats come out so I can lie flat