Horsepower losses

[Ludis Langens]

Graeme Wellington <brideson at gateway.net.au> wrote:
> Does anyone on the digest have any data that they can help me with regarding the
> losses of power through the drivetrain of a car? I am looking for empirical data, actual
> differences between flywheel and rear/front wheel horsepower for the same car. I
> understand losses through fwd type gearbox setup where a hypoid drive is not involved
> are less than rwd. Data relating to 4 cyl, 6's, V8's etc. all appreciated.

Here's a data point: the Pontiac Fiero V6 was factory rated at 140 HP. 
Someone I know rear wheel dyno tested his car at about 120 (pitiful)
HP.  This is a transverse mid-engine RWD setup using a FWD type
gearbox.  The 140 HP sounds about right for an American port fuel
injected pushrod 2.8L iron lump.

-- 
Ludis Langens                               ludis (at) cruzers (dot) com
Mac, Fiero, & engine controller goodies:  http://www.cruzers.com/~ludis/