Real HP loss numbers

[Dan Llewellyn2]

I have wondered about this myself.  I have heard anywhere from 15%
to 25% in drivetrain losses.  What I can't figure out is where the
energy is going.  If you have a 300HP engine with 25% drivetrain
loss, then you are losing 75HP somewhere.  Since it doesn't just
disappear, something has to be soaking up 75HP of energy.  My
guess is that the loss would be in the form of heat which would
mean of lot of drivetrain parts would have to be getting really hot
(assuming the 300HP load on the engine).  Since I have only seen
my transmission get warm, it doesn't really make much sense unless
I just haven't had the load on for a long enough period.

I wonder sometimes if people don't estimate drivetrain losses on the
high side because they don't want to admit that their engines aren't
as powerful as they want them to be.

Dan L