So, I am moving to Denver in a few months and am very, very happy about it. I was in Denver yesterday for business, and I could definitely feel the effects of the altitude when I worked out and when I drank I understand Denver is around 5,000 feet above sea level.

My question is, will I have a noticeable decrease in power with the 928's with the thinner air? I know I will eventually adapt, but the cars won't...

And yes, this is a blantant attempt for me to justify forced induction!

 

Yes you will notice the difference. I noticed it in the fun drive at Sharktoberfest. So did Heinrich when my other car wouldn't idle at the higher altitudes.

 

Yes, less air, less power. Even so, the car still moves. My 89 did an honest 165 at 6K feet in stock form, before the SC. Your cars should have no trouble idling at altitude. 86 and earlier with mechanical idle adjustment will need a tweak.

 

I lived in Denver area for many years. the actual power loss is around 6 percent, but it feels like more. The other problem is called density altitude change. Denver can be hot in the summer, and the altitude + heat makes for pretty thin air. The molecules of air spread apart as temp goes up, causing less air per cubic meter on hotter days.

If you move west of the city the altitude increases pretty fast. I think Golden is about 6000', and then you hit the mountains where you get up into big numbers. I lived in Evergreen for a long time, it's over 8000' where I was and the effects were very noticeable.

Doc

 

You are looking at about a 15% power loss from altitude in Denver. The car will feel downright slow until you get used to it. We have from 13 to 14% here in SLC at 4400' altitude.

 

Lake Tahoe is 6200 ft as a base, it goes up from there. Dave is closer on his estimate for 4400 ft. In Tahoe I loose 20%. Just ask anyone who attended Sharks at the Lake last year about the power difference. This actually remains fairly constant supercharged or not, my race boat goes from 1100 hp per side to 875 when it runs in Tahoe. Of course you can adjust the boost and get most of it back.

When I go back down to sea level I feel like my car is supercharged.

 

Bill, you need one or maybe a pair of spinning lungs on each of your sharks.

 

Thanks all - I guess real high speed driving is not much of an option for me in Denver as a result - oh well, can't have everything. I will hold off on getting my supercharger order in until I get to Denver then - that way I will only notice the increase in boost and not cry over the decrease in supercharger power Maybe I won't be hurting so much since the cheaper real estate in Denver means more funds for the cars and a lift in the garage!

 

Bill, glad to have another Shark in Denver. We have a great group of guys here. Send me your email and I will be sure you get on our "list".
Ralph Newman

 

Hey Ralph - thanks for the invite! I just sent you a PM...

 

I have had my 928 in Denver and also at Lake Tahoe, and I didn't notice any difference at all. Maybe it was the thinner air in my head not allowing accurate perception....... Honestly, my 928 felt fine at both locations. Maybe I was simply spaced out as always.

 

At 5000' you can drive as fast as your ticket budget will allow. I notice I tend to spin the engine faster at higher altitude with shifting near redline and WOT soon becoming the norm.

 

Altitude sucks!

Every YEar ASA/Pro Auto racing has a race called the St Johns Grand Prix - St Johns is at 5731 ft. My track car could barely beat a semi Stock 88 LX 5.0 mustang. Yes Folks - a 88 LX 5.0 Mustang. Granted all cars had their power curve tappered a bit but it seems mine was more than others.

Down at Phoenix level - 1,117 ft - I run circles around this same mustang. Its almost like I was running on 4 cyclinders up at that elevation.

This year Im not running the event - unless I can figure out a way to make my car think shes running a 1K ft.

 

i live in Colorado Springs about 45mins south of Denver and I am about 6000ft above sea level, yes the drop in power is noticeable from sea level but it is a level playing field...ALL cars have the same 15% or so (forced induction cars experience less) power loss. You do get used to the car's new power level and deal with it. I would never leave here, having lived in Cali, Florida, Upper NY State etc..it is too beautiful and very safe too.

Welcome to the Rockies!

Yasin

 

Stockton is at 14 feet.....I wonder how much more power I would get in Death Valley?