What's the weight loss to HP conversion?
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
What's the weight loss to HP conversion?
You know...for every X pounds shed, it's like X HP. Is it the same for all cars, or does it depend on the car itself?
#2
Lifetime Rennlist Member
There is not really a formula but for any car you can figure the weight/power ratio. Then you can see what the equivalent change is. For example, you have a 1000 lb car with 200 hp which is 5 lbs/hp. Any weight reduction will improve that ratio and you can then figure the HP needed to get the same answer. Drop 100 lbs and get 4.5 lbs/hp. That is the same as adding 22.2 HP.
But in reality, it is far from that simple. In most cases, reduced weight will offer many more benefits - better braking, better handling and any downforce will work better (but lift will hurt more). If you are running a track with very high top speed, then maybe more HP will get better lap times than lower weight at the same power to weight ratio.
But in reality, it is far from that simple. In most cases, reduced weight will offer many more benefits - better braking, better handling and any downforce will work better (but lift will hurt more). If you are running a track with very high top speed, then maybe more HP will get better lap times than lower weight at the same power to weight ratio.
#4
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Do a search, there are many good threads on the same issue. Here are a couple:
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...eduction+ratio
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...eduction+ratio
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...eduction+ratio
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...eduction+ratio
#6
Race Director
The rule of thumb I've heard is that every 10 lbs in weight loss equates to 1 hp.
Man, I gotta drop those twenty/thirty pounds before the season starts...
- Z-man.
Man, I gotta drop those twenty/thirty pounds before the season starts...
- Z-man.