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benrubsih · 02-23-2011, 02:45 PM

Quoted from thread in Swytch's post A super aerodynamic Bonneville racer might only need 100 hp to go 200 mph. On the other hand, a semi would need more than 4000. For normal cars, it will be between about 400 and 550 hp. And these are power numbers at the wheel, at that speed. You can't even use peak wheel hp. Power changes with rpms so while a car may peak at 500 rwhp @6000 rpm, odds are it won't be turning 6000 rpm @200 mph. For example, a manual Camaro SS would be turning 4620 rpm with the stock gearing and tire size. So you will need more peak power then you thought, in the case of the Camaro about 650 rwhp @5900 rpm

So with a higher gearing your RPM's would be lower to hit 200. And yes I realize that it takes more torque to turn a higher gear... This guy is talking HP which I see a lot in car talk. But when you are talking about top end speeds vs. acceleration torque is the important value. I know they are similar in nature and most people think of them the same. But at peak rpms the two differ quite a bit.

02-23-2011, 02:45 PM	#45
benrubsih Drives: 2010 SS-2 RS, 68 camaro 350 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 15	Quoted from thread in Swytch's post A super aerodynamic Bonneville racer might only need 100 hp to go 200 mph. On the other hand, a semi would need more than 4000. For normal cars, it will be between about 400 and 550 hp. And these are power numbers at the wheel, at that speed. You can't even use peak wheel hp. Power changes with rpms so while a car may peak at 500 rwhp @6000 rpm, odds are it won't be turning 6000 rpm @200 mph. For example, a manual Camaro SS would be turning 4620 rpm with the stock gearing and tire size. So you will need more peak power then you thought, in the case of the Camaro about 650 rwhp @5900 rpm So with a higher gearing your RPM's would be lower to hit 200. And yes I realize that it takes more torque to turn a higher gear... This guy is talking HP which I see a lot in car talk. But when you are talking about top end speeds vs. acceleration torque is the important value. I know they are similar in nature and most people think of them the same. But at peak rpms the two differ quite a bit. __________________ I wanna go fast momma!