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The limiting factor in average horsepower output over time is definitely the cooling system on most cars. It's just that most people don't run their car at 80%
by jaggederest 3y ago
The limiting factor in average horsepower output over time is definitely the cooling system on most cars. It's just that most people don't run their car at 80% of rated output for extended periods, otherwise you would absolutely overheat it.
I've towed large loads up extended grades (hello shasta and grapevine) and you absolutely will overheat on a hot day. And that's with an uprated towing rig that had a radiator sized for the job - imagine that same horsepower of engine in a passenger car with 1/3rd the radiator surface area.
- realo 3y agoSubaru engines are sometimes used in DIY small airplanes and they work well without overheating. This, it can be done.
- jaggederest 3y agoThe airflow differences between airplanes and cars are pretty significant, much higher near ground level and much lower at altitude, so they're kind of a different beast than a static generation setup.
- Blackthorn 3y agoYeah but they're basically always derated.
- dTal 3y agoAmusingly, this is also true for modern laptops.
- jaggederest 3y agoMakes me wonder what a "portable desktop with integrated screen and input" like I had in 2004 would be like these days. I think it was 16 pounds? with a pentium 3 desktop processor in it and about 4 screaming fans. Loved that thing.