I was in L.A. this past weekend and the S felt much stronger.In vegas i would have to take it to 6k to feel any type of power but in L.A. i felt the car starting to pull hard after 4k.Does elevation really make that much of a difference...?



Peace
David

 

Elevation does make a difference. As to putting an exact number in how much, I have no idea.

 

For every 1000' of elevation, there's a 3% loss of HP. So at 6,000' you're down about 18%. At 10,000' you're down about 30%.

At 9,000' on a long steep climb, my S2000 is still capable of triple-digit speed. In fact I live at 6,000 and haven't driven below 5,000 in the S. I can't wait to feel the car at it's full potential.

-Bob

 

That California 91 octane gas probably gave her a little extra kick, or maybe you were getting some draft effect from all of the traffic out in front of you on the 101.

 

we have 91 here aswell...but this was before i had put gas in the car in LA...

 

WOW, I never thought that elevation has that much impact on power. Good to know.

 

I was wondering why my car couldn't hit my top speed coming back from vegas.

 

but not that I would try.....

 

The computers in most modern vehicles automatically adjust the air/fuel ratio so the vehicle still runs well. I doubt most people even notice a 15-20% loss of HP.

An older carborated vehicle or motorcycle, on the other hand, won't run as smooth, may be more cold-blooded than usual, and may need modification to run consistently. And old trick, drop a screwdriver into the carb to hold it open when trying to start the engine.

On my bike, an 800cc cruiser, the change seems to occur right at 5500', just above Denver or Albuquerque.

-Bob

 

I split the year between Phoenix (approx 1100 feet) and Flagstaff (7000 feet) and personally I feel a pretty solid difference between the two. I felt it a fair amount in the V6 4Runner I owned while I was going to school in Flag (could chirp the tires in Phx, couldn't up north).

I remember reading (I have no idea where, way too long ago to recall acurately) an article about elevation and engines, and the basic philosophy was the fewer cylinders you have, the more you will be affected. My brother had a Tacoma with a 4 banger in it, and it really did feel gutless in Flagstaff. How much of that was placebo effect I have no idea, just my personal experiences.

Come end of the season I'll be itching to get back to Phoenix, not only because November down here is perfect weather, but the S runs a lot stronger.