Originally posted by Horse:
PANOZ LMP-01 Evo 2002 Specifications

Engine: Type Elan Power Products V-8 Alum. Block & Heads

Valvetrain: ohv 2-valve/cyl V-8

Displacement: 6 Liter

Horsepower: 600 + bhp @ 7000 rpm

Torque: 500 + lb-ft @ N/A rpm

Maximum Engine speed: 7250 rpm




Quote:

Just look at what NASCAR has!
No engine management system
No fuel injection
No overhead or multiple camshafts
No multiple valves
No variable valve timing
No distributor-less ignition
No monocoque chassis
No carbon or aluminium chassis components
No carbon or aluminium suspension
No carbon or ceramic brakes
No independent rear suspension




I don't know about the brakes, but the rest is true. But who cares?

Based on the numbers for the above Panoz, compare to what I found for typical Nascar engines:


Displacement: 351 cu in

Horsepower: 800 + bhp @ 9000rpm

Maximum Engine speed: 9500 rpm


Standard approved bodies may run with 305-358 cubic inch V8 engines equipped with a single Holley 4150 Series four barrel carburetor. Only â??small blockâ?? V8 engines are allowed and the engine displacement may be increased or decreased by boring or stroking. The total displacement must not exceed 358 cubic inches.

Approved Chevrolet engines are: 307, 327, 350 and 400 cubic inches (the latter must have its capacity reduced to 358 cubic inches). Ford approved engines are the 302 and 351 cubic inch models.

Internal polishing, porting, altering and/or reliving of engine parts is permitted. Any piston may be used, but only approved connecting rods are allowed. Cylinder heads are permitted to have only steel or titanium valves, with a limit of two per cylinder. Valve sizes are not restricted and valves may be lightened. Aluminium high performance heads are permitted. The crankshaft must be a standard steel production design. Any steel camshaft may be used. The flywheel must be of steel. Compression ratio is 9.5 : 1 using unleaded fuel.


I have respect for the engine builders and tuners that can accomplish that kind of power despite using a single Holly carb. Certain technology is restricted to help keep the costs lower.

Before one more person spouts off about the 18krpm speeds that some F1 engines are capable of, learn a little more about the engine design. It is a little trick they play, cutting the stroke about in half of typical engines, racing or street. The mean piston speed is no better than a Honda S2000 spinning at 9000rpm. Although you'll never get a manufacturer to tell you any power numbers, the torque is only in the 450lb-ft range. Still quite good for a 3.0L, but nothing to get excited about.

As for people giving engine speeds for length of time, no racing series other than Nascar sustains 8500rpm for 3 hours at a time as some oval circuits require. Most tracks do have a greater engine speed difference, say 7000-9500rpm for 3-4 hours, but some like Daytona and Talledaga sustain over 8200-8500rpm for 3 hours. Every road course has varying engine speeds, from about 40% of maximum engine speed to the rev limiter which is true of every driving series.

The brakes on Nascar vehicles at short tracks have to be engineered pretty well to be effective while glowing from heat for 4 hours, whatever the materials they used. Yeah, I'm sure one's 1972 pickup has brakes as good as them, or his SVT. They fade after a couple hot laps, 5 minutes, not hours.

Really, there is a lot of ignorance on both sides. It is quite annoying. If one doesn't like a certain series, you have that choice to not watch it. Speed TV does have a strong Nascar coverage bias, but it isn't forced on you. you all have 100 other channels to watch, although maybe not about auto racing.

Quote:

You mean the separate cars that have miniscule differences in ride height, fender shape, brake designs, and clunky aluminium plates between the carburetor and intake?




Yes, and all those tiny differences make competitive differences in how the cars perform on certain tracks. Again, I am impressed with the research and engienering that determined how effective which small changes can make significant performance improvements.

Nascar uses technology in R&D, but little in the race vehicle itself. Many other series don't draw that line at the car. That seems to be the only side some people in this thread find valuable. Everyone is entitled to his opinion.

Signed, Neckar fan, yet one of the least redneck people on this board. I am sure stuck up yuppie comes to many peoples' minds that do not know me too well.