How significant is altitude in determing 1/4th mile ETAs?

Question

I have a Dodge Neon 2.0 DOHC all motor highly modified. The only thing stock is the bottom end. Off the dyno I'm seeing 179 HP to the wheels with minor weight reduction and subs and amps removed. Nonetheless I'm only getting low 14's through the quarter mile with street slicks. Not bad but not good enough. I live in Denver, and I wondering, believing that my driving isn't the issue, can altitude really take what seems like 2+ seconds of an all-motor ET?

So then forced induction... I can't afford a turbo, so 2 stages of nitrous would be what I'd do. Would two stages just suck up my gas mileage and leave me wanting more? Because I'm thinking forced induction at altitude would be extremely effective and I'd get my two seconds back if I sprayed both stages as 75HP shots...

Possible? If so, what else should I consider to make life a little faster for me? Basically I want low 12s.

And dropping the Neon isn't an option so let's ignore car choice and talk performance.

Answer 1

air pressure and altitude is very important. at sea level atmospheric pressure is one bar, or about 14.7psi in high altitude at high alt. the pressure drops,for ex...in Denver 12.2 psi is normal. thats like lowering the boost on a turbo car 2.5 psi and could be as high as a 25hp loss. NO2 is the best power adder in your area.

Answer 2

you're asking a lot of such a small motor. I don't believe it is capable of low 12's without a power adder (NOS, supercharger, turbo) It takes more than people realize to achieve that. I have a daily driver that turns low 12's (380 hp. in a 3700 lb. ride) and a weekender toy that turns 9.7 on a motor that builds well over 800 hp. and weighs 3400 or so. You may spray it and get a better e.t. but that would put you in a differnt class. Altitude plays a role in e.t. as well. The lower you are the higher the air densety. Thus the more oxygen entering the motor. Good luck but don't beat a dead horse or you may be walking. If you have other means of transportation then have at it.

Answer 3

The short answer to your question: Yes, altitude (and temperature) is significant in determining 1/4 mi times.

This is because the amount of air entering the engine is influenced by the air density, and air density is affected by altitude and temperature (high altitude = lower air density and higher temps = lower air density), but I think you know that.

Anyhow, the best response I can give you if you're really looking to change your times is to go the route of nitros which will boost HP or the turbo, which will pack more air in. Or, you could go the route of using a "correction factor", which would tell you what your 1/4 mi time would be at sea level. Just as good on paper, but not nearly as thrilling as actually seeing 12 on the board!

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

truthfully. I race right here in Salt Lake. The race way sits at around 4500. whilst i circulate to Vegas (approximately 2000 ft) I run far greater proper situations. At sea point you have optimal air density. your producing greater skill, and turning swifter situations. Air is each and every thing whilst it is composed of overall performance. you may attempt to get greater proper situations by utilising adjusting (If conceivable) your ignition. Retard the ignition or enhance it somewhat and notice if your situations develop. all the ignition timing achieved on autos it set for Sea point. if I undergo in strategies properly, you will decide directly to regulate your timing a million degree for each 1000 ft for greater overall performance. the link that replaced into presented is that if your working walking. this instruction isn't helpful or perhaps remotely precise for the indoors combustion motor.

Answer 5

i agree with the last guy. but i dont think that running in Iowa, would lower your times by 2 seconds. maybe 1/2, but not a full 2.

Answer 6

alitude does affect it ,but i dont know if it would be that significant as higher you are the less dence the air is , as the engine has less air to combust with. similar to cold air/hot air. eg cars run faster on cold mornings because the air is cold and more dence.(thats y turboed cars have intercoolers)

Answer 7

altitude will only effect the machine , NotTIME