Cars

Okay, for starters, how about the relationship between torque, horsepower, acceleration and top speed. Also, some info on gear ratios (exactly what that means) and that type of stuff would be nice.

Well, there's alot of relationships between the two...

Torque is going to be your launch (aka = dig aka = starting from a stop) Obviously the more torque the better, your power to weight ratio also comes into play in the two's relationship... Horsepower is what's going to drive your car further at higher speeds (the torque usually runs lower in the 3,500-4,500 RPM range, this is when the Horsepower takes over and is usually at it's max..

Gear ratios don't really have to do with anything unless your building an alochol drag racer, nobody that I personally know even has a racing transmission, only the big guys that are running more-so 8.5-under 1/4 mile runs..

That's just the basics lament terms I suppose, there are lots of formulas out there that explain in much more scientific details about how car engines relate etc,..


AH yes, there is another way of measuring HP/TQ as well. Basically you can use a Dyno, the two common structures of rating systems are Dynojet and the Mustang Dyno, typically the "MustangDyno" has more correct numbers, as to most shops carry them...

Now, what most cars are Rated at is called BHP (Base Horsepower/TQ) For example, my Stratus is rated at 200hp and 205TQ off of the factory line. That is how much power the engine produces, HOWEVER, that power transferred to the transmission loses a % depending if you have an auto or a stick. Mine for example loses 25% of it's power from the crank (the engine itself) to the WHeels, which is another form of HP determination, that you can infer from the dyno, and in all reality my car only has about 155WHP and 160WTQ.. It's a better rating system for power, as you can eliminate the Power to weight ratio this way..

D3V, what used car would you recommend in the $3000-4000 range? I was thinking a Civic but ionno.

Well, you gotta say what you want out of your car. If you are looking for gas mileage, Then yes I'd say grab a civic, or even a prelude, Integra, CRX etc, they all get well into the 30's gas highway mileage and it's fucking great.

If you're looking for something with decent gas mileage but you need a bed (a truck..) Then get you a mid 90's even 2000/2001 Chevy S10 / Ford Ranger, with little money you can make these cars have seriously loud systems for under 400 bucks.. Literally.

I have thought about building my own little racecar using either An older model Nissan Sentra (92-93) or even a Civic, you can get either cars with a blown motor For roughly 1,000 with a good enough chassis (the body itself, what it rolls on) and build from there. Take it to a shop, have them ship you a racing motor (1,200-1,700) + installation, and for about 4 grand you can have something turbo'd, very easily....