power to weight - Page 2 - Toyota Yaris Forums

gokartride · 06-22-2009, 03:47 PM

I have a friend who was into tuning Volkwagons and Porches and Triumphs back in the day....he says there is something "just right" about 100 hp in a 2,000 lb car. "Just right" is fine as the whole "need more hp" thing is totally lost on me. I've always said "if a car isn't fun while driving the speed limit, it's just not good enough"...but then I come from Sprites, Midgets, and Spitfires. The Yaris' delightfully twitchy and snappy turning radius are the fun part of this car for me, and I can use that every day jsut driving around town. The car plenty of power, imo.

Tamago · 06-22-2009, 03:45 PM

my car used to be 13.54lb/hp :(

scape · 06-22-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamago

my car used to be 13.54lb/hp :(

what car was this? that's a good ratio! probably could spank a stock evo with that, haha

Tamago · 06-22-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scape

what car was this? that's a good ratio! probably could spank a stock evo with that, haha

the xA

14.52lb/hp with me in the car though

scape · 06-22-2009, 03:58 PM

well, maybe 'keep up' rather (13.2 or so it looks like), but still that's awesome

eric81 · 06-22-2009, 07:21 PM

this is the first time I have posted my thoughts and theories on a thread where someone hasn't bashed the heck out of me. Thank you.

Also, as for turning, I am in the understanding that the wider tires, 1.5" or greater lowering springs, rear sway bar, and taking the dead weight out of the back of the car is supposed to make this thing the turning CHAMPION! I personally have only lowered my car 2" and taken out the tire and jack, then put the rear seats down towards the front to keep the weight off of the back. Turns great, but I do notice that the front end jumps around a lot if it is not a perfectly level corner. The tires will spin, or drag the grab all of a sudden like, or just slip all the way through, losing speed and inertia. I am sure tires would help a lot (185-60R15's are a waste of rubber for a bigger tire, imoi) but I bet a lot has to do with weight. I also usually take corners in 2nd, near 30 to 40 mph. Any slower I stick it in 1st and wait to get out of the turn then floor it and spin them just to make noise. WAY off subject now.

If anyone lives near Pueblo, CO, IM me about the car show this weekend. I want to know if anyone will be going, or even showing their car.

Tamago · 06-22-2009, 08:26 PM

you need:

1.tires
2. driving lessons (talk to Loren :) )

eric81 · 06-24-2009, 10:25 PM

I didn't now there was an actual formula, but I bet it changes with FF, FR, MR, and RR types of cars, and changes again when you figure the original weight to weight ratio (dead vs rotational), and yet again when you figure the RPM's your car runs at. My car, for example, is about 2,100 lbs plus me, and you could probably guestimate about 200 lbs or so are rotating or moving, and it is a FF, and I find I get most power at or above the 3K mark, so if it gets down to 2K, I am usually down shifting, to keep it between 2K and 4K, sometimes higher if I am racing it to the next corner, or passing, or whatever. Then you have to figure how much the engine is working to get air in and out, and all of that fun stuff. In the end, it really comes down to "test and check", meaning put the stupid part on, and see if you notice a difference or not. My headers make my car loud, and I can feel the car needs more RPM's to get going, but it gets those RPM's a lot easier, so it was worth it to me. Same with the intake and muffler. I also put a stronger battery in, and put high quality iridium plugs in. Just my preferances. Along with Penzoil Full Synthetic, ($20 for 5 qts at Wal-mart) and a fram filter because the Mobil stuff they put in my car was BLACK, even from day 1, and I paid the extra $8 for the good stuff. In my opinion, I feel my car is now working slightly more efficient, and my MPG's show that. Even with racing it, I still average 38 mpg's.

That electric motor thing is a great idea, except that it has already been done by Honda, (I think that's the company, anyway's) and it is GREAT except that it costs so much money to do, it isn't worth it in the end.

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06-22-2009, 03:47 PM	#1
gokartride Drives: 2009 Yaris 3-Door Liftback Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 213	I have a friend who was into tuning Volkwagons and Porches and Triumphs back in the day....he says there is something "just right" about 100 hp in a 2,000 lb car. "Just right" is fine as the whole "need more hp" thing is totally lost on me. I've always said "if a car isn't fun while driving the speed limit, it's just not good enough"...but then I come from Sprites, Midgets, and Spitfires. The Yaris' delightfully twitchy and snappy turning radius are the fun part of this car for me, and I can use that every day jsut driving around town. The car plenty of power, imo.

06-22-2009, 03:58 PM	#5
scape View User's Garage Drives: 2007 Yaris Hatchback Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Beaufort, South Carolina Posts: 388	well, maybe 'keep up' rather (13.2 or so it looks like), but still that's awesome

06-22-2009, 07:21 PM	#6
eric81 View User's Garage Drives: Toyota Salesman Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Clarksville, IN Posts: 297	this is the first time I have posted my thoughts and theories on a thread where someone hasn't bashed the heck out of me. Thank you. Also, as for turning, I am in the understanding that the wider tires, 1.5" or greater lowering springs, rear sway bar, and taking the dead weight out of the back of the car is supposed to make this thing the turning CHAMPION! I personally have only lowered my car 2" and taken out the tire and jack, then put the rear seats down towards the front to keep the weight off of the back. Turns great, but I do notice that the front end jumps around a lot if it is not a perfectly level corner. The tires will spin, or drag the grab all of a sudden like, or just slip all the way through, losing speed and inertia. I am sure tires would help a lot (185-60R15's are a waste of rubber for a bigger tire, imoi) but I bet a lot has to do with weight. I also usually take corners in 2nd, near 30 to 40 mph. Any slower I stick it in 1st and wait to get out of the turn then floor it and spin them just to make noise. WAY off subject now. If anyone lives near Pueblo, CO, IM me about the car show this weekend. I want to know if anyone will be going, or even showing their car.

06-24-2009, 10:25 PM	#8
eric81 View User's Garage Drives: Toyota Salesman Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Clarksville, IN Posts: 297	I didn't now there was an actual formula, but I bet it changes with FF, FR, MR, and RR types of cars, and changes again when you figure the original weight to weight ratio (dead vs rotational), and yet again when you figure the RPM's your car runs at. My car, for example, is about 2,100 lbs plus me, and you could probably guestimate about 200 lbs or so are rotating or moving, and it is a FF, and I find I get most power at or above the 3K mark, so if it gets down to 2K, I am usually down shifting, to keep it between 2K and 4K, sometimes higher if I am racing it to the next corner, or passing, or whatever. Then you have to figure how much the engine is working to get air in and out, and all of that fun stuff. In the end, it really comes down to "test and check", meaning put the stupid part on, and see if you notice a difference or not. My headers make my car loud, and I can feel the car needs more RPM's to get going, but it gets those RPM's a lot easier, so it was worth it to me. Same with the intake and muffler. I also put a stronger battery in, and put high quality iridium plugs in. Just my preferances. Along with Penzoil Full Synthetic, ($20 for 5 qts at Wal-mart) and a fram filter because the Mobil stuff they put in my car was BLACK, even from day 1, and I paid the extra $8 for the good stuff. In my opinion, I feel my car is now working slightly more efficient, and my MPG's show that. Even with racing it, I still average 38 mpg's. That electric motor thing is a great idea, except that it has already been done by Honda, (I think that's the company, anyway's) and it is GREAT except that it costs so much money to do, it isn't worth it in the end.