Driving in the Cold vs. Warm
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 469
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From: Salt Lake City Utah
Driving in the Cold vs. Warm
Do you notice a significant difference in the winter vs. summer driving in HP. I am not talking about driving in snow, so leave the no driving in winter comments out.
I would assume the ratio for molecules per square inch of air is better, since when it's colder they slow down.
What type of HP increase when the weather gets cold, say from 80 degrees to 40 degrees (still above frezzing)?
I know that I am
to ask this question.
I would assume the ratio for molecules per square inch of air is better, since when it's colder they slow down.
What type of HP increase when the weather gets cold, say from 80 degrees to 40 degrees (still above frezzing)?
I know that I am
to ask this question.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 886
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From: Largo FL
I don't notice it quite as much with the vette, but when I was younger and had all the late 60's early 70's muscle cars (70 GTO, 69 Mach I, ect), I really noticed the difference - like 15 hp difference -
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
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From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I have noticed gains in colder (oxygen dense) air with carburetor engines, but not sure of EFI? A good question for ECS or other tuners.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I drove my Vette for the first 3 years in Vegas. 125+ on occasions
I drove through the Sierra Nevadas
I now live in England
I think I can safely say:
No
I drove through the Sierra Nevadas
I now live in England
I think I can safely say:
No
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 404
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From: KY
Ever since I modified my fog lamp covers so outside air could rush in on my dual cone CAI I've noticed a small difference in performance in relationship to outside temperature. It feels more responsive when it's 50 degrees outside than it does when say it's 85-90 out. I wouldn't expect any huge horsepower jump though.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
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From: Lake Mary Florida
Cold air is more dense and will make a few more HPs. But your just making up for losses of less dense air. So it's really a push, but it should feel a little peppier.
Three things affect air density; pressure, temperature and humidity.
High humidity, temperature or pressure equals less dense air.
Computerized engines will attempt to compensate but they can only do so much. Try running your Vette up Pike's Peak in the high heat of summer.
Three things affect air density; pressure, temperature and humidity.
High humidity, temperature or pressure equals less dense air.
Computerized engines will attempt to compensate but they can only do so much. Try running your Vette up Pike's Peak in the high heat of summer.
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Drifting
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From: Dayton Ohio
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Surprise Arizona
Once the car is warmed up, I don't notice a difference between cooler days and warmer days. But, on any given day, I do notice that the car has more snap during the first few miles (as it warms up) than it does once it is fully warmed up. Makes me want to go with CAI.
Team Owner
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From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Huge difference here. The summer can get up to high 90s/low 100+ degree temps and humid. The car feel much more sluggish. It runs a lot better with the cold dense air of the winter, around 40 degrees or so.
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At least with my car, I can definitely notice a performance boost when driving in cold air versus now when the temp is at 100+.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Ellettsville Indiana
CI 7-8-9 & 12 Veteran
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Absolutely! Your car's computer adjusts for the colder, denser air giving the car more power. After I had DTE do some engine mods and a tune Phil told me that I would enjoy the new found performance. With a wink he told me "just wait until the colder temperatures hit". Now I know what he meant!
The opposite is true in hot weather unfortunately. During a high speed run at Michigan International Speedway in 98 degree temperatures after sitting on hot asphalt, I actually felt the car adjust for the heat. Without letting off the gas pedal, I felt and heard a change in power output. Not a huge amount but enough to realize what it was.
No problems though. It just makes Fall/Winter driving a little more exciting!
The opposite is true in hot weather unfortunately. During a high speed run at Michigan International Speedway in 98 degree temperatures after sitting on hot asphalt, I actually felt the car adjust for the heat. Without letting off the gas pedal, I felt and heard a change in power output. Not a huge amount but enough to realize what it was.
No problems though. It just makes Fall/Winter driving a little more exciting!
Last edited by Paulg680; Aug 16, 2007 at 10:21 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 893
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From: ATX
I've noticed a definite SOTP difference in every car I've owned. Humidity will also make a noticable difference.
However, I imagine at least a small part of the SOTP difference is due to the fact that the colder tires spin easier...
However, I imagine at least a small part of the SOTP difference is due to the fact that the colder tires spin easier...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
I love driving to work on a 30F morning in Texas... My modded Z06 feels so strong ! I also have a Turbo GTI, and I notice its a lot more snappy too.
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