dum-dee-dum-dumm-dummm Q's

[grasshopper]

why do some people with turbocharged cars, run without thermostats?

When watching the GT races, i see fire out the exhausts at downshifts, i hear its because of running rich(on purpose) and this also cools off the valves, any info on this?

how are burnouts done the RIGHT way, a friend thought he was doing it right and tore the clutch up cause he didnt have it depressed while burning out

how much big of a diff. is it between two cars with 700hp and 800hp, at this massive amount of HP( all other things being equal) will the extra 100 be that noticable?

[higgimonster]

Originally posted by grasshopper
why do some people with turbocharged cars, run without thermostats?

What cars? I have never heard of anything like that.

When watching the GT races, i see fire out the exhausts at downshifts, i hear its because of running rich(on purpose) and this also cools off the valves, any info on this?

From what I have read and heard the fire is from exhaust gases combusting outside of the cylinder (in the exhaust manifold) and is used (in rally racing at least) to help keep the turbo spoolling and it could serve to help cool the engine but I think it is more for increased engine braking. But, like I said, I am not completely positive

how are burnouts done the RIGHT way, a friend thought he was doing it right and tore the clutch up cause he didnt have it depressed while burning out

To do a burnout the 'right way' you should rev the engine to around peak torque then drop the clutch. Make sure the clutch is not slipping (which is most likely why he screwed his clutch). If you depress your clutch (pedal) while burning out you wont do much burning.

how much big of a diff. is it between two cars with 700hp and 800hp, at this massive amount of HP( all other things being equal) will the extra 100 be that noticable?

Dependes on what your tolerances are for noticable. As far has the way it feels when you are accelerating, I doubt there would be a difference. But if you are measureing 100ths of a second. there will be a noticable difference.

Hope I was able to help a little bit. I am sure someone else here can come along and fill in my holes (or correct me if I am wrong)

[grasshopper]

thanks, anyone else???

[911GT2]

He's got pretty well everything. I can confirm that the flames are gas combusting to keep the turbos spooled up, they always do it in GT/WRC racing. Not at all useful in street cars though.

And a slight hold on the brakes is required for a proper, no movement burnout. If it's a front driver, hauling on the handbrake will help. Otherwise, feathering the brakes is your best bet, which is why it isn't easy to to a burnout in a car with just enough power to do it. In an overpowered car, just let the clutch out at peak torque and watch the smokeshow.