High Country Driving ???s
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
High Country Driving ???s
Hi,I moved to Summit County Colorado last summer with my 2000 GT, bone stock engine. Before I moved (from Iowa) the car started idling really high and it seemed to get worse when I got up here. My mechanic buddy is pretty sure its a problem with the MAF sensor or IAC valve or both. I live at 9400 ft. and drive between that and8800 almost daily.
My question is does anyone else live at high elevation with their Mustang and how muchdoes the altitude affect the engine? (can't be too bad,otherwise it would be a big issue when moving here)Does the engine, and computer,adjust itself easily, or do you have tips for better performance in high altitude?
My question is does anyone else live at high elevation with their Mustang and how muchdoes the altitude affect the engine? (can't be too bad,otherwise it would be a big issue when moving here)Does the engine, and computer,adjust itself easily, or do you have tips for better performance in high altitude?
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 307
From: Central PA
RE: High Country Driving ???s
I lived in Utah for several years. Pretty much all the altitude does is kill your performance.
I forget what the rule of thumb was exactly but I think it was something like you lose 3% of your HP for every 1000 feet of altitude or something like that. so at 9400ft your car would lose about 73HP and be at around 187HP at the crank.
Your car's computer does adjust for the altitude so there's nothing you need to do or change. Just remember that what it's adjusting for is less air coming into the engine... less air = less gas = less power. Thus the HP loss.
Only tip I can give you for better performance at high altitude is to get a blower. Sorry, but it's true. ya gotta overcome that thin air.
I forget what the rule of thumb was exactly but I think it was something like you lose 3% of your HP for every 1000 feet of altitude or something like that. so at 9400ft your car would lose about 73HP and be at around 187HP at the crank.
Your car's computer does adjust for the altitude so there's nothing you need to do or change. Just remember that what it's adjusting for is less air coming into the engine... less air = less gas = less power. Thus the HP loss.
Only tip I can give you for better performance at high altitude is to get a blower. Sorry, but it's true. ya gotta overcome that thin air.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 307
From: Central PA
RE: High Country Driving ???s
Actually I don't know if a dyno will tell you. Normally the dyno's correct for altitude, so they tell you what your HP would be at sea level. You could probably have the dyno guy give you both numbers.
Be ready for a shock though if he gives you the non-corrected numbers.
Your stock corrected rwhp numbers should be right around 225HP.
UN-corrected for altitude, meaning what you actually have at 9400 ft, will probably be right around 155-160rwhp.
The only consolation I can give you is to remind you that every single car around you has the same handicap on THIER performance too, so you're not alone and the playing field is level.
Be ready for a shock though if he gives you the non-corrected numbers.
Your stock corrected rwhp numbers should be right around 225HP.
UN-corrected for altitude, meaning what you actually have at 9400 ft, will probably be right around 155-160rwhp.
The only consolation I can give you is to remind you that every single car around you has the same handicap on THIER performance too, so you're not alone and the playing field is level.
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