I’m curious. It’s my understanding that the following installs will rob a car of horsepower:
- Auto Transmission
- AC
- Thermactor
Is this true, and if so, how much HP does each take away?
Thanks!
An automatic transmission uses a torque convertor which is sort of like a fluid clutch so no "pedal" is needed when you come to a stop. This "fluid coupling" is not capable of 100% efficiency so there is a power loss. In the '80s manufacturers developed a "locking" torque convertor which helped allot.
The automatic transmission gear train is not "as" efficient as a manual trans so there in lies the power loss.
A/C (when engaged) robs power ( especially on older piston powered pumps simply because of the power required to turn the pump and make pressure.
"Modern" rotary style pumps take FAR less power to turn .
"60's smog pumps aren't all that bad as far as power loss because there wasn't any pressure build up and the pump itself was not a big power draw.
I short , ANY device that was turned by the crank "could" rob HP as noted by others above. Water pump , power steering etc. This is why "modern" cars have gone to electric power steering and more efficient water and A/C pumps , serpentine belts etc. To "make" net power , you have to start by "saving" first.
Randy