The poser loss issue is directly the reduction in atmospheric pressure. The EFI computer keeps the proper air/fuel ratio and the developed power drops proportionately. Only one device eliminates this problem - a turbocharger. With the turbo you can control the manifold pressure and there is adequate compression capacity to overcome the atmospheric pressure reduction. The reason that you so strongly notice the reduction in power as compared to other vehicles is explained in my posts on gearing and engine power issues. The key problem is the amount of additional thrust available from the engine/powertrain combination above and beyond the thrust needed to move the vanagon under the conditions required. Hint: Professional hill-climber racers run very high numerical ratio final drives compared to flattrackers. Your vanagon probably has 5% reserve thrust capacity after paying the altitude penalty. Frank Grunthaner |
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