How much Power does the Lotus Make
**Mighty Car Mods: Testing the Lotus Exige S240 on the Dyno**
In this episode of * Mighty Car Mods*, host [Your Host's Name] takes his beloved Lotus Exige S240 down to Haltech Performance to put it through its paces on the dyno. The car, which originally left the factory with 240 horsepower at the engine, has been on the road for over a decade and has completed numerous track days. The big question is: How much power is it really making at the wheels today?
### Arrival at Haltech
Upon arriving at Haltech, [Your Host's Name] is greeted by his friends Dave and Tuning Fork, who are busy with their usual high-octane car tuning projects. He expresses his gratitude for their accommodating him at such short notice, especially since they’re so busy with their demanding jobs. The hosts joke about the possibility of a pay rise for everyone involved, adding a light-hearted touch to the beginning of the episode.
The conversation then shifts to the Lotus Exige S240 itself. [Your Host's Name] mentions that the car’s name comes from its factory horsepower rating of 240. However, he suspects that some power may have been lost over the years due to wear and tear. The hosts discuss the importance of dyno testing to get an accurate reading of the car’s current power output at the wheels.
### Preparing for the Dyno Run
Before jumping into the dyno run, [Your Host's Name] shares some tips on how to fit into the tight confines of a racing car cockpit. He demonstrates how to position his legs and mentions that removing shoes gives him an extra inch of space. The hosts laugh as they try to visualize him contorting his body to fit inside the tiny car.
The conversation then turns serious as [Your Host's Name] explains the significance of dyno testing for any car, especially one that’s been modified or has seen a lot of track use. He emphasizes the importance of getting baseline power readings before making any performance modifications. This way, drivers can track the effectiveness of their upgrades and ensure they’re getting good value for their money.
### Technical Discussions
The hosts delve into technical details about drivetrain losses and the differences between horsepower at the engine versus horsepower at the wheels. [Your Host's Name] clarifies that drivetrain loss isn’t a fixed percentage but rather a combination of factors like friction, heat, and energy dissipation through components like the gearbox, torque converter, and differential.
He also touches on the difference between supercharged and turbocharged engines, explaining how superchargers deliver power in a more linear manner, requiring higher RPMs to make significant power. This is contrasted with turbocharged cars, which build power more gradually due to the lag inherent in turbo systems.
### Dyno Run Results
With all the groundwork laid, it’s time for the dyno run. The car is set up on the dynamometer, and [Your Host's Name] takes it for a few warm-up laps to ensure everything is running smoothly. After a couple of initial runs to get familiar with the car’s behavior on the dyno, they move on to the power runs.
The results are in! On three consecutive runs, the Lotus Exige S240 delivers an impressive 132-134 kilowatts (around 178-181 horsepower) at the wheels. The car’s supercharger produces a consistent boost pressure of around five to six pounds per square inch, and it shows no signs of power loss despite its age and mileage.
### Post-Dyno Reflections
[Your Host's Name] reflects on the results, noting that the car is in excellent condition for its age. The minimal drivetrain loss suggests that the engine and components are still performing as they should. However, he points out that the mid-range power could use some improvement to make the car even more enjoyable to drive.
The hosts discuss potential modifications to address the mid-range power issue while maintaining the car’s impressive top-end performance. [Your Host's Name] hints at some “epic” upgrades in the works for future episodes, which will be tested on the track.
### Conclusion
As they wrap up the dyno session, the hosts express their gratitude once again to Dave and Tuning Fork for their time and expertise. They also emphasize the importance of regular dyno testing for any car, not just high-performance vehicles like the Lotus Exige S240.
In the next episode, [Your Host's Name] will take viewers along as he installs some exciting modifications to his Lotus Exige S240, aiming to address the mid-range power deficit and take the car’s performance to the next level. Stay tuned for more thrilling car mods adventures!