Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > General Topics > The Pub

The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 23-01-2008, 09:22 AM   #1
XR6 Hulk
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 161
Default Lets be fair, how much power do you need!!!

I had the T modified to 307rwkw. took it for a spin and thought, surely I dont need this much power. Can only go 60km/h, cant street race, not towing a boat, noone to run. Took the Hyundai Getz for a drive and thought, this car has enough power for everyday commuting.

I say a family car with 200kw at the motor (160rwkw) is more than enough power. Do we want more power because we need it or is it because gotta be better than your next door neighbour and you want bragging rights at the BBQ??

XR6 Hulk is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 09:27 AM   #2
Yellow_Festiva
Where to next??
 
Yellow_Festiva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 8,893
Default

57kw has done me fine for the last 7 years : When Im at a BBQ I win bragging rights for having the LEAST power lol :
Yellow_Festiva is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 09:32 AM   #3
nugget378
Weezland
 
nugget378's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sydney,workshop mod
Posts: 7,216
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Always willing to impart knowledge in the technical areas. 
Default

For basic commuting you really only need enough power to move you with the traffic,same thing can be said about anything in life,do you need a huge house that could house a football team etc,or is a unit enough to live?
But we are what we are and it makes life as we know it possible,how else would we have our well paying jobs if people didnt spend on what they dont absolutely need.
nugget378 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 09:35 AM   #4
Melchior3
Regular Member
 
Melchior3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Perth, WA.
Posts: 109
Default

I think it's bragging rights and the knowledge that you can smoke em up at any given moment if you want to, not because you do it all the time or street race etc. Though you can go to the drags if you wish to.

I think the main reason is because it's fun modifying cars, stock cars are boring.
Melchior3 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 09:40 AM   #5
ck11
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 70
Default

Have always wanted to post this question because it would be really interesting to see the views of the turbo and v8 owners. Especially in the current climate of speed cameras and traffic congestion. Not to mention rumours about electronic speed limiters in the future.

Wouldnt it be incredibly frustrating to have a powerful car but restricted to 60km/h-80km/h in many parts of sydney ( i wont starts on victoria's speed tolerances)? I am lucky to hit 70km/h in many of my routes. Freeways would be just as bad with the ridiculous speedlimits. Would be looking out for police and cameras more than enjoying the car.

If its about the acceleration or torque, couldnt a smaller capacity turbo or diesel engine give the same feel?

Have always aspired to own a v8 or turbo 6, but driving in australia has really put me off.
ck11 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 09:44 AM   #6
plext
Forum Director
 
plext's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Boro
Posts: 1,187
Default

The desire to build or invent something better has been with humans for a long time. It's what took us out of caves and will be around for a long time hence.

Add to this the desire (particularly in males) for the adrenaline rush now and then, particularly in an ever more cotton wool wrapped, OH&S friendly world and you net a percentage of the population that requires an outlet, be it extreme sports or luridly fast vehicles.

At the end of the day, no matter our veneer of civilisation, we are still animals that respond to certain instincts and generally find a way to fulfill them.
plext is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 09:52 AM   #7
bingoTE50
Steve
 
bingoTE50's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Sth East Qld
Posts: 1,284
Default

My TE had 200kw ex factory and it is fine. I had a Caprice with 240kw but the TE is better to drive. I would rather have a nice looking car than outright power.
I have a turbo diesel triton GLXR ( new) and I have more trouble keeping it under the speed limit due to the narrow rev range (auto). Between 2000 rpm & 3000 rpm you can do between 100k and 135 kmh ,not much to work with .
So for me a nice looking car rather than outright grunt!
bingoTE50 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 09:55 AM   #8
LTDHO
The one and only
 
LTDHO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Carrum Downs, Victoria
Posts: 9,053
Default

IMO the most you need is 200kw and enough torque to tow a caravan confortably.

Any more is a waste.

I have retired from the 'chasing every kw' race.
__________________
1992 DC LTDHO 360rwkw built by me
Tuned by CVE Performance
Going of the rails on a crazy train
Other cars include Dynamic ED Sprint, Dynamic DL LTD, Sparkling Burgundy DL LTD, Yellow, Red & Blue XB sedan & Black XB Coupe
LTDHO is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 10:03 AM   #9
Powdered Toast Man
Professional Mouse Jockey
 
Powdered Toast Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SE Vic
Posts: 3,185
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ck11
If its about the acceleration or torque, couldnt a smaller capacity turbo or diesel engine give the same feel?
True, but it doesn't have that V8 sound :sm_drool:

I have a V8 with "only" 230kw or so and it frustrates me that I can't use it 80% of the time. But for those long drives in the country I love the rush of torque when you give it some.

I love having a torquey engine because I'm not a big fan of revving the tits off my car but I seriously think my next car will probably be either a turbo diesel or a turbo petrol hatch for those exact reasons.

There is just nowhere to use a V8 or hipo turbo in surburbia anymore. If I actually lived in or near the city and only commuted on roads with low speed limits then I wouldn't have even bought my BA.

The only reason I buy V8s is for the "prestige" and the sound (ie bragging rights), a base n/a 6 has more than enough go for day to day use.
__________________
Isuzu MUX for towing horses - currently no Fords in the stable

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. Groucho Marx
Powdered Toast Man is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 10:09 AM   #10
XYGTHO
FORD FREAK
 
XYGTHO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Rockhampton
Posts: 1,750
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by LTDHO
IMO the most you need is 200kw and enough torque to tow a caravan confortably.

Any more is a waste.

I have retired from the 'chasing every kw' race.
LOL from the man with 360rwkw. I think for me its the adrenilan, thorttle response, kick in the pants and also the sound of a highly revving and highly tuned motor. It feels good to be able to give it a squirt through the gears. I can loose traction whenever i like howevr now how to drive to get off the mark quick without loosing traction. I don't want my car confiscated.
Its the same as having great brakes i suppose. If you judge and leave the room you can pull up fine with standard brakes, just feels so much better with good brekes under your right foot.
__________________
JUST LOVE THAT V8 SOUND, RUMBLE, MUSIC!
XYGTHO is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 10:14 AM   #11
KBBossedXR
GetBlown or GetBlown Away
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 593
Default

I had the T modified to 307rwkw. took it for a spin and thought, surely I dont need this much power. Can only go 60km/h, cant street race, not towing a boat, noone to run. Took the Hyundai Getz for a drive and thought, this car has enough power for everyday commuting.

I say a family car with 200kw at the motor (160rwkw) is more than enough power. Do we want more power because we need it or is it because gotta be better than your next door neighbour and you want bragging rights at the BBQ??

Its simple drive on the road like your ment to, and get yourself out to the Drags and have fun driving your now modified car,
You will be able to have plenty races against people, go as fast as you want, flatten it of the lights, as for towing the boat you got the wrong car for that anyway.
If you disagree with all of this as a suggestion i suggest you sell the car and go buy a Hillman Hunter as that was the first car that i drove on the road and it barely done the speed limit.
KBBossedXR is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 10:28 AM   #12
merlin
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
merlin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,974
Default

I cant really answer the question "how much power do you need"? as there is too many other factors!

What about weight, torque, power delivery/torque curves?

There is speed limits, camera's ect. but no laws on how fast you can accelarate to the limit and for me this is what I enjoy in both cars and bikes - acceleration and engine responsivness.

My bike has 80kw but can acellerate to 100 in under 3 seconds - is this enough power? A Renault Clio can accelerate to 100 in around 6 seconds with what 120kws? A family saloon needs 240kw for the same resiult. The question to me does not make sense.
__________________
1966 Ford Mustang coupe. 347 stroker, PA reverse manual C4, TCE high stall converter, B&M Pro Ratchet, Edelbrock alum heads, Edelbrock intake manifold, MSD ignition, Holley Street HP 750 CFM carb, gilmer drive, wrapped Hooker Super Comp Headers, dual 3" straight through exhaust, Bilstein shocks, custom springs, full poly suspension, American Racing rims, Open Tracker roller spring saddles and shelby drop.

Still to go - Holley Sniper EFI with integrated fuel cell.
merlin is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:01 AM   #13
T3ts50
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
T3ts50's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,094
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by XYGTHO
I think for me its the adrenilan, thorttle response, kick in the pants and also the sound of a highly revving and highly tuned motor. It feels good to be able to give it a squirt through the gears.
Couldnt have said it better my self.
T3ts50 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:10 AM   #14
Jeeepers
Merry Xmas To All
 
Jeeepers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Melton South, Moderator: ORSM Club
Posts: 3,413
Default

I say 260-300 rwkw is a sweet all rounder, and something that will always thrill. The beauty of the XR6T is it's ability to be driven sedately. My 68 y.o. Mum drove mine the other night, and loved it.
Jeeepers is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:14 AM   #15
DivHunter
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
DivHunter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Patch
Posts: 1,011
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by merlin
I cant really answer the question "how much power do you need"? as there is too many other factors!

What about weight, torque, power delivery/torque curves?

There is speed limits, camera's ect. but no laws on how fast you can accelarate to the limit and for me this is what I enjoy in both cars and bikes - acceleration and engine responsivness.

My bike has 80kw but can acellerate to 100 in under 3 seconds - is this enough power? A Renault Clio can accelerate to 100 in around 6 seconds with what 120kws? A family saloon needs 240kw for the same resiult. The question to me does not make sense.
'Excessive Acceleration' is an offence
__________________
Quote:
Speed cameras have changed the things we pay attention to and the things we regard as important. Instead of focusing on the dangers ahead, motorists feel that they have been relieved of responsibility for managing their own driving, and have ceded it instead to the mechanical intervention of the camera and other traffic signals.
DivHunter is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:19 AM   #16
RG
Back to Le Frenchy
 
RG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Back home.....
Posts: 13,346
Default

I'm compensating for something
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by drew`SEVNT5
nah mate, aussie cars are the besterest and funnerest, nothing beats them, specially a poofy wrong wheel drive
07 Renault Sport Megane F1 Team R26 #1397
RG is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:19 AM   #17
|||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 575
Default

remember tim allen when he used to do funny and crazy things in the early 90s like add more power to his lawn mower or soup up every day appliances to give them more power thats sort of how i look at life he was a visionary
||| is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:28 AM   #18
S3SR
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
S3SR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: QLD - Townsville
Posts: 1,772
Default

i didnt buy either of my falcons because it had more power than most others.

i bought them because i loved the car, i didnt like small cars (still dont) let alone fit in one, it was big enough to cart around everything i needed to, and fit all my mate comfortably, one thing i am greatful for with having that extra power is when overtaking gun it and im not sitting in front of oncoming traffic.

it was more it had to be something that was comfortable, big enough for me, look good and well be a falcon...... the added power was a bonus
__________________
My Cars:

2002 Ford Falcon AU S3 SR
2006 BF MKI Falcon XR6
2008 Mazda BT50 SDX
2004 BA XR8 ute
2006 AUDI A4 B7
2013 FG II XR6 Ute
2006 Ford Territory TX
2003 Ford Falcon XR8
2009 Territory Turbo Ghia

Current: 2012 Audi A4 B8 2.0T Quattro
S3SR is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:31 AM   #19
The Yeti
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
The Yeti's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: In my happy place
Posts: 5,432
Default

is this a trick question? no we dont need more power we / I want it plane and simple,
__________________
Pariahs C.C.
What could possibly go wrong

I post images with postimg.cc (so I don’t forget)
The Yeti is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:34 AM   #20
xrfranjo
whats that noise
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: liverpool
Posts: 105
Default

i went from a 29kw suzuki mightyboy and getting chopped by a state transit bus to the current fun toy.... i am never going back.. just knowing you have something under your right foot is enough, plus it individualises your car as it is not part of the ten million t's produced
__________________
04 Phantom, N/A to turbo conversion, 275rwkw detuned for wife, 2500 stall,difillipo pipe, king suspension, carbon fibre bonnet and gt wing, 19" wheels.... no traction control fitted
xrfranjo is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:36 AM   #21
troppo
Mr old phart
 
troppo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Northern Terrorist
Posts: 1,715
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Writing tech articles 
Default

Choosing not to use the power is infinitely more pleasurable than not having the power to choose.
__________________
An object at rest cannot be stopped!!

BA GT-P Blueprint
troppo is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:38 AM   #22
scoupedy
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Brisvegus
Posts: 435
Default

Its more about power to weight than overall power for me about 350HP ~250Kw in the Landau should be plenty
scoupedy is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:44 AM   #23
ebxr8240
Performance moderator
 
ebxr8240's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: St Clair..N.S.W
Posts: 14,875
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Always willing to help out with technical advice. 
Default

Its controlled by "the nut" I like having some in reserve though..
Having adjustable power / torque is nice !!!
__________________
Real cars are not driven by front wheels,real cars lift them!!...
BABYS ARE BOTTLE FED, REAL MEN GET BLOWN.
Don't be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the Ark...Professionals built the Titanic!
Dart 330ci block turbo black pearl EBXR8 482 rwkw..
Daily driver GTE FG..
Projects http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=107711
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...8+turbo&page=4
ebxr8240 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:50 AM   #24
xe351
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
xe351's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: GOsFORD Central Coast NSW
Posts: 1,930
Default

how much power do you need?

well i have been driving a corolla 1.6 for the last 3 years, and im starting to feel like i have no soul, damn petrol tycoons
__________________
XB Parts Wanted

Twin Horns 8-9/74 and lower horn dated 7-8/74, GT hubcaps. GT aircleaner. Please pm me if you can help
xe351 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 11:51 AM   #25
TZENU
XY Driv3r
 
TZENU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 3,004
Default

Its a power trip... Knowing you have the power is "power" in itself...
__________________
Genuine Faker NOW BROKEN
Imagniation is a human element creativity is the result
TZENU is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 12:09 PM   #26
merlin
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
merlin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,974
Default

In retrospect the question is similar to asking "How much sex do you need" Too which my current answer would be to stare at you quizically and wonder if you are insane for asking such a question. The answer of course is "Never enough". Then ask me in 20 years time and it would most probably change. In summary both graphs would peak between late teens and mid twenties then slowly diminish with age in a perfect parabolic curve.
__________________
1966 Ford Mustang coupe. 347 stroker, PA reverse manual C4, TCE high stall converter, B&M Pro Ratchet, Edelbrock alum heads, Edelbrock intake manifold, MSD ignition, Holley Street HP 750 CFM carb, gilmer drive, wrapped Hooker Super Comp Headers, dual 3" straight through exhaust, Bilstein shocks, custom springs, full poly suspension, American Racing rims, Open Tracker roller spring saddles and shelby drop.

Still to go - Holley Sniper EFI with integrated fuel cell.
merlin is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 12:45 PM   #27
Rev28K
re
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Victoria - where being slow & incompetent is considered being "safe"
Posts: 1,323
Default

How much power is enough?

Ideally just enough that your braking and handling are ahead of it (and concentrate on the torque curve rather than just top end). In reality enough that you aren’t vulnerable in traffic.

My car has kept up with plenty of other cars on the track that have double it’s power.
__________________
Scuderia Rev: Otto the tow pig - 2007 3.0 litre Coupé, vernünftig schnelle aber kein peilstab, Bathurst 2007 und 2010 zwölf Stunde Gewinner Jaffa the angry ant - mid 70's Honda 市民の, 73 と立方インチ LSD Elle "the body" shell - early 70's Datsun フェアレディ coupe. いい体は彼女の内側、内側と土台を待つ
Rev28K is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 12:46 PM   #28
DivHunter
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
DivHunter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Patch
Posts: 1,011
Default

I believe the answer is 'more'
__________________
Quote:
Speed cameras have changed the things we pay attention to and the things we regard as important. Instead of focusing on the dangers ahead, motorists feel that they have been relieved of responsibility for managing their own driving, and have ceded it instead to the mechanical intervention of the camera and other traffic signals.
DivHunter is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 01:06 PM   #29
andrewts
White Car Driver
 
andrewts's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 1,174
Default

How much power do I need? Probably that of a 2.0L I4.

How much power do I want? A LOT.
andrewts is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-01-2008, 01:06 PM   #30
Ryan
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Newcastle, NSW
Posts: 3,926
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by S3SR
i didnt buy either of my falcons because it had more power than most others.

i bought them because i loved the car, i didnt like small cars (still dont) let alone fit in one, it was big enough to cart around everything i needed to, and fit all my mate comfortably, one thing i am greatful for with having that extra power is when overtaking gun it and im not sitting in front of oncoming traffic.

it was more it had to be something that was comfortable, big enough for me, look good and well be a falcon...... the added power was a bonus
Same here. I buy cars that I like, not the power they make.

No matter how much power you have, there will always be someone with more.
Ryan is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 04:33 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL