1. What is Wheel Horsepower?

Definition: Wheel Horsepower (WHP) is the actual power measured at the wheels of a vehicle, after accounting for drivetrain losses.

Purpose: WHP provides a more accurate measurement of the power actually available to move the vehicle, as opposed to engine (crank) horsepower.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( WHP \) — Wheel Horsepower (hp)
• \( CHP \) — Crank Horsepower (engine horsepower, hp)
• \( DTL \) — Drivetrain Loss factor (0-1)

Explanation: The formula accounts for power lost through the drivetrain (transmission, differential, axles, etc.) before reaching the wheels.

3. Importance of Wheel Horsepower

Details: WHP is crucial for performance measurements as it represents the actual power available to accelerate the vehicle. It's typically 10-20% less than crank horsepower.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the crank horsepower (CHP) and drivetrain loss factor (DTL, default 0.15 for 15% loss). DTL must be between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical drivetrain loss percentage?
A: Front-wheel drive: 10-15%, Rear-wheel drive: 15-20%, All-wheel drive: 20-25%.

Q2: Why measure WHP instead of CHP?
A: WHP represents the actual power reaching the wheels, which determines real-world performance.

Q3: How is WHP measured?
A: Using a dynamometer (dyno) that measures power directly at the wheels.

Q4: Can WHP be higher than CHP?
A: Normally no, but some forced induction systems might show higher WHP due to measurement differences.

Q5: Does drivetrain loss change with power level?
A: Generally yes - higher power levels often experience slightly greater percentage losses.