Good power curves

[Abyss]

So I like making powerful engines, and recently it struck me that maybe a power curve that looks like a camels back isn't optimal. What should the power curve look like for different types of cars? I'm most interested in making sports cars, but it would be nice to see what eco and utility cars look like. Thanks in advance for the help.

[snYpz]

Generally, for my N/A cars, my torque curve looks parabolic while my power curve looks linear.

For eco and utility, focusing on torque rather than horsepower is going to be more beneficial. A smooth, linear torque curve with peak torque down low is ideal. However, the game doesn't allow you to tune for max torque throughout a wide RPM range without major sacrifices, so just focus on creating a smooth, parabolic torque graph (or what gets you the highest score) and getting good MPG.

For sports cars, it depends what its purpose is, as well as the time period. I usually try to achieve a similar curve to my eco cars but with more of an emphasis on the top end performance. Those max effort engine builds where both torque and power come in 1000rpm before the rev limiter are not ideal for normal production cars, but they are fun to make.

[Abyss]

Originally posted by snYpz:

Generally, for my N/A cars, my torque curve looks parabolic while my power curve looks linear.

For eco and utility, focusing on torque rather than horsepower is going to be more beneficial. A smooth, linear torque curve with peak torque down low is ideal. However, the game doesn't allow you to tune for max torque throughout a wide RPM range without major sacrifices, so just focus on creating a smooth, parabolic torque graph (or what gets you the highest score) and getting good MPG.

For sports cars, it depends what its purpose is, as well as the time period. I usually try to achieve a similar curve to my eco cars but with more of an emphasis on the top end performance. Those max effort engine builds where both torque and power come in 1000rpm before the rev limiter are not ideal for normal production cars, but they are fun to make.

One thing about the MPG, is just keeping the AFR on minimum a good idea? It works for me. It's how I give my hypercars with 600+ hp and lb-ft torque some MPG numbers that exceed 30. Also, any tips for shaping the curve? Especially with turbos. The best I can do to shape it relatively good use use VVL, which makes it not possible for 5 valves per cylinder.

[Boudewijn]

Originally posted by AbyssWalker240:

One thing about the MPG, is just keeping the AFR on minimum a good idea? It works for me. It's how I give my hypercars with 600+ hp and lb-ft torque some MPG numbers that exceed 30. Also, any tips for shaping the curve? Especially with turbos. The best I can do to shape it relatively good use use VVL, which makes it not possible for 5 valves per cylinder.

You shouldn't really be using 5v/cyl anyways, since its very rare in cars

[RiftHunter4]

Originally posted by Boudewijn:

Originally posted by AbyssWalker240:

One thing about the MPG, is just keeping the AFR on minimum a good idea? It works for me. It's how I give my hypercars with 600+ hp and lb-ft torque some MPG numbers that exceed 30. Also, any tips for shaping the curve? Especially with turbos. The best I can do to shape it relatively good use use VVL, which makes it not possible for 5 valves per cylinder.

You shouldn't really be using 5v/cyl anyways, since its very rare in cars

It has its uses.

The perfect power curve has flat torque with increasing horsepower. That's rarely feasible to get, so you usually aim to increase power in certain areas. Race cars keep the RPM's high so you prioritize high end torque. In efficient road cars, you need low end torque to move the car more easily.

VVL is one way to get a good curve, but you can also use turbos and exhaust size to change the shape.

[snYpz]

Originally posted by AbyssWalker240:

Originally posted by snYpz:

Generally, for my N/A cars, my torque curve looks parabolic while my power curve looks linear.

For eco and utility, focusing on torque rather than horsepower is going to be more beneficial. A smooth, linear torque curve with peak torque down low is ideal. However, the game doesn't allow you to tune for max torque throughout a wide RPM range without major sacrifices, so just focus on creating a smooth, parabolic torque graph (or what gets you the highest score) and getting good MPG.

For sports cars, it depends what its purpose is, as well as the time period. I usually try to achieve a similar curve to my eco cars but with more of an emphasis on the top end performance. Those max effort engine builds where both torque and power come in 1000rpm before the rev limiter are not ideal for normal production cars, but they are fun to make.

One thing about the MPG, is just keeping the AFR on minimum a good idea? It works for me. It's how I give my hypercars with 600+ hp and lb-ft torque some MPG numbers that exceed 30. Also, any tips for shaping the curve? Especially with turbos. The best I can do to shape it relatively good use use VVL, which makes it not possible for 5 valves per cylinder.

I usually set AFR to as low as I can without hurting the score for the category of car I'm building. I generally get away with minimum but it also doesn't sit right to run an engine so lean if I'm building a sports car. If you increase your AFR and the score and percentage of the market both go up then your buyers probably prioritize power over mileage.