Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) question of physics

[Piersol]

How about this question: 2 identical dodges one with 250 hp, the other with 180 cruising down level pavement at 70 mph with no load. Does the transmission work harder with the 250 hp engine? It seems to me that it takes X amount of hp and torque to move 6200 lbs at 70 mph therefore the transmission would not be able to tell the difference. What do you all think? I'm sure you all see what I'm getting at. Am I decreasing the life of the transmission with every mile on the "bombed truck" or only when I punch it and power up steep hills with a heavy load.

 

[baby.driver]

no load is no load

 

[CumminsPower98]

The life of the trany will only be shortened when you actually use the 250 HP. You are right, the trany won't know the difference untill you stand on the power peddle.



Mark

 

[WKener]

It seems to me that it takes X amount of hp and torque to move 6200 lbs at 70 mph therefore the transmission would not be able to tell the difference

Exactly right. You answered your own question. Only when you actually use the added power will the transmission know the difference.

 

[LaserBob]

Think about this.....

Just think that your boost guage and your pyro are direct indicators of the stress your applying to your trans. (You have them, don't you?)



The higher your boost or pyro, the more load, work, or stress on your trans. As the needles climb, so does your trans life get tested. This is not to say they cannot handle a lot of stress..... You get the picture.



Oh, is your trans stock? Be careful, please.



LaserBob

 

[dan_gilson]

Just because you have more HP on one system than another does not mean that you are using it in the steady state that you described.



Cruz'in you only use between say 25-50HP to keep the vehicle moving. If the trucks were pretty much the same with the same load and tires you should be using about the same HP to keep them moving.



Where you will put more of a load on the system is when you are accelerating. The 250HP system can get you there faster and therefore more load.