1. What is the HP to ET Equation?

The HP to ET (Elapsed Time) equation estimates the quarter-mile elapsed time for a vehicle based on its weight and horsepower. This formula provides a theoretical estimation of drag racing performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ET equation:

Where:

• \( ET \) — Elapsed Time (seconds)
• \( Weight \) — Vehicle weight (pounds)
• \( HP \) — Horsepower (hp)

Explanation: The equation calculates the cube root of the weight-to-horsepower ratio multiplied by a constant factor of 5.825 to estimate quarter-mile elapsed time.

3. Importance of ET Calculation

Details: ET calculation is crucial for performance enthusiasts, racers, and automotive engineers to estimate vehicle acceleration performance and compare different vehicle configurations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and horsepower in hp. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this ET calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimation. Actual ET depends on traction, aerodynamics, transmission, and other factors not accounted for in this simplified formula.

Q2: What is considered a good ET?
A: For street cars, 12-14 seconds is good performance. Professional drag cars can achieve 6-8 seconds. Under 10 seconds is considered very fast.

Q3: Does this account for drivetrain loss?
A: No, this formula uses engine horsepower. For wheel horsepower, you may need to adjust the input value based on drivetrain efficiency.

Q4: Can I use this for motorcycles?
A: Yes, but motorcycle ETs are typically faster than cars with similar power-to-weight ratios due to better aerodynamics and traction.

Q5: What factors affect actual ET besides weight and horsepower?
A: Traction, gearing, shift points, aerodynamics, tire compound, track conditions, and driver skill all significantly impact actual elapsed time.