Formula One Engines
Formula One racing has held the fascination of many people since its inception in 1950's when Formula One World Champion was first ever held. Cars back then was on 1.5 litre straight-8 supercharged engine. Pretty modest spec by today's standard, but it can still packs a punch as it can produce 425 horsepower at 9300 rpm at maximum capability.
Times have change and the millions of dollar that goes into improving F1 engines technology have transformed it into a super-engine for the roads of today. The so called power behind the current F1 cars these days are the powerful V8 engines. With some 5000 parts to it, it is said, if a few parts weren't included in the setup, the F1 car could still run.
There are some 1500 moving elements in an F1 engine and it would take the engineers and mechanics some 2 weeks to put the engine as a whole. Abling to produce some 750 horsepower and 20,000 rpm, this fuel guzzling V8 engine can consume up to 60 litres of petrol for 100km of racing. But however Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) the world motorsport body has put an engine freeze ban on the improvement of F1 engines.
It is deemed too dangerous by the FIA when Formula One constructors are developing F1 cars that are able to speed as fast as 370km/h and the engines able to run as close to the 1000 horsepower mark. FIA imposed the ruling on 2005 and it was set in motion in 2007. In 2009, there will be a new ruling yet again as FIA wants to equalise engine performance to meet new cost cutting measures in F1. It seems the new ruling stems from the high cost to run F1 these days which are spiraling out of control.
For now all F1 teams have to settle with engines that produce around 720 horsepower with an 8 cylinders in a 90 degree V-angle engine setup. The engines are to be mainly made from forged aluminium alloy. This alloy is used as it has the same properties as steel but far lighter. Non-ferro materials are forbidden in engine material by FIA.
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Formula One Engines