Ameer Randolph
Funny Cars, also known as funny-looking cars, are drag cars that can reach speeds of up to 340 mph. They are powered by fuel systems that burn up to 15 US gallons (57 litres) of fuel in a single run. The fuel mixture typically consists of 85-90% nitromethane and 10-15% methanol, with compression ratios ranging from 6:1 to 7:1. The engines in Funny Cars exhibit varying piston heights and ratios, and the NHRA mandates that they can only be V8s with a maximum displacement of 500 cubic inches (8.2 litres). With their powerful engines and aerodynamic designs, Funny Cars are a thrilling spectacle in the world of drag racing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel used in a single run | 15 US gallons (12 imp gal; 57 L) |
| Fuel mixture | 85–90% nitromethane, 10–15% methanol |
| Ratio of fuel to air | 1:1 |
| Compression ratios | 6:1 to 7:1 |
| Engine | Loosely based on the 426 Hemi |
| Engine displacement | 8.2 L |
| Piston heights and ratios | Variable |
| Gear ratio | 3.20:1 |
| Fuel delivery | Multiple injectors in different engine areas |
| Fuel flow rate | 88-94 gallons per minute (GPM) |
| Fuel pump | Waterman Racing Enterprises Super Bertha |
| Engine components | Aluminum connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, different compression ratios, different ring packages |
| Engine rebuild | Required between rounds |
| Engine power | 11,000 horsepower |
| Cost of fielding a Funny Car team | $2.6 million to $3 million |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
A funny car burns 15 gallons of fuel in a single run
The fuel systems in funny cars are a key part of their performance. The fuel mixture is typically 85-90% nitromethane ("nitro" or "fuel") and 10-15% methanol (alcohol or "alky"). The nitromethane content can be reduced if desired, but the more of it that is in the mixture, the more power the engine can produce. The ratio of fuel to air in these engines can be as high as 1:1, and compression ratios vary from 6:1 to 7:1.
To deliver this huge amount of fuel to the engine, funny cars have multiple injectors located throughout the engine. There are usually six nozzles in front of the blower, four in the back, and one or two in the manifold and intake port. These injectors help to keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly.
The NHRA has strict guidelines for funny cars, especially regarding the engine. While teams can generally build the engine as they choose and use the components they prefer, the NHRA rules state that the engine can only be a V8 displacing up to 500 cubic inches (8.2 liters). The crankshafts are CNC machine-carved from steel billet and then nitrided in an oven to increase surface hardness. Intake valves are made of titanium and are 2.40 inches (61 mm) in diameter, while exhaust valves are made of Inconel and are 1.90 inches (48 mm) in diameter.
Power Plants: Fuel Generation Insights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fuel is delivered to the engine through multiple injectors
Fuel delivery systems are critical to the immense power of funny cars. These vehicles can burn up to 15 US gallons (12 imperial gallons or 57 litres) of fuel during a single run, which includes starting, burnout, backing up, staging, and the quarter-mile race. The fuel mixture typically consists of 85-90% nitromethane ("nitro" or "fuel") and 10-15% methanol (alcohol or "alky"), with a maximum composition of 90% nitromethane mandated by NHRA regulations since 2015. This mixture, however, is not mandatory, and teams can choose to use less nitromethane if desired.
To deliver this massive amount of fuel to the engine, funny cars employ multiple injectors strategically placed throughout the engine. According to NHRA crew chief Rob Flynn, there are typically six nozzles located in front of the blower and another four in the back to ensure proper lubrication. In the manifold, most teams use one nozzle, but some prefer to use two. Additionally, two more nozzles are usually found in the intake port. The placement of these nozzles is not standardised, and teams have the flexibility to idle off of the blower, manifold, or intake port, depending on their preferences.
The use of multiple injectors is essential to achieving the desired flow rate of fuel, which can reach 8 gallons per minute for each cylinder, or 64 gallons per minute collectively for all eight cylinders. Today's funny cars have even higher fuel demands, consuming anywhere from 88 to 94 gallons per minute. This high flow rate of fuel contributes to the impressive power output of these vehicles.
The injectors play a critical role in delivering the precise amount of fuel required by the engine, ensuring optimal performance. The fuel system's design, along with the placement of the injectors, is tailored to meet the specific needs of the engine and the team's preferences. This customisation allows for the fine-tuning of the engine's performance, ensuring that the fuel is efficiently utilised to generate the immense power that funny cars are known for.
The use of multiple injectors in funny cars showcases the engineering ingenuity and attention to detail that goes into maximising the vehicle's performance. By delivering fuel directly to the engine through carefully positioned injectors, these cars can achieve remarkable power outputs while managing the intense heat and demands of drag racing. The precise delivery of fuel not only contributes to the speed and acceleration of funny cars but also helps ensure the safety of the driver and spectators by minimising fuel wastage and reducing the risk of explosions.
Fuel Costs in Denmark: US Dollar Perspective
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fuel-to-air ratio can be as high as 1:1
The fuel-to-air ratio in a funny car engine can be as high as 1:1. This is a key factor in the immense power of these vehicles. The engines in funny cars are based on the 426 Hemi, with NHRA rules dictating a maximum engine capacity of 500 cubic inches. The fuel mixture in these engines typically consists of 85-90% nitromethane and 10-15% methanol, with the option to use less nitromethane if desired.
To deliver the required amount of fuel to the engine, multiple injectors are strategically placed throughout the engine. The number and location of injectors can vary, but typically, there are six nozzles in front of the blower, four in the back, one or two in the manifold, and two in the intake port. These injectors ensure a consistent and abundant supply of fuel to the engine, contributing to its performance.
The NHRA has strict guidelines for funny cars, primarily focusing on engine specifications. While teams have flexibility in choosing internal components, the rules ensure that engines are V8s with a maximum displacement of 500 cubic inches (8.2 litres).
The immense power generated by these engines comes at a cost. The high fuel consumption of funny cars leads to a burn rate of around 15 US gallons (12 imperial gallons or 57 litres) of fuel per run. Additionally, the extreme conditions result in many engine components only lasting for a few runs before requiring replacement.
The safety of funny car racing has also been a concern, with rules and precautions in place to protect drivers and spectators. The NHRA has implemented safety measures such as twin parachutes, roll cages, and fire extinguishers. These measures aim to stabilise and decelerate the car after crossing the finish line and provide protection in the event of a crash.
Oakley Fuel Cell Weights: How Heavy Are They?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fuel mixture is 85–90% nitromethane and 10–15% methanol
The fuel mixture in a funny car is typically composed of 85–90% nitromethane and 10–15% methanol. This mixture is not mandatory, and less nitromethane can be used if desired. While nitromethane has a lower energy density than gasoline or methanol, an engine burning nitromethane can generate up to 2.4 times more power than an engine burning gasoline.
A funny car can burn up to 15 US gallons (12 imperial gallons or 57 litres) of fuel during a single run, which includes starting, burnout, backing up, staging, and the quarter-mile race. The high-performance engines in these cars can exhibit varying piston heights and compression ratios, which are influenced by the piston's proximity to the air intake.
The amount of fuel consumed can vary depending on the engine configuration and track conditions. The fuel mixture's ratio of fuel to air can be as high as 1:1, and compression ratios typically range from 6:1 to 7:1.
The NHRA Motorsports Museum features an interactive display that showcases the significant amount of nitromethane injected into each cylinder of a funny car engine. This display illustrates the fuel flow rate during idle and under wide-open throttle, providing valuable insights into the fuel requirements of these powerful vehicles.
With their impressive fuel systems and engine configurations, funny cars continue to push the boundaries of drag racing, delivering incredible performances that captivate audiences worldwide.
Fuel Costs: Monthly Expenses and Management
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Funny cars burn 88-94 gallons per minute
The term “funny car” was first used by Mercury's chief of racing, Fran Hernandez, to refer to a trio of 1964 "funny-looking" Dodge 330 Max Wedges, which were the first of their kind. These cars debuted in March 1964 at the San Diego Raceway and were initially pure exhibition cars. Today, funny cars are a type of dragster with strict NHRA guidelines, most notably that engines can only be V8s displacing a maximum of 500 cubic inches (8.2 litres).
The fuel systems of funny cars are integral to their immense power. In a single run, funny cars can burn up to 15 US gallons (12 imperial gallons; 57 litres) of fuel. The fuel mixture typically consists of 85-90% nitromethane and 10-15% methanol, with a ratio of fuel to air as high as 1:1.
The high fuel consumption of funny cars is due in part to the numerous injectors located throughout the engine, which deliver massive amounts of fuel to the engine. Additionally, the engines exhibit varying piston heights and ratios, which impact fuel consumption.
Today's funny cars burn anywhere from 88-94 gallons per minute, with some sources stating a rate of 90 gallons per minute at maximum pull and around 6,800 rpm. This high fuel consumption is a result of the immense power and speed that these cars generate, with some funny cars reaching speeds of nearly 300 mph in the eighth mile.
The NHRA has implemented various safety measures to protect drivers and fans, including twin parachutes, roll cages, and fire extinguishers. These measures were introduced following fatal crashes involving funny cars, which have led to reductions in race distances to improve safety.
Fuel Pump Cost: How Much Does It Take to Replace?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A funny car can burn up to 15 US gallons (12 imp gal; 57 L) of fuel in a single run.
The fuel mixture is usually 85–90% nitromethane and 10–15% methanol.
Funny cars burn anywhere from 88-94 gallons per minute (GPM).
Under full throttle, a funny car engine consumes 11.2 gallons of nitromethane per second.
