33 Engines (1994 IndyCar Specifications)
Description
This article is from the Motorsport FAQ, by A H Henry bspahh@midge.bath.ac.uk with numerous contributions by others.
33 Engines (1994 IndyCar Specifications)
Allowable engine options:
1. Turbocharged 4-cycle overhead camshaft engines Maximum of 8 cylinders,
4 valves per cylinder Maximum of 161.703 cubic inches Allowed 45 inches
of turbocharger boost pressure (Chevy, Ilmor, Ford, and Honda engines
are this type)
2. Turbocharged 4-cycle single non-overhead camshaft engines Maximum of 8
cylinders, 2 valves per cylinder Maximum of 209.3 cubic inches Allowed
55 inches of turbocharger boost pressure (Buick, Menard, Mercedes, and
the Greenfield GC209T are this type)
3. Normally-aspirated 4-cycle single non-overhead camshaft engines Maximum
of 8 cylinders, 2 valves per cylinder Maximum of 366 cubic inches (none
of this type, although I guess the NASCAR Winston Cup engines might
actually be legal)
Any engine not meeting specific criteria for definition as "race
proven" will be considered "developmental." The manufacturer is
permitted to utilize this engine during competition in any quantity and
at any cost the manufacturer may determine.
USAC has also reserved the right to change turbocharger boost
pressures on any engine type at any time.
Turbines were finally banned in the early 1970's. If you can get a
diesel to run on methanol, diesels would still be a legal :-)
Horsepower figures are difficult to ascertain, as these figures are
kept closely guarded by teams but are typically 700 to 850 horsepower,
depending on turbocharger settings. IndyCar tests have clocked cars
accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 2.2 seconds, and from 0 to 100 mph in
4.2 seconds. Engines are typically rebuilt after 400-500 miles of use.
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