Altitude - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

ckgonska · 03-01-2009, 04:34 PM

Does anyone have any experience with these things above 8,000 feet?

Thanks

**JPaul** · 03-01-2009, 04:55 PM

No issue there. It has been posted in various locations, including the Rockies and Mexico - you may want to have a look into some local Chapters. The car's computer balances the mix air/fuel for optimum performance no matter the elevation.

Old smart · 03-01-2009, 05:53 PM

As you ascend in altitude and the ECU continues to balance fuel to the thinning air, there will be a decrease in ultimate power output. Nothing can be done about that unless you apply some form of supercharging.

Macaw · 03-01-2009, 06:36 PM

of course you can always add a turbo!

ckgonska · 03-02-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old smart

As you ascend in altitude and the ECU continues to balance fuel to the thinning air, there will be a decrease in ultimate power output. Nothing can be done about that unless you apply some form of supercharging.

Thanks! I was looking for some real life experience.

ckgonska · 03-02-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPaul

No issue there. It has been posted in various locations, including the Rockies and Mexico - you may want to have a look into some local Chapters. The car's computer balances the mix air/fuel for optimum performance no matter the elevation.

Thanks! I will do some research before I find out first hand.

jetfuel · 03-02-2009, 08:41 PM

...the ECU will take care of it ...there's nothing you can do other than turbo/supercharge the engine...or nox..lol
..for a normal aspirated engine the stoichiometric air/fuel mixture is approximately 14.7 times the mass of air to fuel. Any mixture less than 14.7 to 1 is considered to be a rich mixture, any more than 14.7 to 1 is lean...
..here's a good video of how a turbo works but also shows the reduction of O2 as you get higher...in altitude ..

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jetfuel

tblackley · 03-02-2009, 08:48 PM

I live at 7000' and do not have any issues with my smart. I drive every day to SLC (about 2000' lower) and back again. I've been up to about 7300' but no higher as the roads peter out.

nscaler · 03-03-2009, 07:55 AM

Last August I was up at Tahoe and went over a pass that was over 8,000 ft. in elevation. I could not tell any difference in the power of the car.

ckgonska · 03-04-2009, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tblackley

I live at 7000' and do not have any issues with my smart. I drive every day to SLC (about 2000' lower) and back again. I've been up to about 7300' but no higher as the roads peter out.

Thanks! This is what I'm looking for.