1. What is Brake Horsepower?

Brake Horsepower (BHP) is the measure of an engine's horsepower before the loss in power caused by the gearbox, alternator, differential, water pump, and other auxiliary components. It represents the actual usable power delivered to the wheels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BHP equation:

Where:

• \( Calculated\ HP \) — Theoretical horsepower output at the engine
• \( Drivetrain\ Loss \) — Power lost in transmission (as decimal, e.g. 0.15 for 15%)

Explanation: The equation accounts for power loss between the engine and the wheels, showing the actual available power for vehicle performance.

3. Importance of BHP Calculation

Details: Understanding BHP helps in vehicle performance analysis, comparing actual vs theoretical power, and diagnosing drivetrain efficiency issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter calculated horsepower (typically from dynamometer tests) and drivetrain loss as a decimal (e.g., 0.15 for 15% loss). Drivetrain loss typically ranges from 10-20% for rear-wheel drive, 15-25% for front-wheel drive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between HP and BHP?
A: HP (horsepower) is the theoretical engine output, while BHP is the actual usable power after drivetrain losses.

Q2: How do I determine drivetrain loss?
A: Drivetrain loss is typically measured by comparing engine dyno results with wheel dyno results, or using manufacturer specifications.

Q3: Why does drivetrain loss vary?
A: Loss depends on drivetrain type (RWD, FWD, AWD), number of gears, differential type, and component condition.

Q4: Can BHP be higher than calculated HP?
A: No, BHP is always equal to or less than calculated HP due to inevitable drivetrain losses.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate when accurate drivetrain loss values are used, but actual dyno testing is more precise.