What Engines in Indy Cars

History of IndyCar Engines

The first Indy 500 race was held in 1911, and the cars were powered by a variety of engines, including four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines. In the early days of the race, there were no restrictions on engine size or type, and some cars were even powered by aircraft engines. Over time, the rules were changed to limit engine size and type, and today all Indy cars are powered by 2.2-liter, turbocharged V6 engines.

Current IndyCar Engine Manufacturers

There are currently two engine manufacturers that supply engines to IndyCar teams: Chevrolet and Honda. Both manufacturers produce 2.2-liter, turbocharged V6 engines that produce around 700 horsepower.

Chevrolet Engine

The Chevrolet IndyCar engine is based on the production LS engine that is used in a variety of Chevrolet vehicles. The IndyCar engine has been modified to produce more power and torque, and it features a number of racing-specific components, such as a dry-sump oil system and a carbon fiber intake manifold.

Honda Engine

The Honda IndyCar engine is based on the production J35 engine that is used in a variety of Honda vehicles. The IndyCar engine has been modified to produce more power and torque, and it features a number of racing-specific components, such as a direct fuel injection system and a titanium exhaust system.

Comparison of Chevrolet and Honda Engines

The Chevrolet and Honda IndyCar engines are very similar in terms of performance. Both engines produce around 700 horsepower, and they both have a proven track record of success in IndyCar racing. However, there are some key differences between the two engines.

One of the biggest differences between the Chevrolet and Honda engines is the way they produce power. The Chevrolet engine produces more power at low RPMs, while the Honda engine produces more power at high RPMs. This difference in power delivery can affect the way that a car handles on the track.

Another difference between the Chevrolet and Honda engines is the way they are cooled. The Chevrolet engine uses a traditional water-cooling system, while the Honda engine uses a more advanced dry-sump oiling system. The dry-sump oiling system helps to keep the engine cooler, which can improve performance and reliability.

Conclusion

The Chevrolet and Honda IndyCar engines are both excellent examples of engineering excellence. Both engines are capable of producing over 700 horsepower, and they have both been proven to be successful in IndyCar racing. The choice of which engine to use is ultimately up to each individual team, but both the Chevrolet and Honda engines are excellent options.