IS F at altitude
#1
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IS F at altitude
Hey all, looking into getting into an IS F but I have concerns about the N/A engine at Denver altitude or greater (10,000 ft). I was hoping to get some owners who drive them at altitude to give me their opinions. I'm concerned about it feeling sluggish especially going up to the mountains.
I had a friend who sold his E92 M3 because he felt like it was too slow at our altitude. I also heard of people complaining about their RS4 (maybe altitude and carbon buildup) I currently have a mildly modified STi which is a little less susceptible to altitude due to the turbo and I don't want to downgrade in performance.
IS Fs are pretty rare so a test drive is also rare plus it's difficult to gauge on a 20 min drive.
Thanks
I had a friend who sold his E92 M3 because he felt like it was too slow at our altitude. I also heard of people complaining about their RS4 (maybe altitude and carbon buildup) I currently have a mildly modified STi which is a little less susceptible to altitude due to the turbo and I don't want to downgrade in performance.
IS Fs are pretty rare so a test drive is also rare plus it's difficult to gauge on a 20 min drive.
Thanks
#4
Pole Position
Yes, if your going to keep it stock it will struggle and wheeze a little like an asthmatic going up to the mountains. It's such a different beast when it's FBO and it compensates some for altitude but still loses about 82 hp @ the crank compared to sea level.
It's not as bad in town @ 5,280 +/- but when you head up into the mountains it will start to lose power especially if you want to keep it stock.
I'd say forced induction or a Tesla for altitude especially for a lot of mountain driving....... my 2 cents
It's not as bad in town @ 5,280 +/- but when you head up into the mountains it will start to lose power especially if you want to keep it stock.
I'd say forced induction or a Tesla for altitude especially for a lot of mountain driving....... my 2 cents
#5
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I guess I’ll have to just go drive one. There’s only one that I know of for sale. Is yours stock? If so are you disappointed? I’m guessing just intake and headers are the main mods.
#6
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Thanks professor. I'm aware that the the partial pressure of oxygen is lower therefore less power can be made through combustion.
My point was how it feels. You could have a 600 hp car at sea level and have it make 500 hp here and it's still freaking fast.
My point was how it feels. You could have a 600 hp car at sea level and have it make 500 hp here and it's still freaking fast.
#7
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OP ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^I sent you a PM if you had any further questions other than what has been said on this thread feel free to contact me
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#9
Driver School Candidate
Mine isn't sluggish around town. It's a V8 this is one of the best for NA setup around here, that's why I went this route. Then again, I have'nt driven mine up the mountain yet. I just got it. I drove a 4x4 four cylinders up the mountain before this so I'm sure I won't be disappointed with this.
Last edited by Savixor; 01-10-18 at 09:41 AM.
#11
Intermediate
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Btw, '14 CTS V-Sports are becoming quite affordable - there was even a Jalopnik blurb to that effect recently. With tune they'll make ~430whp and won't be nearly as impacted by the thinner air. It's no Lexus, but not a terrible option since RWD seems to be an acceptable platform to you.
#12
Instructor
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To make it easier, just go test drive another V8 with similar power, 10-15 Camaro SS/11-17 Mustang GT. They are fairly similar in weight and power and you'll be able to tell if it's weezy or not at that altititue. I'd venture to say if a 420hp ISF is brought down to IS350 levels at 300HP or so, that's still plenty quick and you'll have the V8 sound and great 8 speed to boot. ATS-V or S4 or 340i or something similar would be my choice if you want to stick to FI.
#13
My bone stock ISF did not like elevation at 6000ft in New Mexico and Arizona during my roadtrip to and from California/ Kansas. I'm really used to the power at Sacramento and Wichita, elevation is pretty low compared to the mountains.
I guess the full bolt on guys have said differently, which I wish I got to experience. Go for the RR Racing Supercharger!
I guess the full bolt on guys have said differently, which I wish I got to experience. Go for the RR Racing Supercharger!
#14
Tech Info Resource
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Sacramento Raceway was 16 feet ASL. Hard to get too much lower without getting wet or going to the Mojave.
#15