I am doing some logging and wanted to establish a reference point for peak power (MY S3 Audi) The question is how much loss occurs at higher elevation (1100 ft in this case).Google was not useful at all. Many obviously wrong ideas and a few true statements which did not address the question, this mostly from car forums.
My take is that since the air density (so also O2) declines with elevation, the delivered air mass will decline in proportion IF the turbo is limited to to the same work output power power will decline. But if the control point is air mass set point then the turbo will engine will produce the same power as at sea level (ignoring efficiency effects due to temp. rise and material safety limits).
If my reasoning is correct the question is what controls engine air mass intake? MAF? If so can it compensate for lower air density over a small range? Can someone with this knowledge educate me?
My take is that since the air density (so also O2) declines with elevation, the delivered air mass will decline in proportion IF the turbo is limited to to the same work output power power will decline. But if the control point is air mass set point then the turbo will engine will produce the same power as at sea level (ignoring efficiency effects due to temp. rise and material safety limits).
If my reasoning is correct the question is what controls engine air mass intake? MAF? If so can it compensate for lower air density over a small range? Can someone with this knowledge educate me?