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More interesting engine specs:
The tremendous stroke of the 500 cu in Top Fuel motor creates astronomically high piston speeds. 8000 rpm at 4.5 inch (114.3mm) stroke yields average piston speeds in the 6000 feet per minute range (100fps)!
We all are in awe at the 19,000 rpm Formula One engines. But those engines have 1.56 inch (39.7mm) strokes! Average piston speeds are more like 4900 fpm (82 fps). The F1 motor would have to spin to 23,000 rpm to have equivalent piston speed.
Even then, think about how much a 4.19 inch (106.43mm) Top Fuel piston (and rod) weighs compared to a 3.86 inch (98mm) F1 piston. Think of the g forces involved!
To put it in perspective, a new 2007 997 Turbo generates HALF the piston speed (3008 fpm) at its 6000 rpm power peak.
BTW, one of the fastest piston speeds in a production car is the new Corvette Z06 with 4800 fpm and the 'old' F20C Honda S2000 motor with just over 5000 fpm.
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