2023 – 2024
Sub Team Members
The Powertrain Sub-Team is responsible for everything from the air intake to the engine and drivetrain, ensuring that power is effectively transferred from the engine to the wheels. They focus on tuning, maintaining, and optimizing engine performance, while also managing drivetrain components like the CVT to guarantee smooth and reliable operation. This team is essential to maximizing the car’s speed and efficiency.
Engine
We use a Yamaha Genesis 80FI engine, originally from a snowmobile donated by our school’s clean snow team. This 499 cc, turbocharged engine generates 90 horsepower. Our powertrain team members have the opportunity to thoroughly understand this engine by taking it apart and rebuilding it, gaining valuable hands-on experience with the heart of a race car.
Dyno Engine Testing
In addition to maintaining a working engine, our team members gain valuable experience tuning the engine using our water brake dyno. This tool allows us to fine-tune the engine off the car, which is especially useful during the long months when the ground is covered in snow. The powertrain team spends countless hours in the shop, optimizing the engine’s performance and extracting every bit of power possible.
Drive Train
After the power is generated by the engine, our team members follow its flow through the drivetrain to the wheels, propelling the car forward. The powertrain team works with an OEM CVT that maintains the ideal RPM, simplifying the driving experience and optimizing performance.
