I use my truck for pulling, but I like taking off too. Horsepower takes a front priority, it seems, and torque takes a back burner. Which is more important? What is a good way to get torque? Also, what is the optimum cruising RPM? My dad cruises at 1500 RPMs at 60 MPH, while I'm running nigh 2000. Any thoughts?

 

Torque gets you off the line, HP keeps you going in the upper RPM's

That's a simplistic explanation but it works for what you're asking.

 

aim, i thought it was hp gets you from 0 to 60 faster, but torque is how much work you can do. Although im probably wrong

 

torque is the measure of how much force it takes to cause an object to rotate. if u wanna launch hard, yer gonna need torque (cuz it is that force that causes yer driveshaft and what not to rotate). but once yer moving, then its the hp that keeps you moving. torque really helps when u want a sudden change in motion like accelerating hard

 

HP = Torque x RPM ÷ 5252


http://www.epi-eng.com/piston_engine...and_torque.htm

http://www.revsearch.com/dynamometer...orsepower.html

 

the HP going into a gearbox is what creates the Torque at the rear axles

at maximum HP with the right gear ratio you can create maximum Torque at the rear axles

a pickup truck feels 'more powerful' if it has good torque throughout the rpm range that you are willing to use

most pickup owners are not comfortable running their engines at high rpm ranges

 

Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall.
Torque is how far you carry the wall after you hit it.

 

It's my understanding it that when vehicle is tested on a dyno machine, the torque is measured and the horse power is calculated. (ie. horse power= 'torque' x rpm ÷ 5252)


Not pushing Hypertech, but the following is their dyno results for a '99 1500, 5.2L Ram.
http://www.hypertech-inc.com/media/d...odge%2052l.pdf

See http://www.hypertech-inc.com/ for other vehicles.

 

Correct.

Here's a pretty good explanation:
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/tech_power.shtml
It's written about motorcycles, but it's the same concept.

 

Ok, all power adders claim more horsepower, but few say anything about torque. What are good ways to build an engine for more torque? or DO they go strictly hand in hand?