[NAD]

I wonder up to what altitude, i.e. above sea level, the Diesel Grand Cherokee or any turbo diesel for that matter, will be able to produce it's full sea level ratings of H.P. and torque? It will obviously depend on the design of the turbo system. But, at least in theory, it should be able to enable these engines to produce sea level power well above sea level. At some point it will not be able to compensate for the thinner air and power will drop as it does in any engine. Anybody know about the general design of these systems to make any informed comments?

 

[tcoilburner]

I have no idea on how high up you can travel be for the power drops off, but the diesel will have a large advantage over the other two options.

 

[kartl]

There is i guess a very minimal decrease of power but not that noticeable once the turbo kicks in.

 

[dascrow]

Yeah, at higher altitudes is where the turbo-diesel motor should really shine!

 

[Casper]

I would think that since compressed air is what ignites the oil that water content would be more of a problem. Since water doesn't like to compress. The higher the air the drier. Perhaps it's a trade-off. I don't really know..... but by this time next year I probably will.

 

[Casper]

Apparently moisture is a good thing... ( I wen't a googling ). I don't work well at altitude either.. but I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that's what the turbo is all about. If its internal combustion lack of air would have an adverse effect.

 

[Casper]

Learned more. Turbo lag... The higher you go the longer it takes for the diesel to "wind" up. Apparently this is always present with a turbo.... Just more so the higher you get. Altitude that is.