<P> Crankshafts are CNC machine carved from steel billet then nitrided in an oven to increase surface hardness . Intake valves are titanium and of 2.40 - inch (61 mm) width, while exhaust valves are 1.90 - inch (48 mm) width of Inconel . Every funny car has ballistic blankets covering the supercharger because this part of the engine is prone to explosion . </P> <P> Funny car fuel systems are key to their immense power . During a single run (starting, burnout, backing up, staging, 1 / 4 mile) cars can burn as much as 15 US gallons (12 imp gal; 57 L) of fuel . The fuel mixture is usually 85--90% nitromethane with 10--15% methanol . The ratio of fuel to air can be as high as 1: 1 . Compression ratios vary from 6: 1 to 7: 1 . The engines in funny cars commonly exhibit varying piston heights and ratios that are determined by the piston's proximity to the air intake . Funny cars have a fixed gear ratio of 3.20: 1 and have a reversing gear; power is transmitted from engine to final drive through a multiple staged clutch which provides progressive incremental lockup as the run proceeds . The rate / degree of lockup is mechanically / pneumatically controlled and preset before each run according to various conditions, in particular track surface . Wheelbase is between 100 and 125 inches (2.5 and 3.2 m). The car must maintain a 3 - inch (76 mm) ground clearance . </P> <P> Horsepower claims vary widely--from 6,978 to 8,897--but are probably around 8,000 HP . Supercharged, nitromethane - fueled motors of this type also have a very high torque, which is estimated at about 7,000 ft ⋅ lbf (9,500 N ⋅ m). They routinely achieve a 6 G acceleration from a standing start . </P> <P> Many safety rules are in place to protect the driver and fans . The more visible safety devices are the twin parachutes to help stabilize and decelerate the car after crossing the finish line . Less visible precautions include roll cages and fire extinguishers . </P>

How much hp does a nitro funny car have