Optimal engine temperature for max HP?

[Edelbrock]

So lately there have been some posts about engine temps.

I wonder what the optimal temp would be for max power on a Chevy 350 or 400.

Fuel mileage and emissions are not a factor in this, just pure HP


Any ideas?

 

[xm20k]

Coolant temp plays a very small part in performance air charge temp and cylinder temp are more important.

This is why intercoolers are a thing on forced induction.
As is water meth injection.
As well as scoops and external ducting for Na engines.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

A better question, that I've never seen answered, is what is the best ambient temp? Plus factors like elevation and humidity and barometrics.

We all know colder temps make more power, but how cold? What's the point where it starts hurting performance? 32F? 40F?

I always wanted engine masters to test this, but that's not really a dyno possible activity unless there's some multi billion dollar military testing dyno that can simulate elevation and atmosphere changes.

Something I've thought about on and off for the last like 15 years lol. Never really looked into it though.