Found this article. So far it's the most comprehensive article, I've found on what the upgrades on each PU are and the recent topic of equalisation. Excellent read. This answers questions to many a thread already created.
http://somersf1.blog...runits-and.html
Some highlights......
On what can't be changed on the PU
These 42 components were then 'weighted' from 1-3 based on their importance within the powerunits infrastructure, giving a total of 66 weightable items. 5 of these were immediately frozen upon homologation:
Upper/lower crankcase - Cylinder bore spacing, deck height, bank stagger - 2
Crankshaft - Crank throw, main bearing journal diameter, rod bearing journal - 2
Air valve system - Including compressor, air pressure regulation devices - 1
On Honda's token count allocation
I think it is also important at this juncture to talk about variable length intake trumpets (VLIT) which was prohibited for 2014 but returns to the sport in 2014: 5.9.3 Variable length intake trumpets are forbidden in 2014 only.
I raise this point here as many questioned why Honda couldn't be given the full 'token' allocation of 32, to be spent throughout 2015. ..........Honda have re-entered the sport with the opportunity to use VLIT's as part of their base design, as such they had the opportunity to integrate it into their concept, rather than having to retrospectively change parts, using up tokens in the process. This alone is evidence enough for me to suggest that the FIA made the right decision in allowing Honda only an average of tokens to spend throughout the season
On equalisation
The last request by Red Bull to equalise engine performance was in 2010 (Autosport - 2010) when Horner bemoaned a roughly 50bhp defecit, whilst he now claims that their Renault PU is around 100bhp in the hole when compared to Mercedes. -
The problem for Red Bull is that Mercedes HPP have continued to refine their product whilst Renault are still working on recovering the deficit, leading to chances being taken by Red Bull in order to extract additional performance
I struggle to see how equalisation would work unless Ferrari, Honda and Red Bull were given carte blanche by the FIA to improve their PU's whilst Mercedes specification was frozen. As already discussed though this doesn't only have a bearing on the 'works' teams but also the teams that Mercedes HPP supply.
Edited by RockBrocaine, 24 March 2015 - 22:15.
