A form of mechanical energy loss inside an engine block caused by the crankshaft and connecting rods smashing into pooled oil or a dense cloud of oil mist. At high RPM, this churning action creates a microscopic hurricane of fluid that wraps around the rotating assembly, robbing the engine of horsepower. Engine builders install specialized trays and scrapers to strip this oil away from the moving parts.
We installed a teflon-coated scraper to cut down on windage and free up a few extra horsepower at the top end.
High oil levels drastically increase windage, which is why overfilling the crankcase actually reduces horsepower and causes oil foaming.
Related terms
Wet sump
An engine lubrication design where the entire oil supply pools in a pan directly beneath the crankcase.
Dry sump
An engine lubrication system that stores oil in an external tank rather than the oil pan.
Bottom-end
The lower section of an engine block containing the crankshaft, connecting rods, and main bearings.