Corvette LS7 @ 505 hp why shouldn't Camaro get 500?

 

First off thanks for the "props" guys (and gals?). As for a 500 hp Camaro I don't think that is out of the question. With rumors of a 500 hp and a 650+hp Corvette in the works, the Camaro wouldn't be stepping on any toes with that kind of power. 1987IROC350 has a valid point with the fine tuning of a supercharged engine. Its a lot easier to mass produce one engine setup and then tune the hp offerings with nothing more than the Mustang favorite: "pulley and a tune".
There have been rumors of GM not even offering N/A V-8's in their performance cars. There is talk of a low boost non-intercooled 6.2, a low boost intercooled 6.2, and a high boost intercooled 6.2. This would make sense cost-wise due to the fact that only have one engine to produce. Everything else would be accessories to add (or delete) for the desired hp rating. Very cost effective in my books, however these are only rumors.

 

I'm guessing with each engine/supercharger level increase, they'd still have to build up the 6.2 for higher horsepower numbers. If all the 6.2's were the same, i definetly would buy a low boost intercooled version and do the pulley + tune aftermarket.
Sounds like an interesting proposition though. Hopefully turns out to be more then just a rumor.

 

Considering that we've been told that the new Camaro will have more horsepower than the Mustang.. and we have a 500 hp Mustang out there... I think this one is pretty much a given.

 

Yes, more smiles for every mile! Low RPM Torque is where it's at, yes it is!

 

because it is cheaper to manufacture big HP engines. an equal NA motor would cost loads more $$$$. sure na motors are fun and responsive, but twinsrew sc they produce now keep that responsiveness.

 

Too bad Scott never speaks up much in these threads re: engine options!!

An LS7 (or a lower tech, mass produced, non hand-built, wet sump derivative thereof) is on my wish list for the 5th-gen . I'm sorry, but THAT is one thing that's been sadly missed since the "good 'ol days" of the 1st / early 2nd-gens ..... BIG BLOCK NUMBERS!!!

Camaro NEEDS a 427 c.i. engine! What's the old saying?
I say BRING IT!!! By then there should be a higher HP engine available for the 'Vette, and they still retain the power-to-weight ratio anyways, so Camaro won't be stepping on the 'Vette's toes .

Scott ... any comments on THAT??????

 

That was true back in the days of inefficient power adders. But with modern technology a power adder can give you more power, better gas mileage, and be just as reliable than a bigger displacement N/A motor. The 03/04 Cobra is a prime example of that. There are countless 500+ rwhp daily driver Cobra's out there that still get mid to high twenties to the gallon and don't overheat. Actually I know of several 600+ rwhp cars that also get great gas mileage and have excellent street manners but they all have aftermarket blowers or turbos on them. With motors like the 427 you can build them to make that kind of power to the wheels but you sacrifice the driveability and gas mileage as well as add significant cost. Don't get me wrong, I love big displacement motors but I think that they are becoming "old technology".

 

As the former owner of a 355 RWHP N/A 99 Cobra and a 550 RWHP 2004 Cobra (both daily drivers - the 99 more drag oriented), I'd take the big-inch, lightweight, all-aluminum small block over a small-inch blown motor any day of the week.

Personnal preference, of course.

 

You ran some pretty amazing numbers with that 99 Bob. However I would gamble that your 04 has better manners on the street, gets better gas mileage, runs quicker (ported, pullied Eaton?), and cost less to get to the current power level. I don't want to sound like I am knocking N/A motors but in today's gas starved world I think that an FI motor is the better choice.
One more thing, since when did 6.2L become small? lol.

 

Sorry I have another question for those who love the big cubed N/A motors. What is it about these motors that makes you choose them over an FI motor? What is it that they do that an FI motor can't?
Again I am not bashing these motors or the guys that love them. I am just looking for some insight into these people. What draws them to those particular engines.

 

Hi firehawk,

Both cars had awesome street manners. The 99 had stock cams, unported heads, and was a VERY efficient powerplant. It had to be, given that I was racing it in a very restrictive class. That also meant it got very, very good gas mileage - up to 28 mpg. The 04 never came close to that in mileage, though its street manners were essentially stock....until you mashed the gas. LOL. It had a 17 PSI KB and associated hardware, btw.

Now cost of mods is a whole nuther ball of wax. It took several thousand dollars to squeeze a few dozen RWHP out of the 99 (though again, a restrictive racing class actually makes it more expensive). For quite a bit less money, the 04 gained upwards of 200 HP. And make no mistake, from anything about a 30-40 mph roll, the 04 would have made the 99 look like it was standing still.

None-the-less, I'd take the 99, simply because I enjoyed it more, and I guess because I was pretty sentimental about it, given that I had such great success with it.

Appreciate the kind words.
Bob

PS...N/A for F/I....I guess I like the simplicity, and don't really care to do what "every other Mustang owner does"....visa vie...through a blower on the damn thing.

 

03/04 Cobra's don't even get mid twenty mpg stock from the factory, hence the gas guzzler tax. Add another 100+ hp and I'm pretty sure there is no way in hell your gonna get mid to high 20's in a blown cobra.

 

It is not un common for a 03 Cobra to get 8-10 MPG around the city...with liberal ammounts of pedel enduced pleasure. On the highway the best I have ever seen was 25...that was in 6th running 65 mph.

The new Shelby's get 15-22 for gas mileage...not real great if you ask me.

 

And on the flip side.....

.....the '06 Z06 w/505HP 7.0L gets exceptional gas mileage, and BEATS the gas guzzler tax!!

And THEN if you slap a blower on a big cube motor, the little cube motor is gonna be crying for its mama!!!

THAT should answer your question, 95Firehawk .