I'm posting this here because I really think this is the only forum where most people can relate.

I've been doing a lot of posting and research as my motor is being pulled as we speak getting ready for an all-out turbo build (355/AFR 195CC LT4 heads/custom cam/PTK Kit with PT-76GTS). From the many estimates I have gotten, it seems I should be somewhere in the 900FWHP range. Just adding the turbo setup by itself is going to add $7k , plus all the little extras like the fuel system, impedance converts, etc. That is a serious amount of money for me.

Now, as I think about what I am doing, and all the money being poured in, I'm just wondering if I will ever be able to use all this. My car is a street car that is mostly used as a commuter. It will hardly see a track, but I am actually more interested in AutoX than the drags. Will this car ever be able to hook on the street at all? How fast would I have to be going before I could even put the hammer down (car has 315 BFG KD's and a great handling suspension).

Then I move on to my drivetrain. I just put in a $2k 4L60e just before I pulled the motor because I didn't realize the motor was going to need work. I know my rear would be on life support, but it seems as though my trans (that I'm still making payments on) will live a VERY short life. Will a loose converter and maybe a carbon fiber drive shaft absorb enough shock?

I'm just wondering if I'm going the wrong direction on my motor. Should I build it as a full bore NA motor, and just through some juice at it fir when I occasionally hit the track? Or, is this car going to be something I will actually be able to enjoy?

Sorry for the long post, but I don't exactly have a bunch of friends with 900HP cars that I can relate to.

Thanks for any input.

 

Look at all of the components in your drivetrain (engine, Clutch, transmission, driveshaft, u-joints, differential, mounts, etc.).

Next, Multiply your anticipated HP times 2 or 2.5 and that is the "strength" of the materials you will need to safely exercise its capabilty occasionally.

If you build a 500HP engine, and the (name your least favorite part) breaks at 400HP, you can only guess how long it will be before your car is on jackstands. Even if your rated power is below the strength value, over time it will fail due to heat and stress. Metal fatigue is real and is part of your engineering checklist. Overbuilding for strength and reliablilty costs money and usually adds more weight.

As for too much power... Buddy, you are on the wrong forum for that conversation. Here on this website there is no such thing as too much power.

 

For every HP that you cant put to the ground, well thats too much HP Unless you just want the dyno slips, think about focusing your budget toward some traction and less hp. my .02

 

That's exactly what I mean. What good will it be for me to put a $15k engine in the car just to not be able to use it due to traction or it just blowing up all the components that get the power to the wheels anyway.

I'm pretty much of the same mindset, that's why I'm so far along in having a motor of this magnitude made. But, if it's nut just ab all-out drag racer, I'm wondering if I will be able to get my monies worth enjoying it.

 

The suspension has a lot of money in it, but it is not setup as a drag car, it's designed around handling, and I have the stickiest street tires I can find. With all the upgrades, the suspension budget is not the problem since there is not much left to upgrade.

If there is a way I could make it work with the power level, I will do it.

 

Just keep your boost levels realistic, that's all you have to do. 8-10 psi should be enough for the street on pump gas. I run around 10 pounds from a supercharger on a 355 and it is enough for me, it's been getting pretty squirrly lately. My car is becoming less of a street car all the time, it's just not fun like it used to be, there is too much traffic around here and too much stop and go driving. That's part of the reason why I bought a motorcycle.

And, have you noticed how much gas has gone up lately?

 

The 600-700rwhp range is about all you use on the street in a 4th gen.

Rich

 

Yeah, 600hp on the street will be insane. Most of us would probibly be happy with a 600hp street car. Anymore then that you will be going to the gas pump more then you will be driving and you will be pretty much restricted the high octane above 93. Just curious, why do you want 900hp on a car that is ment for handling? Most exotics only have 500-600hp. If you are thinking of getting into auto-x or road racing, then 600hp should be plenty. Build your car for what you are planning on doing, not a hp number (unless you are drag racing)

 

That's pretty funny you say that. I'm actually planning on getting a motorcycle to compliment the Camaro and share commuter duties (I work in Norwalk). On the days that I open and have to drive in rush our traffic, I would take the bike so I can use the carpool lane. On the days that I close and on the weekend I could use the Camaro.

When you do have the opportunity, can you use the power? Can your car hookup on the street? I guess on eof my problems is the fact that I have never been in a car that's even close to the power level I will be putting out.

 

It's not that I'm shooting for that figure, but that's just where my combination of parts will put me. When I do something, I only want to do it once. I already have the headds, and have to rebuild the motor anyway. If I am going to get a turbo setup, I would rather just pay the little extra to have the better turbo.

The car will definitely be tuned for 91 octane (sh#tty California!)

 

You aren't going to run much boost on 91 octane swill, unfortunately.

Rich

 

Hey Rich, with great street tires, can you get your car to hookup? What speed would you have to get to so that you would have enough momentum already going so that the tires wouldn't just go up in smoke?

Maybe I'll have a built-in limiter on power due to Cali's smog laws. That'll keep everything in check itself.

 

All you can do is be careful and learn to be a better driver. On a short course, you're still going to have your rear handed to you by 120hp Miatas with race tires. On a bigger course you'll learn that you still have too much and regulating the throttle is the key to being smooth.

 

Once you start getting above 500-600 rwhp, no street tire made is going to be able to handle the power. Look through some of the older posts and you'll read about people breaking street tires lose at 70+ mph.

 

I have pretty decent tires and can't use WOT in first or second. Third, sometimes depending on the road and the air.

Rich