How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
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I'm hoping to give my dads 08' GT CS a run for its money which I think won't b a problem :-o
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Wow!!! After reading the first 1 1/2 pages it got me really pumped up to swap and ls into my 92!! I'm only 17 and would love to be able to do the things I've heard of other people doing (beating cocky kids that got 2013's from their parents). By the way not saying they all are, just some certain ones.
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I'm actually not too impressed by them. They pull like a bat out of hell up top, but down low they seem to be pretty torqueless for a 6.2. I saw a cammed one run a big ole beef cake diesel from a dig, and it was a joke. Yes the terk was modded, and I don't know what cam the Vette had but it sounded nasty. It was weak from a dig
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
I'm actually not too impressed by them. They pull like a bat out of hell up top, but down low they seem to be pretty torqueless for a 6.2. I saw a cammed one run a big ole beef cake diesel from a dig, and it was a joke. Yes the terk was modded, and I don't know what cam the Vette had but it sounded nasty. It was weak from a dig
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
I'm actually not too impressed by them. They pull like a bat out of hell up top, but down low they seem to be pretty torqueless for a 6.2. I saw a cammed one run a big ole beef cake diesel from a dig, and it was a joke. Yes the terk was modded, and I don't know what cam the Vette had but it sounded nasty. It was weak from a dig
And yes I want one lol
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
I would honestly buy a new 2013 5.0. The new gen camaros are fat pigs with no lines huge body, huge wheels, screaming look at me i weigh as much as a 90s minivan. I would take a Challenger over a 5th gen Camaro on the looks alone. Gm golden years are over i do believe.
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
I'm actually not too impressed by them. They pull like a bat out of hell up top, but down low they seem to be pretty torqueless for a 6.2. I saw a cammed one run a big ole beef cake diesel from a dig, and it was a joke. Yes the terk was modded, and I don't know what cam the Vette had but it sounded nasty. It was weak from a dig
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
Just buy a modded TTA for $12k and destroy anything you see on the street.
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
Mine runs in the high 6's with the stock shortblock.... about 600ft/lbs of torque.
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
Have well into the 5xx at the crank and sure theres plenty of late model cars modded right that could give me a good run if not walk away from me.
Theres always someone faster with more mony
Check out the Hellcat Challenger on Youtube
10s bone stock right off the showroom floor
Or try running a stock C7 auto.Those things leave awfully hard out of the hole
Yeah they are expensive but saying "Yeah but your car cost XXX" wont make you feel any better....loss is a loss lol.
Theres always someone faster with more mony
Check out the Hellcat Challenger on Youtube
10s bone stock right off the showroom floor
Or try running a stock C7 auto.Those things leave awfully hard out of the hole
Yeah they are expensive but saying "Yeah but your car cost XXX" wont make you feel any better....loss is a loss lol.
Last edited by cuisinartvette; 07-12-2014 at 09:57 AM.
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
I'm just curious, why you think that you have to use an LS, to put 400hp to the ground? I built a 377 stroker for my buddy. my-92-rs, he runs a t5 as well, but it put 505hp & 476 tq to the rollers of a mustang chassis dyno. he drove the **** out of it for a few years on pump gas.
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
Don't get me wrong, the LS is an awesome package . but unless your already set up that way, it's a lot more expensive to switch than build what ya got.
Anyways, if your already there, the FAST intake is a waste of both time and money! seen absolutely no gains on dyno!
don't just read there ad's, a little research can go a long way .
If you are still using the factory electric /power seats, ditch them for a lite weight racing seat, you'll loose upto 30lbs, depending on which seats you choose . strip out all the factory matting and any excess wiring you don't need, fiberglass or composite hood, front & rear valances, deck lid, rear seat and you could be as lite ad 3k.
couple that with 450rwhp , 6 speed & 4.33 -4.56 gears ( that is if your. 6th gear is a .50-.57 ), and you'll destroy 90% or better that you prey upon, leaving them in a fury of tears
Anyways, if your already there, the FAST intake is a waste of both time and money! seen absolutely no gains on dyno!
don't just read there ad's, a little research can go a long way .
If you are still using the factory electric /power seats, ditch them for a lite weight racing seat, you'll loose upto 30lbs, depending on which seats you choose . strip out all the factory matting and any excess wiring you don't need, fiberglass or composite hood, front & rear valances, deck lid, rear seat and you could be as lite ad 3k.
couple that with 450rwhp , 6 speed & 4.33 -4.56 gears ( that is if your. 6th gear is a .50-.57 ), and you'll destroy 90% or better that you prey upon, leaving them in a fury of tears
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
I'm just curious, why you think that you have to use an LS, to put 400hp to the ground? I built a 377 stroker for my buddy. my-92-rs, he runs a t5 as well, but it put 505hp & 476 tq to the rollers of a mustang chassis dyno. he drove the **** out of it for a few years on pump gas.
A 500hp LQ9/LQ4 idles nice, runs great, etc.
-- Joe
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
A 500hp naturally aspirated SBC is going to idle around 900 rpm, be choppy, and have around 10" of vac at idle.
A 500hp naturally aspirated LQ4 is going to idle around 550 rpm, smooth, and not even bump with the AC compressor kick in at a stop light.
Of course my standards are probably higher than most peoples. I realize that some folks, especially our younger members like loud choppy idles because it sounds "mean".
-- Joe
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
It's definitely a different sound and feel to the "NEW SCHOOL " Hot rod, drivability, smooth idle, quiet & easy to blend in with the everyday joe.
BUT, to some of us, the sound, smell & feel of an "OLD SCHOOL " Hot rod is what we like, want and build .... to each their own, THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO BUILD A HOT ROD!
To many people of today are so narrow minded when it comes to hotrodding . That's not what it's supposed to be about! it's supposed to be a relationship between you and your car, it's supposed to reflect who you are and what you think is cool, NOT JUST WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE DOES SO YOU CAN FIT IN!
BUT, to some of us, the sound, smell & feel of an "OLD SCHOOL " Hot rod is what we like, want and build .... to each their own, THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO BUILD A HOT ROD!
To many people of today are so narrow minded when it comes to hotrodding . That's not what it's supposed to be about! it's supposed to be a relationship between you and your car, it's supposed to reflect who you are and what you think is cool, NOT JUST WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE DOES SO YOU CAN FIT IN!
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
It's definitely a different sound and feel to the "NEW SCHOOL " Hot rod, drivability, smooth idle, quiet & easy to blend in with the everyday joe.
BUT, to some of us, the sound, smell & feel of an "OLD SCHOOL " Hot rod is what we like, want and build .... to each their own, THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO BUILD A HOT ROD!
To many people of today are so narrow minded when it comes to hotrodding . That's not what it's supposed to be about! it's supposed to be a relationship between you and your car, it's supposed to reflect who you are and what you think is cool, NOT JUST WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE DOES SO YOU CAN FIT IN!
BUT, to some of us, the sound, smell & feel of an "OLD SCHOOL " Hot rod is what we like, want and build .... to each their own, THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO BUILD A HOT ROD!
To many people of today are so narrow minded when it comes to hotrodding . That's not what it's supposed to be about! it's supposed to be a relationship between you and your car, it's supposed to reflect who you are and what you think is cool, NOT JUST WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE DOES SO YOU CAN FIT IN!
Although, My other vehicles do not.
-- Joe
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
Rite, all I was tryin to do is represent those of us who either already have an existing investment, or can't afford the switch to an LS.
I think that the LS is an AWESOME engine! But I already have too much invested in what I have . Besides, I've always tried to be me and not follow the current trends .
We are all influenced by the people and things in our environment /life, but influence is one thing and a eye to anything other than what you think /want is entirely another .
Anyways, sorry for the venture off topic .
I think that the LS is an AWESOME engine! But I already have too much invested in what I have . Besides, I've always tried to be me and not follow the current trends .
We are all influenced by the people and things in our environment /life, but influence is one thing and a eye to anything other than what you think /want is entirely another .
Anyways, sorry for the venture off topic .
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
Blind eye, oops
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
Had a brief meeting with a newer mustang gt last night. Lets say a 2012 cuz I'm not sure the exact year. Guy seemed to be enjoying himself. Finally we race from a dead stop. His traction was poor btw.
Rolled into the throttle in first, manual shifted into second and let off I'm guessing around 85kmph. There was nothing this guy could do to get in front of me. I had a good car length on him.
I have a very modest l98 hsr 3:73 shift kit with no real mods. I'm under 270rwhp.
I'm sure with better traction and if this guy could drive a tad better he should win. Lets not forget the fact that the race ended early! This guy must hate him self now.
Rolled into the throttle in first, manual shifted into second and let off I'm guessing around 85kmph. There was nothing this guy could do to get in front of me. I had a good car length on him.
I have a very modest l98 hsr 3:73 shift kit with no real mods. I'm under 270rwhp.
I'm sure with better traction and if this guy could drive a tad better he should win. Lets not forget the fact that the race ended early! This guy must hate him self now.
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
Lol! GOTTA LOVE IT!
Just goes to show ya, it doesn't matter if you have 10,000HP ... IF YOU CAN'T PUT IT TO THE GROUND, IT'S NOT DOIN YA ANY DAMN GOOD!
put 450 to the ground & stick, shed some weight, improve, brakes and handling ...
ENJOY THE RIDE
Just goes to show ya, it doesn't matter if you have 10,000HP ... IF YOU CAN'T PUT IT TO THE GROUND, IT'S NOT DOIN YA ANY DAMN GOOD!
put 450 to the ground & stick, shed some weight, improve, brakes and handling ...
ENJOY THE RIDE
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
My Gen1 is one of those that makes 8-10 in of vacuum on a good day lopey at 2500rpm etc. Most wouldnt want to drive it.
Sure its fun and you dont hear cars like that anymore these days point is theres much faster manageable cars out there you can barely hear at all that will idle like a baby with the ac on in traffic and never have to pull a valve cover. Its a dinoasaur it became obsolete about 10 yrs ago.
Sure its fun and you dont hear cars like that anymore these days point is theres much faster manageable cars out there you can barely hear at all that will idle like a baby with the ac on in traffic and never have to pull a valve cover. Its a dinoasaur it became obsolete about 10 yrs ago.
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
It doesn't take much to hold your own with more modern technology. Even my ~300hp piled together 357 hangs with or beats 4th gens, 5th gens, 5.0 Mustangs, Mach 1s, etc. While this combo would probably be embarrassed by ZL1s, cammed LSx's, and others, it's still nice to know that this LOW dollar beater can make a name for itself on the weekends.
Horsepower isn't what you need to keep up. Suspension, tires, gears, converter etc. will help more than anything.
Horsepower isn't what you need to keep up. Suspension, tires, gears, converter etc. will help more than anything.
Last edited by Skinny Neb; 12-07-2014 at 10:43 PM.
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#80
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
It doesn't take much to hold your own with more modern technology. Even my ~300hp piled together 357 hangs with or beats 4th gens, 5th gens, 5.0 Mustangs, Mach 1s, etc. While this combo would probably be embarrassed by ZL1s, cammed LSx's, and others, it's still nice to know that this LOW dollar beater can make a name for itself on the weekends.
Horsepower isn't what you need to keep up. Suspension, tires, gears, converter etc. will help more than anything.
Third gen VS 4th and 5th gens - YouTube
Horsepower isn't what you need to keep up. Suspension, tires, gears, converter etc. will help more than anything.
Third gen VS 4th and 5th gens - YouTube
Drag type suspension? ride quality and handling suffer.
Tires? Unless you are moving to a a slick, they really don't have many negatives other than hydroplaning resistance. But the modern stuff can do the same mod for the same money pretty much.
To keep up with a modern car, you need a modern engine. Thats going to be a good set of heads paired with a small or mild cam at the minimum. Let the heads make the power. Or move to a larger cam and out-run them. Then you have to combine it with other improvements.
If all you care about is beating the newer cars, then yes. You can do it on a minimal budget. But if you want to beat them at their own game, you basically have to fight fire with fire.
The more years that go by, the more money its going to take to get a Thirdgen on par with new muscle.
Right now to run even, you need to get your car into the 110-114mph trap speed range. Easily doable in a thirdgen.
#81
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
And all of those can have a negative impact on usability. Gears and a stall? Fuel economy goes down.
Drag type suspension? ride quality and handling suffer.
Drag type suspension? ride quality and handling suffer.
Driveability is fine with stall and slightly more gear. Mileage suffers abit but late model cars arent great on mileage as it is. Cammed lsx arent that fuel efficient. Vettes aero and light mass get decent mileage but everyone i know with 5th gens, 4th gens, etc do not get that much better mileage as a sbc efi. My 383 was near 18-20 mpg still on highway.
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
I have to agree with you on this.
Most of the problems with the SBC power equation is a mismash of parts leading to low idle vaccum, no low end TQ, and trying to rev is too high for power - not to mention most people don't tune everything correctly for max power, driveability, and power.
I have seen a few 400 to 425hp L98 based motors in 3rd gens - not budget builds, but ran well from top to bottom and were dead reliable and would even pass smog. In my own garage, there is a 400hp L98 based motor with the OEM carb, distributor, and computer that runs in the mid 12's on street tires and idles like stock.
I will say that it is easier to build a lot of power with the LSX motors due to 2 things: 1) The bottom end is much more bulletproof than the typical 2 bolt bottom end SBC and 2) Even the low end heads flow great. To get over 250cfm with SBC heads usually entails larger cc intake ports (killing some low end) and for the most part, aftermarket parts.
Most of the problems with the SBC power equation is a mismash of parts leading to low idle vaccum, no low end TQ, and trying to rev is too high for power - not to mention most people don't tune everything correctly for max power, driveability, and power.
I have seen a few 400 to 425hp L98 based motors in 3rd gens - not budget builds, but ran well from top to bottom and were dead reliable and would even pass smog. In my own garage, there is a 400hp L98 based motor with the OEM carb, distributor, and computer that runs in the mid 12's on street tires and idles like stock.
I will say that it is easier to build a lot of power with the LSX motors due to 2 things: 1) The bottom end is much more bulletproof than the typical 2 bolt bottom end SBC and 2) Even the low end heads flow great. To get over 250cfm with SBC heads usually entails larger cc intake ports (killing some low end) and for the most part, aftermarket parts.
No reason an efi L98 based engine cant have decent driveability and still run low 1-teens traps. Good head and intake package like afr 195 head and ported stealth ram or single plane efi will make big power and run 11's in a light street car. Dont need drag suspension to et well. My car has always been on eibach lowering springs and tokico adjustable shocks. Set the shock stiff they handle well. Loose they drag well enough. 1.55 60's on 392 whp. 11.4 sec all motor car. Now its been 1.35 with 700 whp.
Driveability is fine with stall and slightly more gear. Mileage suffers abit but late model cars arent great on mileage as it is. Cammed lsx arent that fuel efficient. Vettes aero and light mass get decent mileage but everyone i know with 5th gens, 4th gens, etc do not get that much better mileage as a sbc efi. My 383 was near 18-20 mpg still on highway.
Driveability is fine with stall and slightly more gear. Mileage suffers abit but late model cars arent great on mileage as it is. Cammed lsx arent that fuel efficient. Vettes aero and light mass get decent mileage but everyone i know with 5th gens, 4th gens, etc do not get that much better mileage as a sbc efi. My 383 was near 18-20 mpg still on highway.
#83
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
I have to agree with you on this.
Most of the problems with the SBC power equation is a mismash of parts leading to low idle vaccum, no low end TQ, and trying to rev is too high for power - not to mention most people don't tune everything correctly for max power, driveability, and power.
I have seen a few 400 to 425hp L98 based motors in 3rd gens - not budget builds, but ran well from top to bottom and were dead reliable and would even pass smog. In my own garage, there is a 400hp L98 based motor with the OEM carb, distributor, and computer that runs in the mid 12's on street tires and idles like stock.
I will say that it is easier to build a lot of power with the LSX motors due to 2 things: 1) The bottom end is much more bulletproof than the typical 2 bolt bottom end SBC and 2) Even the low end heads flow great. To get over 250cfm with SBC heads usually entails larger cc intake ports (killing some low end) and for the most part, aftermarket parts.
Most of the problems with the SBC power equation is a mismash of parts leading to low idle vaccum, no low end TQ, and trying to rev is too high for power - not to mention most people don't tune everything correctly for max power, driveability, and power.
I have seen a few 400 to 425hp L98 based motors in 3rd gens - not budget builds, but ran well from top to bottom and were dead reliable and would even pass smog. In my own garage, there is a 400hp L98 based motor with the OEM carb, distributor, and computer that runs in the mid 12's on street tires and idles like stock.
I will say that it is easier to build a lot of power with the LSX motors due to 2 things: 1) The bottom end is much more bulletproof than the typical 2 bolt bottom end SBC and 2) Even the low end heads flow great. To get over 250cfm with SBC heads usually entails larger cc intake ports (killing some low end) and for the most part, aftermarket parts.
Most people tend to look at gears, stall, tires, and bolt-ons and a bigger cam, but don't touch the heads. Stock thirdgen heads are almost as much a restriction as the stock TPI components.
My personal option is its easier to drop in a Gen3/4/5 engine. But if you don't want to go that route, there are aftermarket options available to us that put SBCs on a level playing field. And you an even keep the LTR style intake with the option that are out there (First TPI..etc)
#84
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
Not saying it can't be done, and i think we are all in agreement here on that. And I also agree that it requires a total build with a plan, not just some bolt-ons.
Most people tend to look at gears, stall, tires, and bolt-ons and a bigger cam, but don't touch the heads. Stock thirdgen heads are almost as much a restriction as the stock TPI components.
My personal option is its easier to drop in a Gen3/4/5 engine. But if you don't want to go that route, there are aftermarket options available to us that put SBCs on a level playing field. And you an even keep the LTR style intake with the option that are out there (First TPI..etc)
Most people tend to look at gears, stall, tires, and bolt-ons and a bigger cam, but don't touch the heads. Stock thirdgen heads are almost as much a restriction as the stock TPI components.
My personal option is its easier to drop in a Gen3/4/5 engine. But if you don't want to go that route, there are aftermarket options available to us that put SBCs on a level playing field. And you an even keep the LTR style intake with the option that are out there (First TPI..etc)
Then again dont need swap headers as stock manis can work well enough for up to 400 whp in some cases depending on what heads and cam and what factory manis you run
If you need a rebuild might as well go lsx off the bat and eat the swap costs.
Just gotta figure out what you wanna do. Both directions have lots to offer
#85
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Car: 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 385
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 4.10
Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
My personal option is its easier to drop in a Gen3/4/5 engine. But if you don't want to go that route, there are aftermarket options available to us that put SBCs on a level playing field. And you an even keep the LTR style intake with the option that are out there (First TPI..etc)
#86
Supreme Member
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Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
My biggest problem with that is just how much it costs to swap over to an LSx. I have an LQ9 sitting in my garage that was going to find it's way in to my car over the winter, which I have recently sold off. For the $1700 it would've taken to just swap it in, nevermind the cost of a cam, intake, etc., I could put a whole new top end on my existing SBC and compete with cammed LSx cars.
I have a M28 T56, which uses a different spline mainshaft. So in order to install it behind a LS1 I have to swap not only the input shaft and front plate, but the mainshaft and gear set as well. Might as well buy a new T56 at the cost for that.
I could have sold off the heads, intake, cam, headers, and T56 swap and made enough to drop a LS1 into my car, but would have had to go 4L60E route. And I want the 6spd more than I want LSx.
#87
Senior Member
Re: How much horsepower to keep up with modern tech.
It doesn't take much to hold your own with more modern technology. Even my ~300hp piled together 357 hangs with or beats 4th gens, 5th gens, 5.0 Mustangs, Mach 1s, etc. While this combo would probably be embarrassed by ZL1s, cammed LSx's, and others, it's still nice to know that this LOW dollar beater can make a name for itself on the weekends.
Horsepower isn't what you need to keep up. Suspension, tires, gears, converter etc. will help more than anything.
Third gen VS 4th and 5th gens - YouTube
Horsepower isn't what you need to keep up. Suspension, tires, gears, converter etc. will help more than anything.
Third gen VS 4th and 5th gens - YouTube
Just busting your *****. Anything can happen on the streets
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