I'm still dreaming about a 396 (I prefer to call it a 395) SB for my '87 IROCZ. GMHTP mag has built two of these, one called ThunderChicken and the other Magnum TPI.

What do you guys think?

 

I like their 396 in Thunderchicken. If it were me, I would have done a 383 for Magnum. The 396 is awesome but for the money they spent, they could have put together a sweat little 427, I think. I run very similar parts in my 383 and I REMEMBER how much it all cost!!

On a side note, I was dissappointed that they condemned the factory computer so quickly. I understand that time and tuning issues were accounted for, but I really wanted to see a mag. not run to aftermarket computers. When it comes right down to it though, they made their goal of 11 seconds and I am sure they will get better, I just wanted to see the factory ECM in there. Just my opinion.

 

i like them both although i wouldn't likely use one for myself. unfortunatly, the huge stroker combo's have a short lifespan to go with the huge amounts of power. i also don't like anything for street racing with that much torque as it just cuases tire spin galore without the use of slicks, drag type street d.o.t.'s, or a very well prepped surface. damn they are fun to drive though.

 

The thunderchicken buildup seems like it's been a great sucess. Magnum TPI was another story. I think they were seriously out of their element with a high power TPI car and it showed. Their goals seemed to shift 180* every time they hit a setback, and because their goals always changed, it seems that nothing was really followed through properly.

Hunkins has that car for sale now for under $10k. I wish I had the spair coin laying around, because I think that with some time and a few small changes, that could be a WICKED car. I just think they ran out of budget/time/patience or something with it. What really sucks is that we'll probably never see another TPI buildup from that magazine because of it.

 

I'm sorry to see its being sold before all the bugs could be really worked out. The RWHP numbers seemed way low for an engine of that size and compression. 11s on motor and being able to pass emissions in NJ is respectable, though.

As far as Thunderchicken goes, I had the chance to drive it a couple years ago at the Year One Night of Fire at Atlanta Dragway, and it left a lasting impression. I worked for Year One/Next Generation at the time, and had talked to Johnny a few times in the past about the car. He was going to lunch, and asked if I wanted to join him. I couldn't beleive it when he threw me the keys! A lightweight 4th gen (no ac, no power windows or locks) with the torque of a big block! I wish the restaurant hadn't been so close to the track!

 

You guys all made good points. I was also dissappointed in GHHTP dumpimg the stock computer so quickly and going with the wide band Accel DFI system. They spent around $2300 on that system. For starters, I would want to beat on my ECM until it was obvious I got to go another direction before I gave up and spend $2300.

My car is an 87 (a MAF car) and I have been burning my own chips. What I wanted to do was to biuld a 395 and demonstrate that the ECM can be tuned for great power. I dont know if this is possible with the 256 value limit for the MAF of the '87 ECM. I think that the MAF will flow above 300 gms/sec,, so I think that the MAF flow would not be a restriction (I've descreened the MAF already). And I have a unique ram air molded peice that brings in tons of cold air, 190 AFR heads, and the SuperRam with intake.

BTW: I have found a 395 stroker kit for $1500,, this includes a forged 4340 crank!!!!! Not bad. And I have a 4 bolt L98 block sitting on the garage floor.

 

I did not know that GMHTP was selling the Magnum car. Now I am even more dissappointed. I understand what they were up against, but to dismiss the car so soon seems rash. If it were me up there in the editor's office, I would put it on the backburner for a time while it is tuned and de-bugged. Then once it is ready, take it to the track and flog the he!! out it. Their ThunderChicken project goes to show that just because you have a high powered stroker does not mean that they have a short lifespan. THey punished that 396 for all of its first 50,000 miles with minimal damage and wear. Hell my 383 with about 1500 miles has had more problems than their 50,000 mile 396. I am just sad to hear that Magnum is going away. I was so happy that they had that project when it first started. Oh well, I think Jim85IROC is right, they will probably never do another TPI again, bummer.

 

Johnny is selling the car so he doesn't have to haul all three of his cars out to California. He's not giving up on it. His priorities have changed and he needs to part with one of his toys. By the way, GMHTP does have another TPI project car and it has been in the mag for the last three or four issues.

TurboSteve

 

For Sale:

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