I just purchased a 87 Iroc z28. I have 5k to dump into it and want to know what the best route would be. I am wanting to make around 550whp and keep the EFI setup and not go to carb.

I have priced out suspension and it's going to be around $1600 for everything that needs to be replaced, so I have $3400 for engine and brake upgrades.

What do you think would be the best route to go?

 

You won't have enough money left over (or in total) to properly build an engine to put 500+ HP to the ground.

What to do?

Rethink your plans.

 

The motor wouldn't be the concern. Youll need a better transmission and rear end to handle that kind of power. With anticipation of 550hp you intend to get into it fairly often.

 

Motor is a concern...I'd like to see how long a 700HP L98 woud live on a 3400 dollar budget

 

Lol. You know what I meant. Hell I've spent $7500 on just a motor to make 400hp reliably and efficient. That also includes the 4l70e that I hope holds up. First one I've assembled. Sure I'll destroy the 10 bolt if I get into it tho.

 

Cheap power is nice until you start breaking stuff. Then what point is it? You'll spend more time under the car replacing broken components then you would driving it.

 

Agreed.

And cheap power doesn't last long either

 

Nope. No fun.

 

Does if it is big block.......

 

Well, truth.

 

You would spend the 3400 just setting the car up for 500 HP without ever starting to build the engine. And Fuel Injection.. You would certainly hafta ditch the old TPI and be looking aftermarket.$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

Cheap Turbo kit, cam and prom...there is a guy on here trying to make a 9 second 305 in the power adder section...check with him. He has made a lot of progress if I remember correctly. Prob. not going to make it to 550 though. As the other guys said, it won't lat long without forged internals. Should be able to do some nice upgrades though with that budget.