400hp ??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: VA
400hp ??
I have a 94 corvette 6-speed coupe. IM trying to hit the 400-450 mark to the rear wheels. What mods would you guys suggest. I want to keep it NA and no nitrous. I live in VA so emissions arent a problem. Also I have a budget of about 2500 is this even possible. Thanks for the help. The only mod ive done is the magnaflow axle back exhaust with high flow cats. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
hm. 450 at the rear wheels, with a $2500 budget.
No.
The best bet are heads (AFR or =), something like an LT4 hot cam, long tubes, x-pipe... that's $2500 in parts, and you are at 400chp.
To get 400whp, you will need 450chp. And that will take a 383.
No.
The best bet are heads (AFR or =), something like an LT4 hot cam, long tubes, x-pipe... that's $2500 in parts, and you are at 400chp.
To get 400whp, you will need 450chp. And that will take a 383.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
Check out Lloyd Elliots head/cam packages eportworks. For 1650, you'll get ported heads, a matching cam and you'll get close. You'll need to get a tune (on a dyno preferrably) and also a larger throttle body and larger injectors. I'd contact him and see what else he'd recommend adding and see if that fits your budget. Chances are you'll need to add at least another $500-1000 just because performance parts ADD UP! Check out camaroz28.com and do a bunch of searching. A lot of guys on there are at that power level on a budget, with a 350 no less.
Last edited by ninetyfivevette; Feb 22, 2006 at 12:04 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
Originally Posted by 4Ever21
Well with a few small mods like exhaust, intake, and pulleys it can increase the horsepower a bit and improve gas mileage. But thats more like in the <300HP range.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
Originally Posted by ninetyfivevette
Check out Lloyd Elliots head/cam packages eportworks. For 1650, you'll get ported heads, a matching cam and you'll get close. You'll need to get a tune (on a dyno preferrably) and also a larger throttle body and larger injectors. I'd contact him and see what else he'd recommend adding and see if that fits your budget. Chances are you'll need to add at least another $500-1000 just because performance parts ADD UP! Check out camaroz28.com and do a bunch of searching. A lot of guys on there are at that power level on a budget, with a 350 no less.
Unless you already have LTs plan on a total 2 1/2 to 3X the $1650 for heads/cam package, the supporting mods and the OH BUY the ways.
Mike
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 4
From: Hinckley Ohio
Originally Posted by 4Ever21
yeah well i bet you wont get very good gas mileage with 400HP on a 350.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Redding Ca
The good news is you already have decent induction, so you have avoided about a $2,000 hit. 
A rough rule of thumb I like is a good street engine should be able to develope about 1-hp per cubic inch. If you are going to reach 400-450HP with less than 400+ cubic inches, that means you will have to make up for the shortfall with a higher revving engine, like 6500+ to achieve 400-450. This is certainly do-able. 
The trade off is you start losing longevity and civilized manners in normal driving around. Of course, if this is mainly a Saturday Night Special, street manners are not so important.
Probably an easy way to decide what to do with your 383 is to look at several crate engine configurations on the web, such as Scoggin-Dickey's ZZ383 with super ram. They rate it at 425 hp. Don't forget you will lose 50-80 HP between the flywheel and rear-end. You will need a pretty stout 383 to reach your goals. I think your biggest challenge is your budget.
I suspect you are about $5,000 short even if you do most of the labor yourself.
A rough rule of thumb I like is a good street engine should be able to develope about 1-hp per cubic inch. If you are going to reach 400-450HP with less than 400+ cubic inches, that means you will have to make up for the shortfall with a higher revving engine, like 6500+ to achieve 400-450. This is certainly do-able. The trade off is you start losing longevity and civilized manners in normal driving around. Of course, if this is mainly a Saturday Night Special, street manners are not so important.Probably an easy way to decide what to do with your 383 is to look at several crate engine configurations on the web, such as Scoggin-Dickey's ZZ383 with super ram. They rate it at 425 hp. Don't forget you will lose 50-80 HP between the flywheel and rear-end. You will need a pretty stout 383 to reach your goals. I think your biggest challenge is your budget.
I suspect you are about $5,000 short even if you do most of the labor yourself.
Plus 25mpg highway 
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,871
Likes: 15
From: Detroit's West Side MI
Originally Posted by 94muscle
I have a 94 corvette 6-speed coupe. IM trying to hit the 400-450 mark to the rear wheels. What mods would you guys suggest. I want to keep it NA and no nitrous. I live in VA so emissions arent a problem. Also I have a budget of about 2500 is this even possible. Thanks for the help. The only mod ive done is the magnaflow axle back exhaust with high flow cats.
Heads that flow at least 275 cfm (~$1500)
Aggressive Cam with good duration and lift ($300)
Bigger TB (52 or 58 mm - $250), matched intake to heads ($250)
Long Tube headers (TPIS, EM, Stainless Works all get top reviews here, $800)
1.6 or 1.7 Roller rockers, upgraded valves, springs, etc ($500)
Most likely a stronger clutch ($3-500)
Electric WP ($200)
You have the cats and exhaust.
I'd guess damn near $4K in parts (including bolts, gaskets, sealant, etc). Labor is up to you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: VA
im sorry about the budget I typoed I mean 5500 using the number pad not paying attention. Ok so next is to reasearch on the parts ill keep in touch. IM sure ill blow something up when i get the engine out of there. Peace