I want to build a high horsepower l98 theres a top end kit from summit racing ( linked below) and that seems like a good starting point but my end goal is 700-800hp my vettes a 85 with an automatic transmission which im not opposed to swapping for a manual transmission but im kind of clueless when it comes to this stuff so any help would be appreciated im also trying to do it as cheap as possible hence the reason im not just doing a motor swap


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tfs-k314-500-450

 

Hello, I own a 1987 Chevy Corvette that I have rebuilt all the drive train. My engine is modified but if you want that much horse power700 to 800 hp you might need a super charger or a blower which costs a lot of money. Good luck!

 

You'd be better off putting that $2400 towards an LS swap. You'll not get anywhere near 700HP with a stock L98 bottom end and induction. You might get half that if you're lucky.

 

How did you establish 700-800hp as a goal? Is there a specific reason why that number? Or is it a number/range that "sounds cool"? I'm not asking to be a dick...I'm asking b/c:
*that goal is extremely lofty for someone who doesn't know about this stuff (doesn't already have a plan in mind),
*it will be very expensive (will require at least $10k engine, a new trans and a new rear, so $15k or more?) and finally,
*400 hp in a C4 makes for a DAYUM, fun car. Don't need 7-800 hp unless you have some specific performance target that you feel you need to meet.

SO...same question asked in all of these threads: "Goals and budget?" Mostly why the goal and what is your budget? :

 

I agree with Tom, 400 hp makes for a real fun C4.
"Cheap" and 700-800 horsepower in a SBC are not going to happen. You'll more than likely need to run forced induction to get that kind of power and have the car streetable. There are no turbocharger kits but there are centrifugal supercharger kits. You'd be looking at spending at least $3,500 for the supercharger alone. Your fuel system will need a serious upgrade to support that kind of power. The L98 is a two bolt main. (Yours does have forged pistons, though.) You would need to build the bottom end properly to have it survive at those power levels. If you're serious about making that kind of power, I would suggest finding an experienced engine builder and talking to them about your goals.

 

I am also embarking on the building of a new engine, and the first should choose a block where do we start build.
I thought Dart blocks or Word Products blocks but I still could not decide.

The goal is to street use about 700-800hp but I want to build an engine to last over 1000hp if I decide to go for Drag.
And I have Procharger to give a lot of boost.

What blocks would you recommend? These things have wondered.

This Dart SHP should last approx 700hp
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/d...make/chevrolet

Word Producs offer also good blocks
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/w...make/chevrolet
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/w...make/chevrolet

Maybe Dart Little M Sportsman
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/d...make/chevrolet

Or Dart Little M Pro
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/d...make/chevrolet

 

IIRC the SHP was rated to around 600hp or so... otherwise world and dart are about equal quality wise. Whatever is cheaper for your power imo. The SHP was designed as an alternative for a factory type block with more material in the places you need. Like certain restricted classes are allowed to use it because it is considered a stock style...

 

Cheap, fast, reliable. Pick any 2. For that kind of power, the stock trans and rear end probably won't last unless you can drive with an uncooked egg between your foot and the pedal without cracking it. It will need way more than that unless you want a "one hit wonder".

 

These younger folks hear about the Demon from Dodge (yet to see one ...) and all these ridiculous power levels.

Almost 30 Years ago I bought a Corvette and all I wanted to do was make it the way it came from the factory so I restored a lot of it.

Then I went to rebuild the 427 and then I went overboard, in 1993 I spent close to $10k with the engine rebuild and installation by a professional Corvette shop. 400 Horsepower is fun so why not 500? I stopped with my 12.25-1 compression ratio, the idle sounds great and the car will launch easily but it is absolutely no good on slick roads. I made some power when I built my 427 but plain old drive-ability is now an issue. When it is raining, don't even try driving my 427, you will slide all over the road. I put D.O.T. drag slicks on it and bang there went a Half-shaft U-joint exploded. It is now too dangerous to let somebody else drive the car as they are not "Used" to 500+ hp in the first place. My wife and I are the only people that know how to drive that Corvette. (my wife did some Really impressive 17 second 1/4 miles with my C3). My son thought he would take it to his Prom Dance... I don't think so..

I don't intend to sound like a old fart But the Gentlemen above were correct and I suggest you listen to their advice. Both Tom400CFI and aklim know a lot of information regarding Corvettes making Horsepower. 400 Honest Horsepower in a car that handles like a C4 can would be an awesome Corvette. Having Big Block Torque without breaking expensive parts would be an incredible C4 Corvette! If you really need that kind of Horsepower I would start with a newer Corvette to build from.

 

I would too. More electronics and easier to modify a supported platform than one that really isn't.

 

Keep in mind, C4's don't weight much to start with. My stock 245 HP whips my supercharged A6 with 333 HP easily because of 3300lbs versus 5600+lbs.

 

^^^True. Weight matters a lot.