HP - How much is enough?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
I also use the too scared to add any more metric. I had an old firebird with 350hp and the car was fun but you had to be on your toes.
The steering feel was terrible and traction was non-existent. Handling was marginal. Adding any more power to that car was a recipe for disaster unless a lot of money was spent on it. That is the reason I have my corvette. At 500ish hp, the car is easy to drive. Handling and traction are solid and predictable and I don't feel like I am going to slide out of my seat or that the *** end of the car is going to slide out on the next shift.
Last edited by chaase; Oct 26, 2010 at 09:24 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 819
Likes: 3
From: Flowery Branch Ga
Back in my HS days (70-74) we had built muscle cars with drum brakes
and handling was not even on the radar. Straight line was all we wanted. No dyno's back then that I knew of.
and handling was not even on the radar. Straight line was all we wanted. No dyno's back then that I knew of.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,851
Likes: 236
From: Hillsboro OR
I did the H/C build because after the first week of "OWNING A VETTE" 
I realized my stock Coupe with the 2:73's could barely break the tires loose. 
After the build, I can now smoke the tires at 60 mph and I also fully realize that the 416 rwhp has "pegged my fun meter" and I need all of my attention focused when engaged in spirited driving.
So yes, I am at my limit on adding performance.
I realized my stock Coupe with the 2:73's could barely break the tires loose. After the build, I can now smoke the tires at 60 mph and I also fully realize that the 416 rwhp has "pegged my fun meter" and I need all of my attention focused when engaged in spirited driving.
So yes, I am at my limit on adding performance.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
I'd have to agree with Bluefire....I think I've found my sanity at the 600 RWHP level. A great handling, braking, and even mileage car that goes like no other car I've owned.(or even close) As long as I don't break anything major, the motor mods are (probably) done. Like Sarge, the old muscle cars I owned/built in my HS days were evil handling and unsafe. Also no where near as fast as my Z.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 2
From: pawleys island sc
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 2
From: Genesee Co Michigan
I have 443 at the wheels and if you don't do a burn out you just spin even when you hit 3rd. Also with 3.90 gear it's had to stay out of the rev limiter. I guess what I'm trying to say is if you can't hook it up your just wasting HP. My next tires will be M/T drag radials all the way around. The PS2 just don't get it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 65
From: Rochester Hills MI
the stock power is about enough for me. although i did do a few small mods to let the engine breathe better. changed the exhaust for better sound too. also got a tune and ported tb for better throttle response. i probably wouldnt want more than ~375 whp with the tire sizes im using. i had a dream the other day that i drove a 900 hp vette, and i could barely get traction in the thing. it was interesting though haha.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 819
Likes: 3
From: Flowery Branch Ga
My current M6 with just a catback will do a good burnout all day long. Although I would like to have a C5 Z to play with. Kids done with college
in less than 2 months. Who knows. I'll keep the vert for sure. Enjoy it to much. Maybe both.
in less than 2 months. Who knows. I'll keep the vert for sure. Enjoy it to much. Maybe both.
