How many years ago are you talking about when 500rwhp was impressive?

The C6 Z06 doesnt event make 500rwhp(falls quite short in fact) and the C6 ZR1 makes not a whole lot more than 500rwhp. Both of those are quite impressive cars in this day in anybodys book.
Very few cars today make 500rwhp. Some of todays high end Sports cars do. 500rwhp is still a milestone of engine performance.

 

500rwhp is respectable but not impressive for a modified car. Add a turbo or supercharger to any decent modern V8 and 500rwhp is easy.
Mind you I was not talking about factory stock cars. Dyno wars are all about modifications to make gains on the dyno.

 

To me, dyno numbers are useful for one thing only: to measure incremental changes in power/torque due to an engine mod on the same dyno. Absolute number comparisons from one dyno result to another different dyno result are ridiculous and yet you hear it all the time on the forum from guys who like to brag about how much rwhp they have.

 

The C6 ZR1 is a S/C'd modern V8. It makes a little more than 500rwhp. You're not impressed with the car?

Dyno #'s are a very good indicator of a cars actual times and its potential. No, its not an exact science and yes, dynos will vary somewhat. But all factors vary in actual car testing. Temp, atmospheric conditions, altitude, weight, traction, driver skill...... the list go on and on. All things equal a 450hp car will beat a 400hp car. More often than not, increases in dyno hp translate to shaved ET's/increased terminal speeds.

 

If you have to ask then you just don't get it.

Personally, I sold my liter bike and wanted the same adrenaline rush as I got when I twisted the throttle, went thru the gears on the back wheel only or drug my knee around a turn. With my current C6 set-up I'm close, but not quite there yet due to current lack of suspension upgrades. Some of us are just flat out speed junkies. I'm happiest when I can corner at blistering speeds, get scared (almost) down the back straight and stop on a dime. Throw in a guy in a TT Porche in the mix and i'm like the fat kid with a pie.

 

If browsing in the Tech/Performance category there will be a major focus on performance enhancements.

Maybe the moderators should add a Waxer's section for those faint of heart.

 

Actually there are quite a number of folks on CF that are making beyond 430hp and actually drive thier cars pretty hard. I'd venture to say most anyone that spent good money on a FI set-up C6 probably flogs thier car pretty good on a regular basis.

I generally am more impressed by a torque curve/number vs peak hp.

 

Think I'd have to agree with you on this one.....


Before I bought my car ('08 Z51 manual), I rented a Hertz C6. Figured it would be a good way to test drive an LS3 C6 for the weekend to see what it was really like. It was a convertible, and like all HZH cars it had an A6, dual mode exhaust and F55 suspension. I loved the powertrain, but was not very happy with how that car handled. Took it to my favorite back road, and the thing was just a tire squealer in the corners. I was not impressed with the grip or ride quality.


With that said, I knew the Z51 coupe I was looking for would be much different - and it was. Really a world of difference in the handling, and I don't think the ride quality was any worse. Had I settled on a base suspension car, I would have upgraded the tires, shocks and sway bars immediately. But I wanted the additional oil coolers and gearing of the Z51 package, so it was a "must have" on my list.


I think the base and F55 cars need help in the tire/suspension department to balance the car out, even when the engine is stock. The Z51 and GS cars are much more balanced, performance-wise, and can actually use the extra power from engine mods. Of course, this is just what I've personally observed from my time behind the wheel of the 2 cars. I just got the feeling the standard suspension option was engineered for old guys cruising down the freeway at 65 mph or to the local Starbuck's for a latte. Then again, look at the C6's average buyer and it makes more sense.

 

For a factory stock sports car, 500rwhp is VERY impressive. Especially if you consider the fact they offer that level of performance with a factory warranty.

 

I sure hope so.

 

A good strong flat torque curve is the thing to strive for.

 

Yes we all focus too much on power mods. The very first mod should be the "Driver Mod"

While we all think that we are great drivers, many of us are
not.

The base coupe may be far beyond ones driving capabilities if you road race, auto cross or drag race.

My suggestion has always been to get comfortable with your car and learn your limitations no matter what form of racing you do. Once you have a base line then you can work on improving your (the drivers)performancefirst.

As someone already stated: performance modifications should always begin with improving the weakest link which in our cars is usually the suspension.