Is 600 HP+ overkill?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Katy Texas
Is 600 HP+ overkill?
I have heard that it is difficult to keep from breaking traction and other mechanical parts when you exceed 600 HP.
With that being said, is it worth it to have more than 600 HP?
It sure sounds better to say "I have over 600 HP" but it also gets more pricey too.
You have to make more modifications to sustain the 600+ HP like clutch, rear end, transmission, even the studs on the rear have to be upgraded or they can be shreaded off.
In most situations you may not be able to stay on the road I would think.
What do you guys think, specially those of you who own a car with that type of power?
Not bashing, just wondering if it is worth the extra money that goes into attaining that goal.
With that being said, is it worth it to have more than 600 HP?
It sure sounds better to say "I have over 600 HP" but it also gets more pricey too.
You have to make more modifications to sustain the 600+ HP like clutch, rear end, transmission, even the studs on the rear have to be upgraded or they can be shreaded off.
In most situations you may not be able to stay on the road I would think.
What do you guys think, specially those of you who own a car with that type of power?
Not bashing, just wondering if it is worth the extra money that goes into attaining that goal.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 1,657
From: Arizona
If I am not mistaking, look up a YouTube video on RobZ running 9.33 or better in his C5 with around 500 hp. I guess it's all about driver and set up....and of course, money for all the right components.
If it's bragging rights, then let me save you a pocket full of dough.....600 is common place nowadays. Go for 800+ and your in the winner's circle.
But yes, you are correct...It does get pricey to buy, maintain, and replace.
Keep it simple. Upgrage to sticky tires for less and find new love for your beast...or, head on over to LG Motorsports "Where money buys speed" Hahahaha
If it's bragging rights, then let me save you a pocket full of dough.....600 is common place nowadays. Go for 800+ and your in the winner's circle.
But yes, you are correct...It does get pricey to buy, maintain, and replace. Keep it simple. Upgrage to sticky tires for less and find new love for your beast...or, head on over to LG Motorsports "Where money buys speed" Hahahaha
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Katy Texas
I know that's right!
Thanks.
I was thinking of getting a super charger, but I am on the fence right now.
I was talking to a guy at a local car meet that has an 800+ HP Hennesey Camaro and he said that it is difficult to keep it on the road if he were to go WOT.
But he did like the bragging rights.
Thanks.
I was thinking of getting a super charger, but I am on the fence right now.
I was talking to a guy at a local car meet that has an 800+ HP Hennesey Camaro and he said that it is difficult to keep it on the road if he were to go WOT.
But he did like the bragging rights.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,051
Likes: 9
From: Houston TX
It can and does get expensive to keep any modded 600hp car together.
The build is going to cost you, any issues will cost you and any failures will cost you.
The bigger question is are you willing to spend more ont he drive train than the C5 is currently worth - because after all is said and done, a properly built reliable close to 600rwhp build is going to end up costing $25K+ by the time you have done the motor, clutch, possibly transmission, brakes, wheels tyres and the needed bodywork/paint that may be needed. Then if you plan to run the car more than once at the strip or seriously track the car youhave seat/belts/roll bar/cage.
Things have a way of getting expensive quickly - and you rarely get owners of modded cars who will tell you what the real cost ends up being.
The build is going to cost you, any issues will cost you and any failures will cost you.
The bigger question is are you willing to spend more ont he drive train than the C5 is currently worth - because after all is said and done, a properly built reliable close to 600rwhp build is going to end up costing $25K+ by the time you have done the motor, clutch, possibly transmission, brakes, wheels tyres and the needed bodywork/paint that may be needed. Then if you plan to run the car more than once at the strip or seriously track the car youhave seat/belts/roll bar/cage.
Things have a way of getting expensive quickly - and you rarely get owners of modded cars who will tell you what the real cost ends up being.
Last edited by RC45; Aug 21, 2011 at 06:25 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 9
From: Springhill FL
I modded my 98 beyond that level. While it was a blast when it was running, it did become more work and money than the fun was worth(to me anyway). I had it apart every other weekend for a new clutch, rear, Torque tube, ect....
On the street that kind of power is all but useless. You have all that power, but spend 95% of your time having to use part throttle anyway. Being able to burn off the tires at will is cool...but it does get old after a while. Especially when you tell your wife you need yet another set of tires
With my Z06 I just did Cam and boltons and I'm content with a nice useable 417rwhp. Sure it wont be as fast in a roll race from 120mph.....but really, who cares? It will break the speed limit in less than 4 seconds and its just as much fun at 100% throttle as my 600+rwhp car was at 75% throttle.
On the street that kind of power is all but useless. You have all that power, but spend 95% of your time having to use part throttle anyway. Being able to burn off the tires at will is cool...but it does get old after a while. Especially when you tell your wife you need yet another set of tires
With my Z06 I just did Cam and boltons and I'm content with a nice useable 417rwhp. Sure it wont be as fast in a roll race from 120mph.....but really, who cares? It will break the speed limit in less than 4 seconds and its just as much fun at 100% throttle as my 600+rwhp car was at 75% throttle.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Hicksville NY
id go for 600. its not all that crazy when you have good tires on the car. my car was only h/c with an a&a kit and lasted for almost 2 years at that level. drivetrain was stock and the shortblock was stock. Im having the drivetrain and engine redone so I can push the car harder but as others have said its not cheap. It is costing me 25k for everything but 600 just wasn't enough anymore.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,629
Likes: 16
From: York PA
Keep it around 600 & just lie about having 800+, hell of a lot cheaper.
ECS supercharger with meth will get you there safely.
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.com/
ECS supercharger with meth will get you there safely.
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.com/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
600 at wheel HP? well if SC on a stock engine with all safety whistle like colder sp plugs, good fuel system, meth alcohol and good tune, 600 flywheel HP is not attainable and still be a reliable.
On a naturally aspirated 600 forget it, unless you 427 stroker.
On a naturally aspirated 600 forget it, unless you 427 stroker.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,051
Likes: 9
From: Houston TX
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 4
From: Houston/Dayton Texas
It you have traction issues at any amount of power..you cant drive.period.. I laugh so hard at most of the guys that say "I have 500 hp and spin though 4th gear".. bottom line is your trying to spin and that's retarded... same principal in getting gears.. gears makes a car better, regardless of the application.. I make ...well, its not important what i make, but if i run 3.90 and 20's on the back and don't have a traction issue, then 99% should not either..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 0
Keep it around 600 & just lie about having 800+, hell of a lot cheaper.
ECS supercharger with meth will get you there safely.
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.com/
ECS supercharger with meth will get you there safely.
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.com/
Just keep it at 600 and outdrive the people with 800.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,315
Likes: 2,867
From: Fort Worth, Texas
It you have traction issues at any amount of power..you cant drive.period.. I laugh so hard at most of the guys that say "I have 500 hp and spin though 4th gear".. bottom line is your trying to spin and that's retarded... same principal in getting gears.. gears makes a car better, regardless of the application.. I make ...well, its not important what i make, but if i run 3.90 and 20's on the back and don't have a traction issue, then 99% should not either..
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
No matter how much power you have...after a pretty short period you'll be swearing that something is wrong and you're down on power.
You get used to and tired of what ever HP you have.....if you're like me.
You get used to and tired of what ever HP you have.....if you're like me.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 2
Hell..........it never stops. I got over 900 to the wheels on pump gas and it feels slow as hell. I can tell you.....if you can control it........you will get used to it. There is NO magic point where you can say......."OK now that is fast enough". As folks have said.......once you do the routine things and get close to six hundred to the wheels anything further will start getting a bit expensive.