In about 6-8 months I will be building my motor (an upgraded short block, Pauter rods etc.) and installing TT.

My question is how much hp should I shoot for. What I want is #1 Reliability, #2 450-500 whp, and #3 To be as cost efficient as possible. I want this car to last 100K miles, especially since I will have about 65K in it when done. Of course I understand that these three goals may not be mutually compatible.

It is my understanding that more than 500 whp is not usable or practicle. However, I also understand that I will be much happier w/ 450 than 400. I have already invested in the best engine management possible, so I could run 400hp on stock internals and no major upgrades (fuel return, wastegates, etc.) However, even at 400 hp I would constantly worry that my engine would blow and therefore I must, at a minimum, get the bottom end rebuilt w/ quality parts. Plus I live 40 minutes away from one of the best VQ builders in the country.

So, as long as I am getting the bottom end built, I should go a little higher than 400. But how high? As one approaches 500, one must invest in many expensive upgrades (cams, etc). Then I was told that if you have everything for 500, then you might as well go 600, which I don't need or want.

So where should I cut it off/set my goal? 430...440? I will replace the full fuel system and upgrade my clutch, but I don't want to replace cams etc.

Any thoughtful advice will be greatly appreciated

 

The real answer to these questions is a question. "How much money have you got?" And only you can answer that.

Most guys on these forums are balancing priorities with other realities of life. Relatively few can do whatever they want financially speaking. That competition for limited funds is what's behind the vast majority of questions most of us ask. Hey, if you've got the discretionary funds and you enjoy cars, get what you want!

Keep in mind though that these are not just numbers being tossed about. Guys who read these forums know and like cars. But in the general population few people have ever even ridden in a 13 second car, much less something really fast. A 400 WHP car would scare the daylights out of a lot of people.

But it isn't just a question of power, it's also an issue of finesse. The thing that sets true supercars apart is that they can do everything asked of them EFFORTLESSLY and with class!

Set aside numbers for the moment. If you can afford it, get a long block with cams, valve springs, proper clearances and all the goodies like balancing, blueprinting and micro-polishing. (The engine shops will be well able to complete the list for you.) Hang your turbo on it. Then you'll have a car that is a joy to drive even when you're not burning gas at a dollar a second!

 

Bill, right now I am budgeting around 20 K.

However, I want to get some ideas of the differences and needs between the 400 to 500 hp range from people who might be knowledgeable.

Of course SGP will give me an answer, but I want to do some research before I get their opinion.

 

ttt

 

No one.....do I need to make this post on my 350z.com ?

 

Going to the 350 site would be more benficial. My advice (not limited to our cars) is to spend what you can on the block with quality parts at a quality shop. You seem to be comfortable with your builder which , to me, is very important. I wouldn't get caught up in the numbers game. yes you can spend the money and get 50hp more, yes you can spend even more and get up to 600hp, so what!!!! I will be going TT next year. I did have a number of 450 whp in mind ( sound familiar to you?) but I have since then been more realistic about it. First off, all the additional hp that I can gain will be at top end, so what, I can't use it much. I can keep throwing more money at it to get the extra 50hp, so what, it won't be much faster. Bottom line is I am going for more low end and mid level torque. I'll spend what is needed to get the thrust I want and let the numbers fall where they may. The way I see it, this isn't a supercar or even a sports car. Don't anyone take this the wrong way but it is basically an entry level luxury car. Get it tuned to run the way you want for your budget and don't worry about the hp numbers.

 

Simple, anything over 400 WHP is fast. Over 500 WHP takes a great driver, 600+ WHP takes an excellent driver, yet is mostly for bragging rights.

I don't suggest a Built Motor for more power, yet for reliability and Peace of Mind.

If you have $20k, we can give you an awesome car that you can enjoy, and From time to Time, stomp on it and Not Only Impress your friends/girls, scare the hell out of yourself as you go down the road with a HUGE GRIN.

If that is your budget, please PM, Email me or register at www.GoVRT.com and let's put together a package for you.

M

619-886-6355

 

vrt can help u out

 

Thanks for the Vote of Confidence.

M

 

Thanks for the replies,

I have followed VRT for a while and am impressed.

Michael: When will you become HKS certified? In the meantime I will go w/ SGP although I think that VRT has an edge in customer service (which is a polite way of saying that "someone" doesn't return phone calls...although it is common knowledge that his work is outstanding).

So my final question is, besides fuel return and outstanding engine management, what will I need to run absolutely safely at say 420whp?

Should I get the SGP wastegates and carbon fiber clutch etc., or is that overkill?

 

Michael,

Great talking to you!

 

Yep,

Looking forward to meeting!

M