| Re: If a tree falls in the woods.... |
Subject: Re: If a tree falls in the woods.... by bogus on 2008/12/24 3:21:02 I am a firm beleiver that there is a point where potential power outstrips practical power. Sure, a 1500hp motor can be built, but at what cost? Not just in monitary costs, but in drivability. I look at the output of jsups '90 and it is truly out of control. To what end? Sure, race cars can handle it, but they have custom suspensions with tires designed for it... but your average 90 Vette, with summer radials is way overwhelmed by everything. If his car had traction control, sure, that would add a safety buffer (and don't tell me it isn't require. My reflexes are a good as the next guys, but these cars are tail happy) for street usage. So I come back to my original thought. You want enough performance to make the car a blast to drive. You also want enough to make it safe enough to pull out onto a freeway without getting run over. But not so much as to cause the ass end to meet the tree on the otherside of the road. With all of that, you need to consider how the chassis will respond. You will want to be 100% sure the rear suspension is perfect and strong. You will need better tires and upgraded brakes. I knew a guy that drag raced a 1969 Nova... all big block and drum brakes. Brandon was a nice kid, but about dumb as dumb sometimes... The car was not, to my sensabilities, up to the job of being safe. With all of those parameters, 400hp should get you there. A 350 with that kind of real power will be a bit peaky. A 383 will be a little lazier about it and have more torque. I would go with a mild 383 with a good exhaust system. That will get you exactly what you want and keep you on the straight and narrow. You don't need the best forged stuff. I am sure Ron can recommend something (SCAT?). For that matter, you can get a used factory 400 crank, IIRC. I would also recommend a 5spd manual upgrade. You can keep the shorter rear gears (say 3.70:1) and still get a relaxed cruise out of it. |
