If you can't get what you've got to the ground or you have to idle at 1500rpm or you're getting 10mpg or you're replacing drag radials every 5000K, then where's the fun in that? So really, if you want to run street tires, idle under a 1000rpm and would like to get decent (not necessarily great) mileage, what are we talking about here? I know the latest Z06 is 500HP and the 09 ZR1 is over 600HP and have great street manners and get good mileage but they're not C4s and I've heard unless you really know what you're doing, you won't be able to take advantage of all that power anyway. I've also heard of drivetrains woes too. For the street driven C4, at what point does the law of diminishing returns come into play? TIA...

JMO but I have to say 400 horses.

It is a judgment call John, one guys "street manners" is the next guys unacceptable nightmare. Unfortunately many don't stop before crossing the line then get discouraged.
As you know I believe in moderation, but then I'm an old geezer, your mileage may vary.

I'm guessing around 450 HP. Supercharged 383 with upgraded transmission and exhaust system seems to be adequate but I'm still in the testing stages. Ive only put on 3000 miles and it has yet to see the drag strip. Still have to baby it a little and break it back in after the gasoline in the oil pan debacle. Time will tell.

Mine is pretty easy going.

Use twin turbos if you want streetable

I had this same discussion with an engine builder here in town near me, and then again with Lloyd Elliot when I was trying to figure out what I wanted out of my car. Indeed it has a lot to do with who you are and what level is acceptable for a daily driver.

My criteria was this:

1) the car had to idle at a near stock level or slightly higher, also it could not idle so low that I could not put it in gear without keeping a foot on the gas at traffic lights.
2) I had to be able to reach inside the window from outside the car and be able to turn the key and have the car start and continue to run, even in the winter.
3) It had to pass all local emissions inspections and be street legal.
4) Pump gas not regular, but normal 93 octane, but no 100 octane Aviation fuel requirement.

With all of this said, I think that I found the LE2 level and similar packages would fit this criteria if the cam was not overdone. Can achieve up to 400 to 420 hp and do all of the above with an LT1 and supporting modifications. Some people will take this further but I think when you go beyond this you begin to have issues with idle and drive-ability.

Just my humble opinion as enthusiast, not a professional car guy.

My stock LT1's with 300 is plenty for me.

The '93 having the higher stall torque converter and 3.45 gears makes a difference.

The 95 six speed does pretty well up to 100 mph then the other higher HP cars start to takeover.

Example:

On last years crab trip, we got off the Cape May Ferry and onto the Garden State Parkway which at the southern end of Jersey has stoplights.

I was next to a ZR1 and a '03 Z06. Light turned green and we were off. Blew the ZR1 away and kept up with the Z06 up to about 80 or 90 and then out of nowhere another Z06 blew by at about 150(he was highly modded). Now the ZR1 driver may not have been expecting a little race which is no doubt why I got the jump on him, maybe if he was paying attention I wouldn't have left him. By this time though all the other highly modded C5's went blowing by us at over 150(I only know this because I was at 130 and watched them disappear.

On the street in most situations, you only need 0-80 in as quick as possible and if you can't get traction, what's the use?

I'd like to have 100 more, so I'm going to go with 400 hp also.

My stock 1992 LT1's just fine for me too. The only thing I did to it was put on chambered exhaust and don't plan to do more. This corvette # 7 for me. I moded 4 of my other Vettes and ran em hard on the street.

Since I have other chit to drive fast, stock'd fine for me. Plus, I like the gas miliage.

Well, John, you know me...there is never enough.
Seriously, though...I have Roger spec'ing out a forged 383 for my 86. I told him that I want a motor that is street-able, that Stephanie can drive and that will turn 1/4 miles in 11.6 seconds (decided not to go with the roll bar at this time). He wants to figure something out with around 500hp. From there, if we are a little short, I'll just throw a small shot of NOS on the motor, for when I am racing.

I have a slightly built up 1984 Crossfire that has 300 HP and the quickest 1/4 mile time of 13.8. That's good enough for me here on the streets of LA.

I would be happy with 350 at the wheels.

I would be much happier with 400.

I would say 400rwhp, but torque is of mention here too. A killer TPI setup may not have a huge peak HP number but will be hazardous on street tires at WOT. I'm shooting for 350rwhp and 325 to 350 rwtq n/a, then spraying a 125 shot. I run nitto drag radials on the street to help with traction. Eventually I'll rebuild the bottom end, then I'm going for 400rwhp, 400rwtq, and a 300 shot. I really feel 400 at the wheels is more than enough for the street. Nitrous is for the track only.

Another vote for 350-400rwhp depending on torque band. More is fun but can be frustrating if you cant get it to the ground.
Drove a TT C5 awhile back that was a big letdown. Dyno queen that did nothgin but burnouts in 1st and second, didnt pull hard as expected in 3rd+up. Useless to me.

350rshp in a TPI car should be loads of fun. 350rwhp in a Z isnt nearly enough .

Comparing the LT1 with the LT5 I'd have to say 350-400 HP.

On a cold day the LT1 is like the LT-5 on a warm day.

468ish here and it's really easy to drive for what it is. The bigger tires help in the rain but watch out if it downshifts! (just gotta watch what you're doing on a turn, little to no gas around curves)

I haven't had any problems with mine. Idles around 750 with the cam and I get around 18ish mpg mixed. Does great on the highway, hooked up Datamaster to it once and only takes 6% throttle to do 70mph

Quote:I've driven two TT C5's built by the same guy. All I can say is be prepared. They can get away from you real easy. Kinda scary when you are doing 60 and floor it and you're burning rubber!(actually it's kinda fun!).

I would not know.....owning an 84 :tongue:

Well, I am pretty enthusiastic about the lt4. It'll do alot more than I can afford the ticket for to be sure. The real problem is traction. Last season was my first time at the strip. My best run was 13.8, now that was spinning the tires through 2nd gear and a bit of fishtailing. I had never drag raced a manual before so this is a learning process. BTW my trap speed was 106mph.

That being said, about the only thing I really want to do is to push the rollers to a 1.7, 52mm TB, and headers. I don't know what the #'s would be, but I bet it will be fun. Basically, I'm pretty good with a wrench but no professional, so going any deeper than the valve covers scares me a bit.

sounds like around 400hp is the consensus... would that be at the crank or at the wheels?

I'm pretty happy with my setup for now but I wish I had about 40 more rwhp


Mine ran 12.40s at Beech Bend last year at the cruise in, trapped 114. I bet I'm around 350ish rwhp. 1st gear is brutal with the 4.10s. It reminds me of my modded L98 6 speed car that dynoed 368rwtrq.

I like your sig, DrEvil. My kids LOVE your avatar. They laugh hysterically.

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At the wheels, in my opinion. I have had 350rwhp/350rwtq cars and they are awesome, but always wanted a little more. I rode in my buddy's supercharged Cobra that dyno'd 550rwhp and 520rwtq and it is literally hazardous on street tires.

Quote:
as someone has stated, unless you have traction the power won't do you any good... the other issue is do some just want the power to zip from light to light? Or maybe to remind the ricers who is at the top of the food chain? Or maybe even to remind people that vettes can be show and go?

I know there are some days when the annoying honda's with the fart cans get on my last nerve, but at the end of the day no matter how much power there will be those who have more... so its like a arms race...

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That is my ultimate goal. 400rwhp/400rwtq, give or take. Then spray it on track days for more. Keep it nice and drive almost like stock for cruising and taking my wife out on dates every Friday night, but be able to smoke a turbo ricer from a 30mph roll, then be able to turn low 11's or better on track day. I feel 400 at the wheels n/a then spray a 125 shot will get me there. I was happy with the stock L98 and a 150 shot, but I think the mods I'm working on (see my sig) will be closer to my goal. I can't wait to do an all forged 383 someday, stay mild with the cam and converter and gears for streetability, then be able to spray a 250 shot.

one more vote for the 350 to 400hp (crank) I've had a couple street cars that most would trailer to the track ,but I drove them on the street. Tags,lights and big hp is one mans race car and another mans DD.But it does get old quick.The vette is very mild to me but I like i that way.

900 sounds about right
[url]http://www.fastcoolcars.com/callaway_sledgehammer.htm[/url]


I should be putting 600 to the tires when I'm done.
I'll let you know how it goes :D