Thread: 800 horse355
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05-26-2005 05:02 AM #1
Have been reading this thread with interest.
Everything these guys are telling you is true.
800hp from a NA small block can be done. At a cost, and with significant compromises!
I'd definitely go the big block route. But even then they can cost big $$.
My 540 with a V7 blower, intercooler and EFI (now in a street driven all steel camaro) made 767ftlb and 852hp on the engine dyno. But it cost me more money than you can shake a hot stick at (as I could not build it myself because I am not a pro). And the engine is full of compromise. People say "for the money you spent on that, it should make 1500 hp". Yes, but for how long?? I want something reliable, and I GENUINELY want to drive it on the street. So everything is over-engineered and relatively un-stressed.
Now this big $$ big block of mine replaces my previous 350 which made a paltry approx 450hp but COULD NOT be driven anywhere near the street without attacting unwanted attention from cops and waking up the grumpy neighbours!!
I don't think anybody here is doubting that you are keen. This is a good trait. But these guys have years of experience, they are telling you something that you need to know. One day you might go on to build a 800hp NA small block, but if/when you do that, I bet you will admit that it was not a simple exercise and you were forced to compromise big time.
Sorry for your loss of friend Mike McGee, Shine. Great trans men are few and far between, it seems. Sadly, Mike Frade was only 66 and had been talking about retirement for ten years that I know...
We Lost a Good One