Performance combos

BLKESC · July 11, 2003

What would be a good combo to get a siginificant power gain without losing reliablity, drivability, and keeping some economy? Keep in mind that this 350 is mated to a stock AWD drivetrain. A conserative hp target is around the 400 range.

americanmuscleman · July 11, 2003

I'd say a whipple supercharger will get you the closest to your goal. The only way your going to gain some good power without going into the engine is with forced induction. You could make 350 or more horsepower naturally aspirated, but your going to trade a lot of driveability to do so.

With a supercharger, especially a whipple, you won't give up hardly any driveability to see a nice gain. It would also be beneficial to put headers on so the motor can breathe. 400hp is attainable with a whipple, headers, and a free flowing exhaust.

greyghost03 · July 11, 2003

400hp is attainable with a whipple, headers, and a free flowing exhaust.

And a considerable amount of $$$$!

If I had the $$$$ I'd get a SC too!

Wingnut · July 11, 2003

And a considerable amount of $$$$!

If I had the $$$$ I'd get a SC too!

Yeah, but if you consider what good set of heads, headers, chip, and everything else needed to make that kind of horsepower costs. ...A Whipple starts to look a little more cost effective.

Especially if (like americanmusclman states) you consider day to day driving. A Whipple will not affect most of your stop and go stuff. A 400 hp naturally aspirated engine will be a PITA under those conditions.

Just my .02

BLKESC · July 11, 2003

Thanks americanmuscleman. I was kind of thinking of the same thing as far as the supercharger, headers (LT's), and free flow cats, but I was looking for normally aspirated setup. With heads, rockers, and a silghtly more aggressive cam thrown in might make the mark, but agreeing with Wingnut a N/A setup would be a pain in stop and go driving.

Superchargers on the other hand, give the engine a "dual personality". Clark Kent during cruise, Superman at WOT. The boost won't come on until the engine hits a certain rpm which I'm sure it's over 2grand which would be fine for daily driving. Cost wise it is comparative to putting P/P heads, cam, etc. on with parts and labor added together.

Next question: How do superchargers hold up to long distance driving? Reliability is an issue since I can easily put at least 50mi in a day.