1200 HP Dreams
Ya know I've thought about it. But the money involved in a project like that just isnt there for me right now. I bought that issue of Hot Rod magazine, just for that article, but when you add it all up it can be pricey. It might be something I would consider doing in a cutlass or grand prix though, if I had a roller or a good candidate with a stout driveleine in place. Here is what I have shopped out analyzing the cost. Keep in mind though I have no real world experience, just looking at websites.
5.3L engine, wiring harness and ECM $400 local
Rebuild ring and gasket kit $200
ARP stud kit $100
CXRacing turbos 76 mm $600 each or $1200
XFI $1800
JBA Shorty headers $430
Comp Cam XR281 $400
Wastegate $500
Intercooler $600
LSXr 102 intake $750
102 Throttle body $400
Fab work and exhaust $500???
Head porting the 317 or stock heads $750
Thats already over $8000 with just the minimum and using cheap turbos. Then I dont have a transmission that will hold 1200 horsepower. That'll be another 1500 or so at a minimum going to a TH400 and I lose overdrive. Gonna need a different shifter as well.
Fuel system, I dont even know what I would need to support 1200 HP, but I bet you it aint gonna be cheap.
Rear end, I currently have a 30 Spline eaton carrier and 30 spline moser axles, but it would also require a serious upgrade to handle that sort of power.
So really you are looking at an optimistic $12,000 for that 1200 HP. $10 per HP is that a good value? The thought of running low 8's is appealing, but then you have to have a car with a serious cage as well, to run it at the track.
A more realistic and optimistic number might be $18,000 by the time you add it all up. This is considering forged pistons, cage upgraded and dyno sessions.
If I had lots of money saved up and didnt have any responsibility to my family, I could justify that from my paycheck, wish I could, but I can't.
