how much power do you really need?

[no1udknow]

Oh... and one other thing, I'm currently running a 364ci, th350, with 3.73s

[Zspoiler]

Depends on how much power you and your pocketbook are comfortable with. I have seen people build high horsepower cars and used to stock car . And it scares them to death to drive it .So they end up selling the car.

[Camicus]

This is a great thread. I have been going back and forth about how much HP I want also. After reading this I have decided to take a more conservative approach since I don't plan on racing my car

[cornfedbill]

I put a relatively mild cam in my 377 and really like the broad usable torque curve. I have used hotter cams in the past and have always been frustrated with throttle response and low end power.

I would do the same again. Cam limited motors can be so easy and fun to drive.

[High Plains Mopars]

But how much power do I really need to be competitive. I would assume that so much power would not be that usefull in pro touring as keeping that much power attached to the asphalt in a corner could prove tricky. So who is racing and doi g well, and what kind of power are you making, and how heavy is your car?

Competitive in what? Define the type of racing you are pursuing. Wheel to wheel or timed events? Short or long course? Are there any rule limitations to be aware of?

[groho]

By no means am I an expert, only using my experience on past shade tree builds, my goal with my 66 coupe is have just enough hp/torque to achieve absolute edge of traction at WOT and pull as hard as physically possible without breaking the tires loose. Any more, and all you do is smoke the tires, any less and its a slug. I came closest to achieving that with roughly 330hp, 3:90 gears at 3200 lbs. My goal this time is 350hp, with 3:73 to 3:90 gears and <3100lb mustang. Fingers crossed.

[kiwigt]

^ This. I had 350rwhp and 3.50 gears in my 66 Mustang. It was the perfect combination in my opinion of pulling like a freight train under acceleration (in any gear) while not lighting up the rear tires too much. I've had more HP in other cars; but this was the sweet spot for me with that car.

[LS1NOVA]

First off, I just want to say I race for the fun of it. Do I need all the power? Of course not but man it is fun.

Im making around 1100whp out of a twin turbo 5.3 in my 71 Nova. I have always had drag racing roots but like to try out other events also. The car does pretty well at autox and smaller road courses with boost turned waaay down. I havent had it on anything longer than a mile track and don't really plan too as the temps would get pretty out of control. It can be done but with about 300lbs worth of coolers and hose. It runs high 8's on 275. Hook the swaybar back up, switch tires, adjust shocks and away you go.

One thing is for sure, everytime I drive the thing, it is a huge stress relieving, adrenaline pumping, riot,and I want MORE!!

Here is the best vid I can find at the strip. Fast forward to :30.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy67mBFycgQ

and at Holley LS Fest against Danny Popp. Fastforward to 2:20 if you want.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs67KeElTZs

[Nicks67GTO]

Nathan, do you get down to CF raceway often? It's about 10 minutes from my house

[LS1NOVA]

Nathan, do you get down to CF raceway often? It's about 10 minutes from my house

Yes, I raced their four times last year. I'd consider it my home track even though it is 3hrs away. I don't really plan when I will go but this year I will be there Aug 29th for a grudge racing event and also on Friday night Sept 25th for a "drag week" style event I organized.

[TheJDMan]

I watched the Autocross event at Crusin the Smokies last weekend and one thing that struck me was that the ultra high power cars could not use all the power they have on tap. Once they got into their power band the tires would simply go up in smoke. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that when the drive tires are spinning the car is not accelerating as quickly as it could be. The guys in NASCAR call this forward bite and they go to great lengths to minimize it. It occurred to me while watching these cars spin their tires under acceleration that maybe some form of traction control might be worth looking into. A device which would reduce power when wheel spin is detected might actually make a car faster.

[LS1NOVA]

Holley Dominator EFI with the add on Davis Technologies traction box!!

[TheJDMan]

Holley Dominator EFI with the add on Davis Technologies traction box!!

Clearly these guys are not running such a system since they just spin tires.