How much power is too much?

[siggyfreud]

I'm starting to consider engines to continue my build. I am looking at everything from the 480hp LS3 to the newly available LT4 (640hp) with 8 speed auto.

I'm not building a pro street machine, just going for a fun pro touring setup. I was considering the lt1 for it's direct injection benefits, which has about 460hp and the 8 speed, but it's only about a grand more for the LT4 model.

Looking for advice for those who have driven high horsepower trucks like these. I've had powerful cars, but none without some of the modern aids we enjoy today. I think the highest I got in this truck before was about 380.

How much becomes too much for these old rigs?

[urmyboyblue]

This is a subjective question. Some folks think a 292 is all you need in one of these trucks. Others like me haven't found how much is too much (mine is a nitroused 489 that has run 11.40@121 on a VERY crappy pass).

I would think around 500 HP on a totally stock truck would be a lot of fun. I think that at that HP you are risking killing the rear end, at least.

[jbgroby]

You Should ask Scotty - He'd probably add some Dilithium Crystals to the mix. THEN we're talking real speed..........

[vin63]

Too much horsepower is like too much money...no such thing.

It really comes down to the intended use of the truck and any performance goals you might have for it. Before I tore my truck down this last time, I used it to pull a horse trailer and a flatbed trailer. So, I wanted an engine that made 500+ horsepower before 4500 rpm, but made 500+ lb-ft off idle and peak torque around 2500 rpm (operating RPM).

[scoot_mcgrute]

For local track days at PIR and such, my buddy enjoys his 435HP Coyote in his F100 but when he was doing the Optima series, it just didn't cut it. He's looking to add a supercharger to get him in the 650 range.

It all comes down to how you use it but an additional $1,000 for the additional 160 horsepower and many, many smiles seems reasonable

[TJ's Chevy]

Too much power is when the truck becomes uncontrollable or self-destructs. lol

My hotrodded 292 with a 5 speed will have plenty of power to scoot my 66 c10 swb around.....but the Point of it wasn't to be a tire smokin hotrod. Will still be tons of fun.

Dad has a 77 C20 with an 800 hp 572......can't have Enough fun in that! Love making an embarrassment out of diesel trucks with it.

Heck......put a 2500 horse cummins in there!

[siggyfreud]

Thanks for the replies all! Once I started looking into the LT1 and 8 speed, I really was struggling with whether or not 640hp would be too much. On the one hand, I likely don't NEED it for this build, but on the other, that power increase per $ is really hard to beat. It's been soooo long since I have driven this thing, I don't remember what 400hp was like. And I was in my teens/early 20s then as well, so my right-foot maturity is likely better now than it was then .

I'd definitely want to go with numerically lower gears and wider tires though, as with the gear spread and power 3.73 gears would likely be way overkill.

[contagious102]

780hp in my 540ci bbc , 66 step side. Thinking about a 200 shot for fun !!

[siggyfreud]

Originally Posted by contagious102

780hp in my 540ci bbc , 66 step side. Thinking about a 200 shot for fun !!

What does your suspension setup look like?

I'll be putting in No limits fatbar 4-link with coil overs. I think part of what made 400hp scary way back was putting it through mediocre tires with a leaf spring rear setup .

[aggie91]

My first thought to your post was "What, no such thing..."

BUT after reading your thoughts, if the 640hp is in your budget and you are doing the NL 4-link and better/wider tires and updates to the front suspension, I think you would have a great truck.

My son's '84 with a simple spindle spring in front and flip kit with clamped leaves in the rear is a real hoot to drive with 550 rwhp! That's thru a 4l80e and a 3.73 12 bolt limited slip rear...

[siggyfreud]

Originally Posted by aggie91

My first thought to your post was "What, no such thing..."

BUT after reading your thoughts, if the 640hp is in your budget and you are doing the NL 4-link and better/wider tires and updates to the front suspension, I think you would have a great truck.

My son's '84 with a simple spindle spring in front and flip kit with clamped leaves in the rear is a real hoot to drive with 550 rwhp! That's thru a 4l80e and a 3.73 12 bolt limited slip rear...

Thanks Aggie,

I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with the front, if anything else. It's on lowering spindles and springs at the moment. Bigger front sway, but stock (in terms of suspension) otherwise.

[Victweezy]

An old guy at the speed shop once told me... "How fast do you want to go? How fast do you want to spend?" It's all about a balance of time, money and how much the wife will put up with.