How much power is enough?

[Tilar]

   I never figured there were any more of these even left in existance! I know it was back in the mid 80's when I bought mine.

And it doesn't look as bad as the pic came out, it was the lighting in the bedroom and a cell phone pic.

[Cooter]

There is a reason you see 1000 HP street Supras that only run a 12.3 in the 1/4...  

Hmmmm, well, the ones I've seen are running deep in the 8's @ well over 175 MPH 1/4 mile...Maybe the ones you've seen were traction limited?

[Bob T]

More is good, but it comes down to what you're happy with or what your wallet will handle.

A mate of mine has a 72 RR with an Indy 605 Hemi, makes around 900 crank, stupid fast but well set up with appropriate drivetrain mods and show car finish, I've seen him drive it to work in the rain just cause he can. I think it has done an 11.3 at best so far
Also has a 65 Malibu with a 572 GM crate motor , makes around 620 and has a M22 and cage. That thing is an animal , very cool.
He picked me up in it to go to car club meeting night and I shot a shaky clip of it, lots of fun. He has done 172 mph in it and some roundy rounds and targa as well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0NAT1kS6q8&feature=related

     sounds mean & nasty    got any pictures ! would love to see them

Can only find RR pics at the mo, I dont seem to have any of the Malibu, and I've leaned over it enough times too
Link from a mag article on it a while back

http://www.v8.co.nz/articles/1965-chevrolet-chevelle-malibu-ss-malibu-madness-46

[tan top]

More is good, but it comes down to what you're happy with or what your wallet will handle.

A mate of mine has a 72 RR with an Indy 605 Hemi, makes around 900 crank, stupid fast but well set up with appropriate drivetrain mods and show car finish, I've seen him drive it to work in the rain just cause he can. I think it has done an 11.3 at best so far
Also has a 65 Malibu with a 572 GM crate motor , makes around 620 and has a M22 and cage. That thing is an animal , very cool.
He picked me up in it to go to car club meeting night and I shot a shaky clip of it, lots of fun. He has done 172 mph in it and some roundy rounds and targa as well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0NAT1kS6q8&feature=related

     sounds mean & nasty    got any pictures ! would love to see them

Can only find RR pics at the mo, I dont seem to have any of the Malibu, and I've leaned over it enough times too
Link from a mag article on it a while back

http://www.v8.co.nz/articles/1965-chevrolet-chevelle-malibu-ss-malibu-madness-46

nice ! thanks for the link BT appreciated 

[JMF]

Does reliability become an issue with more power? Providing everything's been upgraded to match the power the engine's putting out? What things can go wrong?

[Cooter]

Yes, blocks can crack, I've seen main bearing webbing ripped right out of the block with bearing caps still torqued arounf crank laying on the ground (331 Ford).
Once a certain power level is acheived, an aftermarket block is needed.

[Magnumcharger]

I've got 376 hp in my 2010 Challenger R/T. It weighs approximately 4200 pounds with me in it and a full fuel load (I scaled it).
That's 10.63 lbs/hp. I consider it fast. (3.92 gears).

My 1968 Charger R/T will likely be 400 hp when it's done, with it's stock 440, a cam change and headers. It weighs 3900 lbs loaded.
That's 9.75 lbs/hp. I'm anticipating a quicker car. (4:10 gears).

My 1968 Barracuda with a 360 hp 5.7 Hemi weighs 3200 lbs, 3500 loaded.
That should be 9.72 lbs/hp. Should be as fast as the Charger by all rights.

[morepower]

always need more power! hence the name....

but thier is a certain # where you have too much power for the street, cant hook up, need slicks which arent street legal etc...but I do not condone street racing so i am fine with my 600 HP 496 stroker with some mickey t's bias ply's ohhh baby cant wait!