TexasBlownV8
09-10-2009, 05:28 PM
I've been thinking of my next project, and will eventually be seeking a higher-power result. Here's some of what I'm thinking.
My current ride of course is a 4.0L supercharged V6, running stock internals, pushing 11-12 psi of boost. The car is not a daily driver, but gets driven about 80/20 street/drag strip. We plan on keeping this car and do not plan on selling it. The mods to it are essentially complete (a few minor items left, nothing major).
Now that the car is essentially complete as to where I wanted to take it, what is next?
First what is most reasonable to ask is, what do I want to do and how will the car be used?. Mainly it would be a track and strip car, and not as much a daily driver. It would still be street-driven, but not a daily driver, unless I needed it to be. initially looking for 400-500hp, with eventually more power potentially down the road.
Here's some thoughts:
1) beef up the engine of the 4.0 V6 and push more boost; in the end, this would get 400-425 hp, and would cost the least (compared to other choices). However, that'd be the top/upper end of what the 4.0 could do. And as some of you have indicated, working with the 4.0L heads/cams is a PITA.
2) get a GT and start from there as a separate project. It would be a great base to build from of course. It would be less power initially compared to my V6, but would be buildable going forward.
3) find a v6 and do a V8 swap. With v6's much cheaper and 4.6L v8 engine/tranny packages becoming quite cheap (when you can find the good deals), this is a viable option, too. The end result would be essentially a GT, and something to build from. Plus, if I wanted a backup 4.0L or one to build up or play with, I'd have one. This is sounding a little better option to me more and more, but is also the most labor intensive (which I don't really mind).
4) the ultimate would be to pick up at GT500. Sure the cost is a lot more, but it is a possible option, too.
5) wait for 2011's. Too new, too far away. Not getting any younger, don't want to wait a couple years for something to come to market, along with the aftermarket items.
I am looking to stay with the S197s for now.
I tend to do most of the work on cars myself, but some things tend to get done by shops as needed, especially specialty things like machine work.
I've read through some of your various build-up and swap threads, too, and those help a lot.
Since some of you have gone through some of the above paths, your collective insight and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated. This is just an investigative stage right now, but I like to take the time, look for good deals that fit plans, and do things slowly.
Let the discussion begin!
:icon_jook:
My current ride of course is a 4.0L supercharged V6, running stock internals, pushing 11-12 psi of boost. The car is not a daily driver, but gets driven about 80/20 street/drag strip. We plan on keeping this car and do not plan on selling it. The mods to it are essentially complete (a few minor items left, nothing major).
Now that the car is essentially complete as to where I wanted to take it, what is next?
First what is most reasonable to ask is, what do I want to do and how will the car be used?. Mainly it would be a track and strip car, and not as much a daily driver. It would still be street-driven, but not a daily driver, unless I needed it to be. initially looking for 400-500hp, with eventually more power potentially down the road.
Here's some thoughts:
1) beef up the engine of the 4.0 V6 and push more boost; in the end, this would get 400-425 hp, and would cost the least (compared to other choices). However, that'd be the top/upper end of what the 4.0 could do. And as some of you have indicated, working with the 4.0L heads/cams is a PITA.
2) get a GT and start from there as a separate project. It would be a great base to build from of course. It would be less power initially compared to my V6, but would be buildable going forward.
3) find a v6 and do a V8 swap. With v6's much cheaper and 4.6L v8 engine/tranny packages becoming quite cheap (when you can find the good deals), this is a viable option, too. The end result would be essentially a GT, and something to build from. Plus, if I wanted a backup 4.0L or one to build up or play with, I'd have one. This is sounding a little better option to me more and more, but is also the most labor intensive (which I don't really mind).
4) the ultimate would be to pick up at GT500. Sure the cost is a lot more, but it is a possible option, too.
5) wait for 2011's. Too new, too far away. Not getting any younger, don't want to wait a couple years for something to come to market, along with the aftermarket items.
I am looking to stay with the S197s for now.
I tend to do most of the work on cars myself, but some things tend to get done by shops as needed, especially specialty things like machine work.
I've read through some of your various build-up and swap threads, too, and those help a lot.
Since some of you have gone through some of the above paths, your collective insight and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated. This is just an investigative stage right now, but I like to take the time, look for good deals that fit plans, and do things slowly.
Let the discussion begin!
:icon_jook: