SC Power conversions
Discussion
Belle427 said:
BIGMIKE1 said:
Sell the old girl back to me and buy a 500!
Hi Mike, thanks for that!Car has been faultless in my ownership really, im just getting that urge for a bit more poke now as we all do from time to time.
I would consider trading up so to speak but I do have a budget to stick to.
I see you are in Sarf Wayels, and we visit there about every 3 weeks. We did the 400 miles yesterday.
I am sure I can persuade Erin Dawes (for it is her dad we go to see) to take the TVR next time.
I offer because I feel you ought to see for yourself if the "quite a bit more poke" from forced induction is actually going to satisfy your needs without just emptying your wallet and not achieving your wishes.
Adding say 100 extra bhp to a 300 bhp car (to make the maths easier), and say 175 ft lbs of torque to the same 350 ft lb car, doesn't reduce your quarter mile time by 1/3rd. In reality it will take about 10% off the previous 13 second time. Law of diminishing returns applies.
Yes, it does feel faster......but not several warp factors faster.
QBee said:
I offer because I feel you ought to see for yourself if the "quite a bit more poke" from forced induction is actually going to satisfy your needs without just emptying your wallet and not achieving your wishes.
^^^^^ this absolutely. My conversion was always about the engineering aspect and the tinkering which is a hobby. Yes the 'boost rush' when overtaking is adrenaline junkie territory but sometimes when driving around towns and congested roads, I find myself wondering why I bothered. The sensible option would have been to buy a 500 as good driving days where I live are few and far. Having just done 1,200 miles on mostly empty sweeping Scottish highland roads, my heart rules the head again
QBee's comment is probably the most sensible so far in this debate. I should have done this
QBee said:
Belle427 said:
BIGMIKE1 said:
Sell the old girl back to me and buy a 500!
Hi Mike, thanks for that!Car has been faultless in my ownership really, im just getting that urge for a bit more poke now as we all do from time to time.
I would consider trading up so to speak but I do have a budget to stick to.
I see you are in Sarf Wayels, and we visit there about every 3 weeks. We did the 400 miles yesterday.
I am sure I can persuade Erin Dawes (for it is her dad we go to see) to take the TVR next time.
I offer because I feel you ought to see for yourself if the "quite a bit more poke" from forced induction is actually going to satisfy your needs without just emptying your wallet and not achieving your wishes.
Adding say 100 extra bhp to a 300 bhp car (to make the maths easier), and say 175 ft lbs of torque to the same 350 ft lb car, doesn't reduce your quarter mile time by 1/3rd. In reality it will take about 10% off the previous 13 second time. Law of diminishing returns applies.
Yes, it does feel faster......but not several warp factors faster.
As Anthony has said and Iain has agreed, a "test drive" is well worth it.
To most people just upgrading to a 500 will fill most peoples wishes of generally all round more power.
Turbos deliver great power but generally in a limited RPM range, If that's what you want and can live with, a blast when overtaking and generally booting it then fine but if you are looking for all round grunt from the lower RPM range for shall we say, "everyday driving with a powerful feel" then bigger capacity is where it's at.
If you are ever up my way I can show you the alternative.......................
To most people just upgrading to a 500 will fill most peoples wishes of generally all round more power.
Turbos deliver great power but generally in a limited RPM range, If that's what you want and can live with, a blast when overtaking and generally booting it then fine but if you are looking for all round grunt from the lower RPM range for shall we say, "everyday driving with a powerful feel" then bigger capacity is where it's at.
If you are ever up my way I can show you the alternative.......................
.................5.5 litres is sooooo much fun at 22 mph following lycra-louts around the Surrey Hills of a weekend. 
But seriously, the issue as much becomes one of how much power you can actually use, and in what way, on our public roads, unless you plan to join us nutters on a track day. Phazed has driven both his own 5.5 and my 4.6 turbo on track, which have similar maximum power and torque, and i don't blame him for his preference for naturally aspirated. His is a lovely car (apart possibly for the fuel consumption). Both our cars are fun on the country lanes etc, but only really come into their own chasing and catching Lotuses and Porsches around the country's race tracks.
I would urge anyone about to shower cash around upgrading to think about how and where they are going to use the extra power, ideally before they actually spend it. Being a gnat's whisker quicker to 70 probably doesn't justify it.
But seriously, the issue as much becomes one of how much power you can actually use, and in what way, on our public roads, unless you plan to join us nutters on a track day. Phazed has driven both his own 5.5 and my 4.6 turbo on track, which have similar maximum power and torque, and i don't blame him for his preference for naturally aspirated. His is a lovely car (apart possibly for the fuel consumption). Both our cars are fun on the country lanes etc, but only really come into their own chasing and catching Lotuses and Porsches around the country's race tracks.
I would urge anyone about to shower cash around upgrading to think about how and where they are going to use the extra power, ideally before they actually spend it. Being a gnat's whisker quicker to 70 probably doesn't justify it.
I constantly regret selling that car
Car has been faultless in my ownership really, im just getting that urge for a bit more poke now as we all do from time to time.
I would consider trading up so to speak but I do have a budget to stick to.
Belle427 said:
BIGMIKE1 said:
Sell the old girl back to me and buy a 500!
Hi Mike, thanks for that!Car has been faultless in my ownership really, im just getting that urge for a bit more poke now as we all do from time to time.
I would consider trading up so to speak but I do have a budget to stick to.
BIGMIKE1 said:
I constantly regret selling that car
Car has been faultless in my ownership really, im just getting that urge for a bit more poke now as we all do from time to time.
I would consider trading up so to speak but I do have a budget to stick to.
Are you looking to buy another Mike?Belle427 said:
BIGMIKE1 said:
Sell the old girl back to me and buy a 500!
Hi Mike, thanks for that!Car has been faultless in my ownership really, im just getting that urge for a bit more poke now as we all do from time to time.
I would consider trading up so to speak but I do have a budget to stick to.
I'm always looking but only really seen some silly prices with not much moving! Got 2 projects on the go already at the minute as well but as I said originally when you decide to sell it on I want first refusal!
Belle427 said:
BIGMIKE1 said:
I constantly regret selling that car
Car has been faultless in my ownership really, im just getting that urge for a bit more poke now as we all do from time to time.
I would consider trading up so to speak but I do have a budget to stick to.
Are you looking to buy another Mike?Belle427 said:
BIGMIKE1 said:
Sell the old girl back to me and buy a 500!
Hi Mike, thanks for that!Car has been faultless in my ownership really, im just getting that urge for a bit more poke now as we all do from time to time.
I would consider trading up so to speak but I do have a budget to stick to.
Haha I should really update those lists!
phazed 11.83 said:
BIGMIKE1 said:
I unfortunately briefly owned one too!
Noticed that in your profile while i was stalking you over a cup of coffee and some homemade raspberry pie earlier...... phazed 11.83 said:
Not many people will understand this but 25 years ago I built an NCF Diamond......... 
BIGMIKE1 said:
I'm always looking but only really seen some silly prices with not much moving! Got 2 projects on the go already at the minute as well but as I said originally when you decide to sell it on I want first refusal!
I think the market has gone crazy lately, i did miss out on viewing a rather nice 500 recently that was in the classifieds for £15k, viper blue in colour if it was someone on here.Belle427 said:
BIGMIKE1 said:
I constantly regret selling that car
Car has been faultless in my ownership really, im just getting that urge for a bit more poke now as we all do from time to time.
I would consider trading up so to speak but I do have a budget to stick to.
Are you looking to buy another Mike?Belle427 said:
BIGMIKE1 said:
Sell the old girl back to me and buy a 500!
Hi Mike, thanks for that!Car has been faultless in my ownership really, im just getting that urge for a bit more poke now as we all do from time to time.
I would consider trading up so to speak but I do have a budget to stick to.
If i do decide to sell on i will let you know, seems to be a buyers market for 400s though.
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