How much power is enough?

[AceOfHearts]

I know that the answer will probably whatever you have is never enough but it would be interesting to get peoples views on this.

At the moment my 4.0 Chim is making around 220bhp. This winter I am getting the engine rebuilt and turbocharging with the hope of around 350bhp, but with all of this outlay I don't want to be in the same position in a few years time (wanting more).

I want the car to still be usable and good for European jaunts, going to work in the summer and track days. Everything basically.

With this in mind will I be totally happy with 350bhp? Should I spend the extra now at this stage (probably an extra £3k or so) getting a 4.6 with forged internals built with the possibility of up to 500bhp?

What are your thoughts?

[AceOfHearts]

sapper said:

I have a 4l turbo with 360 bop and it's more than enough for just about any situation.

Thanks, that is reassuring. Out of interest what injectors are you running (I need to start getting bits ready for the conversion)

I think the worry I have is that I have been spoiled by motorbikes in the past, but I know acceleration in a car is a different sensation all together

[AceOfHearts]

Thanks for the honest replies everyone

I agree that the main thing is that I want the car to remain a well balanced package. There is no point having tons of power if you feel like it just wants to spin the wheels every time you go near the throttle.

Like you say there are so many big projects going on in the forum its easy to get sucked into a numbers game, which I really don't want to do.

I will carry on as planned with my 4.0 Turbo project. I'm sure I will be happy with a 60% power increase

[AceOfHearts]

OleVix said:

jamienshelly said:

I am seriously considering a turbo upgrade on our 400, only a low pressure system as the engine is well over 100K and still on the old 14cux, I am not chasing ponies although 350-375bhp would be really nice. I just want a car that is quicker than standard, a little different but is drivable. I was thinking of a single Garrett t28 or maybe even 2 t25's running around 5psi through an intercooler. being new to this FI scene would I need higher flow injectors and RR pressure regulator and what gain would I expect to see with either option and would I need an alli rad? as I assume I will need extra cooling.
Sorry for the hijack and barrage of questions.

you should definately give the engine a refresh before doing that! New seals and shells and you get to check the oil pump system/ strainer. Mine was full of silicone and gunk. A turbo would have killed my 400!

+1

Mine is currently at 115k hence deciding whether to rebuild this or go to a 4.6. I had considered just putting the turbo on the current engine but rebuild costs were reasonable and means I can put a new clutch in at the same time and tidy up the engine bay a bit

Plus my engine is still on its original cam so is probably not in its first flushes of youth

[AceOfHearts]

Boosted LS1 said:

OP, if you start with a set of fairly low compression pistons you'll have scope built in to run higher boost at a later date if ever you want to. Rest of the engine can remain fairly stock if you don't increase the rpm limit.

Thanks Mike, I have sent you an email