Some more questions...

[HBG35Coupe]

Ok guys i'm back again with some more questions. I've been reading about Turbo's and S/C's, but my real question is; How much horsepower can a stock motor hold? Say I get the S/C, whats the most boost you can run without damaging the motor? I'd prefer not to break open the motor, but if I have to I guess I will.

Also - What would be the best spring/shock set up? I'd love to do coil-overs, but cant see spending that kind of money when i'm not going to be all out racing. Just doing it for looks and better handling, if that makes sense.

[tollboothwilley]

From what i have read, coilovers are definitely the way to go if you are willing to spend the money. Allows you to be adjustable enough to not go completely out of camber range but still be stiffer and lower.

400 WHP is right around the max you can put your engine through without having to beef it up

[zozoka1212]

+1 toolboothwilley

400 top before you need a serious internal mod.

zozo

[joe603]

Under 9PSI to be safe...make sure you get a tune if you get FI!

[HBG35Coupe]

I'm still debating if I want to spend the money on it or not.

[telcoman]

I'm still debating if I want to spend the money on it or not.

Put the $$$ in your 401k. You'll thank me in 25 years

[!979TransAm]

401K? why do you need that?? I'm saving all my money and investing wisely, putting it all on the roulette table Black 13.

But seriously, how reliable would the motor be at 400 horspower? Is that run ragged after a few months or does it even last that long?

[rn79870]

It's not just the motor that gets stressed. The trans, in fact, the entire drive line does . Consider that $5000 in the bank at 5% in 20 years would be about $14,000. $5000 in a turbo, in 1 - 2 year(s) would be about -$10,000. Net, about $25,000 difference between the two alternatives. Now, add extra gas, tuneups, maintenance to that. Is it worth over 25k to force feed your G?

[joe603]

Come on guys, if we were all that sensible, we wouldn't drive luxury cars, we'd be on a prius forum...all cars depreciate-fact of life.

To answer your question, FI will be harder on the drivetrain, but if you don't take it to the track (or drive like that all the time) they can last for 50+k miles or longer with boost. Just keep an eye on your oil and be aware of any tuning issues by monitoring your gauges. Get an A/F, oil pressure, and boost gauge....EGT if you want 4.

[rn79870]

Come on guys, if we were all that sensible, we wouldn't drive luxury cars, we'd be on a prius forum...all cars depreciate-fact of life.

True, except...modifying a car is like buying a boat...The expenses never end. Second, once the wife finds out what all that stuff costs, you'll wish you were driving a Prius. Third you'll end up paying to bring the Mother-in-law out for a 2 week visit, or something equally sinister, to get back in your sweethearts good graces. Come on Joe, this is worth another 100 HP?

[kmech_7]

look.... i have the vortech supercharger at 8psi.... i have tuned the car and am getting 404.9whp... for all you people out ther thats 405 at the wheels and about 475 from the crank. you do not need to do internals untill about 420whp. anymore than that and you are sittting on a time bomb.

[HBG35Coupe]

Ok, after reading and doing some homework on this topic I believe i'm just going to keep my G clean. Wheels, suspension, intake, exhaust, and maybe some other minor stuff. I dont think i'm into boosting the motor anymore. It may change, but who knows. At this point i'll keep it as simple, and as good looking as i can. Sorry to change the thread up on you guys, but thats been my decision after much debate.

[Jacko3]

I spoke to a mechanic yesterday on this issue and I was told that your engine warranty is covered so long as you don't exceed 7 psi of boost. I don't know what horse power numbers translates to 7 psi of boost. However, i also understand that you can change the boost setting of your supercharger very easily by replacing the pulley belts with thinner of fatter belts. Thinner belts lead to more boost and fatter belts lead to less boost. So, your supercharger can be boosted to very high levels.

My mechanic said that the G-35 motor can do a lot more than the manufacturers noted in their manuals. He even sent me a picture of a G-35 that had a Twin turbo and charged with alcohol. No internal components have been replaced on this car, and he said, the car was pushing about 600 - 700 horse power. Of course he said the differential had to be replaced and that the owner fo the car only drives the car on a race track of for drag races. The car is totally impractical for everyday driving. He said alcohl charging systems damage internals like Nitrous.

He also told me that that a well tuned supercharger might actually give you better gas mileage in some instances.

[joe603]

Come on Joe, this is worth another 100 HP?

No...but an additional 175HP at the wheels is worth it

I agree with you on the boat analogy, but you're forgetting one very important thing...Mods are not only fun to have, but are fun to look forward to, install, and then drive. Its similar to gamb|ing...it's hard to stop because it's so addictive.

If you're up front with you spouse on the cost (you have a 30k dollar car now), I really don't see how that would get you into hot water. There are millions of Ferrari's and other exotic cars running around...it just depends on what you can afford.

[HBG35Coupe]

If you're up front with you spouse on the cost (you have a 30k dollar car now), I really don't see how that would get you into hot water. There are millions of Ferrari's and other exotic cars running around...it just depends on what you can afford.

Well i'm not married, so I dont think I have to worry about this..lol

On a side note, i'll just keep my options open and keep on researching.

[!979TransAm]

hmmm the super charger seems like a good option to me because it broadens the power output and is pretty simple. BUTTTTT how crazy can you get with the boost? like what is the max PSI I could pump out of a vortec supercharger?

[HBG35Coupe]

I was wondering the same thing. Im thinking that i'd be happy for a streetable G with 400+ HP on the SC. Know what I mean?

[Q45tech]

People always forget the 25-35 HP that is used to turn the superchargers in their rw to flywheel conversions.

[joe603]

The Vortech has an upgradeable impeller so you could get very high boost levels. 15-20psi with the race setup. The VQ35 would not like that kind of abuse though...7-9psi is a good limit on stock internals.

[!979TransAm]

good thread here. So I could run conservative for a while with the supercharger and then swap in a motor, built internals and head work, to really pump it out. I like that. Turbos seem more complicated and expensive, at least for the amount of power I'd be happy with.