I have a question about horsepower.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

cebu, I am a new member, and I am 34 and still do not have my first Z. I am in looking to buy in the next 18 months, and will of course I will get the best example I can find in the 48 states. However, I have built more engines, in more cars that I care to talk about. I cut my teeth on everything from a Datsun 510, to a handful of Camaros and Trans Ams, to Integras, and now I am a died in the wool Subaru Fan.

One thing that I learned a long time ago, is this universal truth about cars...

"Horsepower costs money, how fast do you want to go."

Its your first car, and like most 17 year old testosterone filled males you feel you want more HP. I could try to talk you out of it, but I know its a fruitless exercise. Instead I will say this. Since you are new to cars, you have to first walk before you can run. You have an engine in your possession that has many miles on it with unknown amounts of wear on all its parts.

The first thing, I will tell you to do is do a compression test. Then do a leak down test. How is the oil pressure of the engine. What is the condition of the timing chain? water pump? How is the valve lash? What do the spark plugs look like, and how hot/cold does the car run?

These are all important questions, as you cannot build HP on a sick engine. After everything about your current configuration is known, then you can start to push it, but not before. As if you go add power to an engine that is not up to the task, then you will quickly find the weakest link.

One thing that building cars has taught me is that a performance car is not one dimensional. If you say you want 300 HP, then I will ask you, what brakes your running, and what condition is the suspension. What kind of tires are on your car, and what is their condition?

What I am trying to get at that 300 HP from a car that had roughly half of that is a tall order. You must realize that the farther you get from stock, the more unreliable and temperamental your car will be. You will NOT build a High HP car without it needing more maintenance, tweaking, service. If you do not understand how to do basic maintenance, you will not be able to maintain your High HP beast.

Another universal truth about cars, that I WISH somebody would have told me when I was 17..

"Its always more fun to drive a slower car at 10/10s, than a fast car at 7/10s"

Meaning a peaky High HP car will not be nearly as enjoyable moderately tuned reliable near stock HP car.

I wish you luck with your car, but learn about it before you mod it. I know patience is not in large supplies for any 17 year old, but in time you will realize that their is truth in my words.

Some day I hope to get my Z and be able to contribute more to this thread, as there is a level of maturity here that I can relate to.

Also, one last note. Try to make an effort to spell things correctly, capitalize the letter "I", and avoid using text abbreviations. Most people will take you more seriously when you use proper grammar.

Again Good Luck.

[red_dog007]

Well, what is your budget? Say you only have $1,500.

You can get an SR20DET for that amount with tranny and push 250hp stock. An L26 with $1,500 put into it will NEVER come close to 250hp. For $1,500 you can even find a decent old 350 and transmission.

Then put the motor in yourself. You would need a little bit more money for some custom work, but it won't be all that bad.

If you want to keep your motor, make a list of all what you want to do to it. Even if you are over budget, it will not hurt to have the vehicle sit for a few extra days/weeks for you to get the money. You will be much happier, rather then rushing the job with a limited budget.

This is basically what I am doing. I only have so much money, so I am completely stripping the car inside and out, and as I get money, pieces will be put back together.