Please help... Engine decision?

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by 70rs

Have you ever had a chance to drive something with a 600hp big block? It's hard to describe. But with all the magazines and builds spouting off about these huge numbers (700hp LS builds, 500hp small blocks) it can get a little out of perspective as to how much power and torque there really is on tap. When you have a chance to drive something with a well built big block you will forget the Dmax idea. 600hp in a street car with good suspension and brakes is a real eye opener.
If you want something to compare to, go test drive a new Corvette. Those are rated at 430hp (I believe) at the crank. Get on it a bit on the freeway and feel the torque. Then imagine a 150hp and about the same in torque increase. You will see that 600hp is MORE than enough in a street car. And it is a total riot to play with. I have driven several Chevelles up here (local Teamchevelle.com members) with 400-500hp big blocks, TKO600 and automatic trans, some set up for corners and some for drag racing only. Only way to describe 500hp at full throttle is AWESOME!!

It's not so much how much power is a lot to the masses. It's all about what you as an individual is used to. Some people think 400hp is powerful and scary. And in certain hands, yes it can be. And then others ar bored if they do not have 1000hp on tap. I know some people like that. 2 years ago I thought 400-500 hp was quite a bit and got me excited. Now it bores the hell out of me. I need 700+ to be even stimulated. Yes it's quite sad I know.

But the sound of a stout big block is quite pleasing and hard to beat.