Hey guys im kinda of new to this whole thing, im looking at purchasing a SS or Z28 Camaro...im looking for a project car for myself and i was wondering how much power the SS or Z28 stock compnents can handle horsepower wise before i would blow something? Including engine components, tranny, and rear end? I know that performance parts can be very costly but are the camaro parts on the high side? What are some easy installs that will give me the bang for my buck? Sorry for so many questions but i have just completed school and im looking at purchasing a nice car, just looking for so info...

Thanks for the help...

 

LS1 engines can handle 500+ hp as long as the tune right,6speeds are OK but have weak syncros and blocker rings and can break if miss a shift during a power shift, the 4L60E is a better choice for a high HP car, but they too have limits. The 10 blot rear end is the weakest part of the drive train, I seen stock cars with a 6 speed and drag radials break them, autos tend be a alot easier on them. What are your goals for the car? Do you want to drag race it?

 

I have never seen an well-cared for and well modifiedLS engine with a stock bottom end'come apart' due to overstress if it had less than 465 RWHP (I've seen several in this power range that eventually blew from wear and tear after maybe 100+ drag runs).

I have seen several with over 500 RWHP that did come apart - some spectacularly and some very soon after modification -- but all ruined beyond repair (the stock engine in my Camaro was one - at around 540 RWHP). Furthermore, I know of no stock-bottom end LS engine with over 500 or 525 RWHP that lasted very long.

So in that range 465 - 525, is some magic line you don't want to cross.

If you rebuild the bottom end with good aftermarket parts and all forged rotating internals you can push the engine much farther. If you plan to get really serious about mods, going to a cast iron LS block adds 90 lbs in weight but results in an engine that, with heavy duty rotating components, is just about bulletproof if you take care of it well, even at 800 RWHP.

 

Thanks for the info it been a big help...
Im just looking to basically drive it as a daily driver but i want to be anle to attract attention...i was looking at the supercharging options but i dont think that it would be worth like $8,000...i pobably will end up with an exhuast, inatke and some other small mods...

But i was looking at the LS1 to LS6 conversion which looks like it would be worth the money!

Thanks for the help!

 

I'd go for the FAST intake over the LS6 intake, the FAST flows a bit better. Remember, power is all about how much money you are willing to invest.

 

Don't bother with the LS6 conversion, you will make more power with other heads and a different cam. I should clearify that I was not talking about RWHP in my other post.

 

Ahh . . . someone who does understand the one and only rule about hot rodding.