07-11-2014, 05:53 AM
(07-09-2014, 07:45 AM)Randy B_imp Wrote: Something to consider is the fact of the small displacement lends itself to a much larger percentage increase than is typically seen in an automotive application. It's much easier to get 1 hp or more per cc or cid the smaller you go in displacement and still be usable for every day driving.
And in a racing application you can easily double (or more) your output with a turbo. Have you ever seen what a Grand National can do? I have seen those put down close to 1000 hp. And yes they are turbo charged from the factory, but with a larger turbo and mostly head work and an upgraded intercooler you can just about make whatever power the block and gaskets can take before failure.
Basically it's all about how much do you want to spend to go fast (or look cool).
That's why I qualified what I said with "safe." The stock GN is a dog. The GNX on the other hand...
Also, you can't "easily" double your horsepower. You're talking about cars that come with turbos from the factory, so their compression ratios are already reduced. Take something like a stock Corvette, with it's already high compression ratio (almost 12), and attempt to stick a big turbo on that, and see how that goes. I'll tell you because I have friends who have done it... the engine dies quickly; the ring lands go away, and soon your engine is puking oil from every orifice. A great deal of investment in both time and money must go into turbo charging a naturally-aspirated motor if you want it to live a while.