How much HP is needed - Lateral-g Forums

coolwelder62 · #1 03-26-2011, 06:56 AM

What is the opinion of how much horse power is needed to for the ultimate PT car.

**Autokraft** · #2 03-26-2011, 07:27 AM

Alot

Vegas69 · #3 03-26-2011, 07:43 AM

Moving target...

Big-Head · #4 03-26-2011, 07:52 AM

Twin Turbo, All Aluminum, Big Block= 2500hp!!!

speedjohnston · #5 03-26-2011, 07:55 AM

This thread is just asking for trouble.

I honestly think its only possible to build your own ultimate. Too many variables. And besides, 2000hp is not ultimate if you can only use 400 of it.

Ron in SoCal · #6 03-26-2011, 08:12 AM

Depends on the intended use and how much the chassis can put down...

**XcYZ** · #7 03-26-2011, 08:12 AM

This will help.

Track Junky · #8 03-26-2011, 01:03 PM

Scott, I'd say minimum of 600 to 650 these days. I went from 500 to 620 and thought that I was going to be intimidated by the extra horse power on the track but actually it feels pretty good. Even with the 275/40's in the rear.

67ragtp · #9 03-26-2011, 01:23 PM

I think if you want to stay normally asperated anything above 700flywheel hp is probably gonna start getting pretty lumpy and the touring portion of "PT" might be a little uncomfortable to drive. If you can afford to go force induction then the big numbers come and the driveability is still there. Most PT cars these days are tied together with frame connectors/ full frame/ and roll bar/cages so I dont believe these power levels are to much for the chassis. Be prepared to spend time learning throttle control if you go big, heck 400 to 500 wheel hp rips these tires pretty easy.

Who knows what the ultimate power is, it sure would be nice to drive one of these cars with a twin turbo Nelson engine in it.

Rich

Vegas69 · #10 03-26-2011, 02:01 PM

I'd take the better driver, less weight, and balanced chassis over the hp anyday. Of course that's within reason. I have 666hp/641ftlbs and find it very managable everywhere except getting out of the hole. Of course I'm pretty used to it after 5000 miles and over a dozen races. Finch is making 600/600 approx and he won RTTC. Speedtech killed it on the road course and has approx 500. Can't say it was a huge hp track, however. Then you have Stielow that can drive and has huge power. The more power you saddle up, the better shoe you better be. All this is Road Racing only. HP doesn't mean much in Autocross and even teh shorter speed stop challenges.

I do agree with Rich. You better watch yourself in how radical you get with your combination. A great race car makes a miserable street car with iffy reliablility. It's a balancing act. One guy will argue his race car is a great street car. Everyone has different ideals and tolerance.