Power Building Guide

Proven part combinations for different power levels - what builders have had success with.

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Disclaimer: These are proven combinations. Your mileage may vary. No guarantees that any of this will work for you.

Component
< 300 WHP
300-450 WHP
450-620 WHP
620-1000+ WHP
Motor
-
-
- (E85 recommended)
- to 750whp, then built
Cams
Schneider regrinds
-
- (regrinds at top end)
Schneider regrinds
Ignition Coils
-
06+
06+, LS/IGN1a at top
IGN1a
Injectors
-
Snake Eater 1000cc
Snake Eater 1500cc
Bosch 210s + spacers
Harmonic Damper
- (BHJ if cams)
-
BHJ if regrinds
BHJ revised
Oil Pan
-
Rear sump 8+ qts
Rear sump 8+ qts
Rear sump, dry sump at top
Turbo
N/A
GT3582 / T3 5x
S366 91ar
IVSracing 80/82
ECU
-
Microsquirt / P12 / E67
MS Goldbox / E67
MS Goldbox / Maxxecu
Fuel Type
Pump gas
E85 at 400whp+
E85
E85
Transmission
4L60E / Manual
4L60E / TH400 / Manual
TH400 / 4L80E / Manual
TH400 / 4L80E / Manual

< 300 WHP - Naturally Aspirated

Naturally aspirated is almost always depressingly slow. I recommend putting a turbo on if you are going to go through all the work of swapping one of these motors.

300-450 WHP

This a really fun zone to be for a light car. 450whp is enough to scare a lot of people. Microsquirt note: VVT really isn't required - turbo spools so fast it is unbelievable. You are leaving ~20hp at peak on the table by not having VVT, but the extra expense may not be worth it for some.

450-620 WHP

I'd recommend stopping here for most people. At this level: Megasquirt Goldbox recommended - S365 turbo spools nicely, but having the VVT helps a lot. You can probably make a stock ECU work, but I highly recommend moving to a stand alone. E67 is definitely much more capable.

620-1000+ WHP

This is getting into a zone where we do not have much experience. We have proven that a stock bottom end will take up to 750 whp, and I think it will go further. Also, I am going based off rumor on how long the block and stock crank will last. If you are not a careful person, you should probably not even attempt.