The time it getting near for my winter build, I plan to go APS TT I have collecting parts all year and want any advise on what else I should be considering. I want the car to make 420whp @ 8psi 94 octane and be a safe daily* drive without being a ***** in traffic*. I will be mainly doing 1/4 mile somewhere in the 12sec, with some lapping. Here is what I have to date..The car is 06 grand touring.
APS TT
APS 2.5" Exhaust
AAM 2.5"Hi Flow cats
JWT clutch
stock flywheel*
Koyo Rad
Motordyne ISO spacer
Mrev
Tein Flex, EDFC
Hotchicks sways
Apexi Ground
Gauages boost, fuel
I want be on stock block, should invest in a Built Short block?? @ this power??

 

Of course it's going to be better to build up the engine, but you're going to get dozens of answers. Plenty of ppl run 420+ safely, others have blown their engines at that power level. The question is, are you willing to take the chance? If so and you blow your motor, do you have the means to get it back up and running? I believe even Peter from APS said somewhere that they only tune cars to around 380+ whp out of APS in Australia.

 

if its well tuned, it wont blow up

 

I've looked into SGP short blocks and I can do it if need be, just wondering what is the change in engine feel with lower compression pistons, with regards to lower bottom end power or will it even matter if you can know boost over (10psi for example). What is best buying already built block or builting the one I have. thanks for any advise.

 

Lowering your compression will be like making your motor smaller, say for our 3.5 liter VQ, a 3.0 liter motor, if you go with 8.6:1 comp pistons. Once boost builds up, it wont really feel any different. Smaller motors require more rpms to hit full boost as well.

Buying a built block from SGP is a safe bet since they have done so many already. They can custom tailor a few things but unless you have special requirments, i wouldnt bother.

To see 420 rwhp on the stock motor, id say you need at least 9 psi from the APS TT kit, unless your dynoing in the winter.

IMO, if you really think 420 rwhp is all you want, then id stick with the stock block. Get a really good tune and clean install. Stick with fuel stations you trust and that have alot of buisness, I prefer Cheveron gas, and you should be ok.

 

I had a well tuned car by Sharif and it blew up. 410whp. Stock connecting rods are garbage.

JET

 

Exactly, tuned to 442whp by GRD and she blew in 8months. Just do everything at once or don't do it all. Why pay twice to drop the motor for the motor build. If you can't afford the motor build now, don't do the TT. You'll be sorry.

 

it's those 400lbs of tq at hi rpms thats blowing them up. I would think if u stick with a sc at 400hp/340lb tq that it would last on a stock block but once u see 400hp/400lb tq, it might be a different story.