MarcSpaz
06-22-2009, 05:29 PM
<HR style="COLOR: #f9f9f9; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f9f9f9" SIZE=1> <!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->
Well, as some of you know, I have been working on building one hell of a powerful car. Unfortunately, I am broke, so it is a slow process. My plan was to spend 4 years building the motor and transmission in stages to get as close to the 9's as possible and still keep daily drivability.
I decided to build my own, for sveral reasons. Back in 2006/2007 most of the reputable builders were going to charge me $25,000 or more to get a 700+ RWHP build with a transmission. I figured a big chunck of that price was going to be labor. There was no such think as a "factory drop-in" either. Plus, even with 700 RWHP, there are no promises of 9's or even low 10's. If I built the car myself, I could tweek and dial-in as needed.
I am 2 years into my build plan. I have all of the "top-end" parts for the go-fast build. The result of building in steps is I have one really nice naturally aspirated setup. I have only been to the track once since the NA build was completed. With no seat time and a full interior I managed to pull mid 12's in a 3820 lbs car (w/driver) with a setup reliable and comfortable enough that I could easily drive this car from DC to Sacramento and back. Pretty cool, right?
Now I am working on getting a forged short block, a fuel system, and a supercharger system. I have been researching parts and noodling around the internet for some time now. I have recently found some things that make me wonder if I should have just saved my pennies and bought a built setup instead of doing it myself.
I have already spent $8,500 in go-fast parts alone and I have 390 HP at the wheels. I am going to spend another $15,500 on the short block, blower, and trans to get the other 310 HP. That’s $24,000, basicly what I was quoted, only I am doing all the damn work!
Here’s another thing that is getting me down about all this; Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) is selling a drop-in motor that makes close to the same power I have right now for $6,700. FRPP also has a forged, naturally aspirated 351ci (5.7L) making 475 RWHP and 500 RWTQ, for $7,500! WTF? I bolt a Tremec TR6060 to it and I can be deep in the 11’s (maybe high 10’s), NA, for about $11,000.
Am I making a mistake with doing my own custom built setup? Should I have gone with a built motor from a pro shop? Is “over the counter” FRPP a good solution for the street? Who knows for sure? I sure don't anymore.
Has anyone dropped a 351 into and S197? Do we know what the end result is? Does it even fit under the hood? Obviously it is too late for me to start over since that would be WAY too expensive, but it will be good for others to know moving forard and for me for next time ;-)
.
.
.
.
Well, as some of you know, I have been working on building one hell of a powerful car. Unfortunately, I am broke, so it is a slow process. My plan was to spend 4 years building the motor and transmission in stages to get as close to the 9's as possible and still keep daily drivability.
I decided to build my own, for sveral reasons. Back in 2006/2007 most of the reputable builders were going to charge me $25,000 or more to get a 700+ RWHP build with a transmission. I figured a big chunck of that price was going to be labor. There was no such think as a "factory drop-in" either. Plus, even with 700 RWHP, there are no promises of 9's or even low 10's. If I built the car myself, I could tweek and dial-in as needed.
I am 2 years into my build plan. I have all of the "top-end" parts for the go-fast build. The result of building in steps is I have one really nice naturally aspirated setup. I have only been to the track once since the NA build was completed. With no seat time and a full interior I managed to pull mid 12's in a 3820 lbs car (w/driver) with a setup reliable and comfortable enough that I could easily drive this car from DC to Sacramento and back. Pretty cool, right?
Now I am working on getting a forged short block, a fuel system, and a supercharger system. I have been researching parts and noodling around the internet for some time now. I have recently found some things that make me wonder if I should have just saved my pennies and bought a built setup instead of doing it myself.
I have already spent $8,500 in go-fast parts alone and I have 390 HP at the wheels. I am going to spend another $15,500 on the short block, blower, and trans to get the other 310 HP. That’s $24,000, basicly what I was quoted, only I am doing all the damn work!
Here’s another thing that is getting me down about all this; Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) is selling a drop-in motor that makes close to the same power I have right now for $6,700. FRPP also has a forged, naturally aspirated 351ci (5.7L) making 475 RWHP and 500 RWTQ, for $7,500! WTF? I bolt a Tremec TR6060 to it and I can be deep in the 11’s (maybe high 10’s), NA, for about $11,000.
Am I making a mistake with doing my own custom built setup? Should I have gone with a built motor from a pro shop? Is “over the counter” FRPP a good solution for the street? Who knows for sure? I sure don't anymore.
Has anyone dropped a 351 into and S197? Do we know what the end result is? Does it even fit under the hood? Obviously it is too late for me to start over since that would be WAY too expensive, but it will be good for others to know moving forard and for me for next time ;-)
.
.
.
.