Opinion on horsepower

fordracing65 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011, 10:48 PM

I was talking with Dennis Olthoff about horsepower and how much is to much. He stated a perfect balanced cobra is in the 485 wrhp range. I know some cars have alot more and some alot less. What is your opinion on a well balanced hp rating for a cobra.

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 03:25 AM

My thoughts:

1. Figure out what rpm range you want to run in (or do the most running in) then build the engine for the most horsepower in that range.

i.e. If you're going to be doing nothing but 2000-5500 cruising, then build the engine for that rpm range.

2. Cobras have gas pedals. Even if you have "too much", you have a gas pedal and can control it.

3. Whatever your desire is, add a little bit more. As an engine builder and Cobra owner, I've found that you get accustomed to the car and you will want more power down the road.

mdross1 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 03:58 AM

My feelings are and after having it both ways,It is always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have have it.

Tommy · #4 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 06:36 AM

fordracing65,
I'm thinking you're relatively new here and may not have seen some of the threads from a while back about Bruce Cambern's Cobra # 3170. It is one of the most serious racing Cobras still seeing regular track time. As best I recall it produces more than 600 HP at the wheels, and he had a lot of trouble modulating the power at first. But he solved the problem by changing the throttle pedal/cam action to significantly slow the rate of throttle opening. He says he can now easily keep the tires just short of breaking traction (optimum performance). .... My point is that "too much" horsepower is an issue only if it requres so much driver attention to manage that it detracts from his overall perfomance.

BTW, if you're talking about optimum horsepower in street driving, I have no opinion. That depends entirely on the driver's tastes.

fordracing65 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 08:34 AM

I know Bruce and was present when he won the optima top car challenge, his car is amazing, but way to much engine for anything but that kind of driving, i was considering supercharging my engine, with the dohc motor 600-700 is just a turn of the screw away, thanks for the advice.

DanEC · #6 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordracing65

I was talking with Dennis Olthoff about horsepower and how much is to much. He stated a perfect balanced cobra is in the 485 wrhp range. I know some cars have alot more and some alot less. What is your opinion on a well balanced hp rating for a cobra.

Hmmm - my 428 was stroked and built to be streetable - came up at 470 Hp and 530 Ft Lbs on the dyno. So, I should be in the groove.

dave from mesa · #7 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blykins

My thoughts:
3. Whatever your desire is, add a little bit more. As an engine builder and Cobra owner, I've found that you get accustomed to the car and you will want more power down the road.

I hear that. Wish I had started with more.

Silverback51 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 06:35 PM

A person just needs to remember that the gas pedal is not an Off/On switch.

I don't flat foot mine all that often, but when I want it, it's there.

twin turbo · #9 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 07:37 PM

My opinion is 550-600 rwhp on the street, assuming you're running drag radials and use restraint when appropriate. This is based on my subjective experience playing with different boost levels. These passes were with about 600 rwhp on a track that was more slippery than most streets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQtmrxaRVTg

lovehamr · #10 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 07:46 PM

"Opinion" huh?

More is better! BTW, I just watched the speed program on the Optima challenge and they said that he had "over 900hp." Of course that's TV but watching that puppy run is impressive. 0-60-0 in 6.7 seconds if I recall.

Steve

bobcowan · #11 (**permalink**) 02-05-2011, 09:28 AM

There's no such thing as too much power; only not enough control. You can make any power level controllable.

BUT... power level is at the far right end of the equation. It's really a moot point. You assemble the engine the way you want to, with your goals in mind, and the dyno curve will fall where it falls.

So, don't build an engine with a number as a goal. Build the engine with your drivability goals in mind. Make your series of decisions from left to right in the equation: BB vs. SB, Stroker vs. non, Radical cam vs. sedate, etc.