Hi guys, i am trying to decide on a good motor for a fun driver in a 69 camaro. No track use just fun street performance. Something that will preform like a modern day camaro or vette. thanx for any info. Vic

I'd look at a warmed over SBC, somewhere in the 350 to 400 hp range. That should get you plenty of power for the street without being too rowdy.

Of course my theory is that there is no such thing as too much hp... :D

I run my 69 z28 on the street with a 350ho/330 horse motor 4:10 gearas and a 4 speed. There are a lot of variables but I think I need about another 50 good running horsepower. Nothing too peaky, just a good wide power band. It really depends on your gearing and if it is a stick or auto. My gearing is a little steep for the street but the muncies 2.20 first gear is a dog. Good luck, I'd say go for a 375-400 horse with a good wide power band. The key is usable power.

You'll need about 300 - 350 rear wheel horsepower to run with a newer vette or camaro. That equates to a solid 400+ hp at the crank.

Like a 385 Fastburn with the HOT cam setup from GMPP good for 420-430 h.p....just like the one thats going into my car ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!!! Arrrrrgh...like I said before, this is going to be one VERY LONG WEEK! :D

thanx for the info guys, my car has a th200-4r trans that was just installed, right now it has a open 10 bolt with 3:08 rear end, that will be replaced with a posi unit,but still unsure of the gear. either 3:40's or 3:70's. i have big tires and wheels on it, 18x9.5 in the rear, more of a pro touring look. i already have fast stuff like 7 sec bikes, so this car should be just a fun street car. thanx vic

thanx for the info guys, my car has a th200-4r trans that was just installed, right now it has a open 10 bolt with 3:08 rear end, that will be replaced with a posi unit,but still unsure of the gear. either 3:40's or 3:70's. i have big tires and wheels on it, 18x9.5 in the rear, more of a pro touring look. i already have fast stuff like 7 sec bikes, so this car should be just a fun street car. thanx vic

IMHO, forget horse power. Build a motor which will give you about 400 ft*lbs of torque between 1000 and 3000 RPMs. Check out 383 stroker motors which is a SB350 block with a 400 crank. They require special rods and pistons and in some cases camshafts. But 383s really give you the g-feel when you mash to pass. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Dave69Z, you stress "The key is usable power". Can you explain to a novice what you mean by this? Are you referring to flywheel vs. back wheels H.P.?

Bluesdog

Bluesdog I think he is referring to power that can effectively be used on the street. This usually equates to having a wide torque band and a lower rpm peak hp. If you don't have proper gearing and a matched trans or stall speed then you don't get most of the power to the ground where it counts...you'll just get excessive wheelspin and a slow car.

The same goes for a drag car...what is the use in having a fantastic 1200hp blower motor if you can't get the tires to hook?

Choptop,
OK...but, on the street, even if you can't hook up, it still looks mighty impressive!!!! :D
Unless you're racing for pinks! :eek:

Vee521,
Seriously though, for most street applications, a good solid 350-400 h.p. should be more than enough. Also, do you spend much time on the freeway? If so, consider keeping the 3.08 rear for relaxed rpm cruising. With the extra h.p. and your trans, you should get what you're looking for...a good, fun street car. However, if you really want to romp off the line, go with lower (higher numerical) gearing. But be honest with yourself and decide what you REALLY want your car to do, otherwise you'll be spending a lot of time and effort and money changing things later. (don't ask me how I know... ;) )