... so if I wanted to build a streetable 8-second GN ...

[treynor]

It's fall out here in Northern California, and time for me to start thinking about a new project car. I've always liked the GNs (probably because they were the stuff of domestic legend back when I was a lad of driving age) and since the parts and technology seem to be available for them, they are a logical choice.

Soo... I've done a bit of poking around with the search function on this board, but I want to throw the question open to those willing to take the time and respond -- how would the collective wisdom recommend going about an 8-second (race gas) streetable (which in Cali means runs on pump gas, and has cats and a full exhaust with a cutout) GN?

Thanks in advance (and yes, I'm serious!)
Ben

 

[PlaneMech]

Hi,

Gee that should be easy. You want a TR that will run on pump gas, and then throw in a little race fuel and go 8 seconds ET's. Do you mean in the quarter mile? If so:

You might want to try a JATO rocket for that program.

Later,
John

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

HOWDY-

if i were to build a 8 second racecar, it wouldnt ever be on the streets because of all the idiot drivers out there with no insurance-

im sure a 8 second racecar could be driven on the streets, but thats not the purpose of the car.... i dont think you could just bolt on cats, add pump gas and DOT tires to get it legal-

im sure there is someone out there that does it

it would be much cheaper to buy one already done

HOPE THAT HELPS
BW

 

[turbo buicks]

8 sec on racegas, gonna be like 9 or 10 sec on pump. since you are rich id say get the new TA Performance Aluminum V6 block, billet crank, the best rods/pistons money can buy. buid it perfect. a set of badass TA aluminum heads and a huge turbo. hi stall converter may be a prob as it will make a lot of heat and you will have to run a TH-400 tranny unless you like swapping trannies. id say get in contact with Cal Hartline in Melbourne, FL. ive met him before and he has a NICE 8 sec GN. he told me he still dirves his car on the street but the boost is really useless since it makes so much power. check out his site www.hartlineperformance.com

 

[turbonatr]

Realistically speaking, I think mid-high 9s is about the limit for a truely streetable V6-powered TR. Anything quicker usually requires a huge turbo (which equals a very laggy street car), a very loose converter and most likely ditching the 2004R OD trans. Now, remember, I said truely streetable. Now, "streetable" is a very subjective term. What one guy considers a street car may not be what another guy thinks. Heck, IMHO, a race car is only "streetable" since a street car is just that... a street car. In other words, a race car can be streetable and a street car can be raceable (is that even a word?. ). To me a true street car has all the amenities that came with it from the factory like a/c, power everything, factory bucket or power bench seat, etc. Take those things away and you may have a "streetable" car, but not a "street" car. Like I said, that's the way I personally look at the matter.

A streetable 8 second TR is certainly possible, but for all intents and purposes, not probable. I don't think a car built to make that kind of power is going to be fun on the street, not from a V6, anyway. Stick a turbo SBC in it and the matter changes entirely. If you are willing to settle for a mid 9 second car, i'd say you can do it with the right combo and parts (since there are a number of stealthy 9 second street TRs already).

 

[azgn]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say there are no 8 sec street TR's

(meaning, at the very least, with a license plate)

it is a worthy goal, but my guess is it'll take more money than anybody in their right mind would be willing to spend

if you really want an 8 sec "street" car, I would suggest a visit to Mr Dutweiller's place and a bag of money!

 

[treynor]

A turbo SBC is certainly a possibility, especially since I'd want to start with a rolling chassis with a blown (or missing) engine anyway. I'm actually rather surprised this is such a rarity - the formula for an 8-second Viper or 'Vette is straightforward though not cheap.

Chris Chow speaks well of Duttweiler's engine work, as do several others, so he's on my short list to talk to about power. I was assuming a tranny conversion was in order -- TH400 makes a lot of sense. I'm actually considering putting one in my Viper after the stock T56 explodes (can't be long now...)

With a full-weight GN chassis, I figure 1500 HP would be more than enough to get into the high 8s. That's hardly an unreachable figure for a streetable turbo engine...

 

[Two Lane]

One-hundred-fifty-thousand (initial "investment"), just to get things started, cash, (in a nice Haliburton briefcase) should get the project underway...plus the GN, of course.

Ask Bill Anderson what he estimates he has in his...not counting his labor, & being built in his shop.

 

[turbonatr]

Originally posted by treynor
I'm actually rather surprised this is such a rarity - the formula for an 8-second Viper or 'Vette is straightforward though not cheap.

They 'vette has 2 more cylinders, the Viper 4 more. It shouldn't be much of a surprise. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT saying you can't get 1500hp from a V6. There are many stage 2 guys doing that and then some. HOWEVER, a "streetable" 1500hp V6 is another story.

Bottom line, a 1500hp V6 race car? Definately. A 1500hp V6 street car? Not likely.

 

[GNSCOTT]

You can do it if you don't mind washing down cylinder walls w/ 160# injectors, changing lifters and $400 springs constantly.

 

[nickb]

I have seen this guys cars on car domain, he's not kidding!!!! I would talk to Cal Hartline or Chris Chow, these guys have done it! I dont know if they drive it everyday but cal seems to race his on the street once in a blue moonhttp://www.hartlineperformance.com/

Check it out

Nick

 

[turbonatr]

Chris Chow's car is a twin turbo 390+ci. SBC, not a Buick V6. Keep that in mind.

 

[GNSCOTT]

And keep in mind that Cal has the resources and know how to easily maintain the motor. Like I said, springs are $400 a set and won't last long on the street in an 8 second combo.

 

[turbonatr]

It's a matter of cubic inches. The smaller the engine, the more radical is has to be to reach the required power level. You (and the car) will be happier with a larger displacement engine to start with.

If you are dead set on an 8 second streetable car, a turbo SBC in the Regal or a *cough* turbo Mustang is the way to go. Either way, Duttweiler is the man to see on your coast. Bring lotsa $$$.

 

[nickb]

Ben,
Do you mind if I ask what you do for a living? I would also like a "how to" guide on doing what you do.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[turbonatr]

http://www.treynor.com/index.html

 

[nickb]

I saw that already, its crazy!!! But what does he do?

 

[turbonatr]

The link I posted is not the same as the one in Ben's profile.

 

[nickb]

OK, got it, thanks

 

[Whitettype86]

Well looks like u got the money

U should call Ken Dutweiller he should be able to make it happen

Carl hartline and Chris Chow can do it to.

treynor
Nice cars specially the viper: