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Ok, I don't usually do this, but I'm kind of at a crossroads and need a little more info before I decide which way to go. I'm going to post this on a few forums, and will be calling some builders, so don't worry that your opinions are going to make or break the deal :D
First, the background: I bought my '02 Camaro 3.8 expressly for the purpose of building it into an SCCA road race car, to run in the Improved Touring "R" class (ITR). This class allows for mildly modified street cars, and uses weight to help even out the competition. Since the Camaro is classed very light (2815 lbs w/driver), the only chance it really has of being competitive is if it can make the IT-prep estimated HP (or preferable a little more). The estimate the SCCA used to classify the car in ITR was 250 HP at the flywheel, based on the following allowed modifications:
* Air intake is open, up to the throttle body - but must come from within the engine compartment (or from the stock location, if that is outside the engine compartment). No ram air, hood scoops, etc, unless stock.
* Exhaust is open, & all emissions equipment can go.
* Engine management is open, but must use stock MAF sensor.
* Stock flywheel must be used, but can be resurfaced.
* Pulleys are open.
* Engine may be bored up to .040 over & balanced/bluprinted. Compression may be bumped by one-half point. Heads may be shaved, no porting/polishing allowed.
* Ignition system components are open, but must be of same type as stock.
* Everything else about the engine must be stock.
So, the question for the experts is, given the above parameters, can the 3.8 make 250 HP at the flywheel (about 205 at the wheels)? Please, only answer if you have real hands-on experience with this engine, I can read the forums if I want to access the virtual knowledge base.
Thanks.
First, the background: I bought my '02 Camaro 3.8 expressly for the purpose of building it into an SCCA road race car, to run in the Improved Touring "R" class (ITR). This class allows for mildly modified street cars, and uses weight to help even out the competition. Since the Camaro is classed very light (2815 lbs w/driver), the only chance it really has of being competitive is if it can make the IT-prep estimated HP (or preferable a little more). The estimate the SCCA used to classify the car in ITR was 250 HP at the flywheel, based on the following allowed modifications:
* Air intake is open, up to the throttle body - but must come from within the engine compartment (or from the stock location, if that is outside the engine compartment). No ram air, hood scoops, etc, unless stock.
* Exhaust is open, & all emissions equipment can go.
* Engine management is open, but must use stock MAF sensor.
* Stock flywheel must be used, but can be resurfaced.
* Pulleys are open.
* Engine may be bored up to .040 over & balanced/bluprinted. Compression may be bumped by one-half point. Heads may be shaved, no porting/polishing allowed.
* Ignition system components are open, but must be of same type as stock.
* Everything else about the engine must be stock.
So, the question for the experts is, given the above parameters, can the 3.8 make 250 HP at the flywheel (about 205 at the wheels)? Please, only answer if you have real hands-on experience with this engine, I can read the forums if I want to access the virtual knowledge base.
Thanks.
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