but I'll ask a question anyway. I'm starting to research the viability of picking up a 99 FRC as a second car soemtime in the next year so that my Scoob can be stripped and prepped for auto-x/track day use only. I'd like to get as close to being a 500bhp daily driver as I can. Would definitely want to be NA, so it would seem that H/C, long tubes, cold intake, hi-flo cats, etc would be the prescription. Any recommendations on best DD setup getting close to that power number? I've been looking around Corvetteforum.com, but everyone seems to have a dozen opinions on which package, etc is best for the street, etc. Besides that, the damn admins haven't activated my account yet, so I can't ask over there. Hopefully I won't get flamed too badly for having the nerve to bother you bowtie guys. I promise to behave myself while I'm in the tech areas.

 

Not hated at all.

500bhp is not too tough for a bolt on + heads and cam car. It doesnt even require a huge cam. Rev Extremes 224/228 cam is a great daily driver and Jeremy Formato made 450+ rwhp with that cam and some very good heads. Still get 25+ mpg as well.

The FRC is a great choice as well.


The only thing that i would say about your list...is ditch the cats. They cost alot of HP.

 

Thanks for the info. I figured a relatively mild heads/cam package would be all it takes. 67ChevelleSS has pretty much sold me on Vettes(if you know him and his family, you know why), and the FRC is really the only option, as I do not like all the glass you see on the regular coupes. I have to have a six-speed, regardless. Can't afford a Z06, or I would definitely be looking in that direction.

My reasoning for retaining the cats is primarily in trying to keep the torque curve strong and make the engine less peaky. I am no expert on NA V8s though, so any advice on the subject is appreciated. I'm also trying to clear my conscience, as running around catless now hits me with pangs of guilt every once in a while. The Scoob never made any torque, so I had no other option for better spooling and no good excuse to keep them.

I've been reading up on spring problems in these cars over on CorvetteForum.com. Is that the only major problem I really need to worry about at that power level? Will a stock clutch hold that sort of power? Any opinions on aftermarket flywheels on these drivelines? I know my Scoob's ECU has officially rebelled against the 12lb unit I'm running right now...and yes, I know we're talking different worlds there.

 

An engins is still an engine no matter how you look at it

500 RWHP is a bit much to shoot for. Even some of the BEST dont make it there. 450 is a more realistic goal Like AL said. With a GOOD heads and cam package along with all the bolt on, it shouldnt be a problem. Just very expensive. You will need a new clutch, but you can retain the stock flywheel. Also, with the cats... ditch them. We make better TQ and HP without them because it chokes the exhaust. Also, under the curve is better. Most seem to have the spring thing worked out these days. It was a major problem about a year or so ago with breakages, lost engines, etc..

The Vette is a nice choice. Ive been looking that way myself and getting rid of my car. the 99 FRCs can be had from $20k all the way up to 30k so the are definetly affordable now since its a very tough market for them right now.

 

he said BHP carl...

 

I thought Brake horsepower was rear wheel?

 

Definitely not looking for 500whp, especially on a daily driver, though it would certainly be a blast to be at that power level!! The 99s seem to be in a pricing sweet spot and only getting better, as fewer people want the old body style, the age is starting to catch up with mileage, meaning even low mileage cars are pretty cheap and the engine has some age on it. On top of all that, everyone wants the LS6 heads package if they can get it, so the older setups are less desirable. I've seen a bunch of FRCs at or under $21k with less than 50,000 miles. That's not bad at all, so long as the car was properly maintained and not beaten on. Definitely looks like a buyer's market is developing on these older Vettes.

I just can't jump on a car right now, as I need to get my Scoob paid off first. Really want to keep it, as it's been a fun car and would make a better auto-xer than the Vette after all the engine and suspension mods I've made.

If you think making a 500bhp daily driver Corvette is expensive, you should have a go at making a 400bhp, 2.0L Scooby daily driver. After parts, labor, dyno time and tuning, the Corvette looks like a goddamn bargain!

 

500BHP is a snap. Take HybridSS suggestions and you are there. My route would cost you too much money and it would far exceed your BHP requirements.

 

I've been reading a bit about your intentions and yes, you are going a little further than I would want...at least while the car was still street driven. I'm looking for a black on black car, so no worries about color/copy catting. Nice car, BTW.

 

You have a good point about the Scoob I thought our F body headers were bad at $700/ pair, but to get a good set of Vette headers its 12-1500 Cat backs are ~$700. forget about changing the gears .... Ive been pricing all the good stuff lately