Question about engine efficiency and HP

[Cuse99]

Just thinking about this as I'm about to order my crate motor. Using 300 HP as an example of a what I'm looking for which is better?
1. An engine built to perform at 300 HP with all the correct components to get it there, like the right heads, select aftermarket intake, long tube headers, dual exhaust, etc.
2. An engine built to perform at 400 HP with all the correct components but restricted by factory GM intake, single exhaust, factory GM exhaust manifolds?

Or does it not matter? Are there any side effects to #2 I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.

 

[carnutjw]

1.

 

[bracketchev1221]

Any component whether its an engine, pump, or electric motor has a specified rating, hp, and output. The best way to run any component is at rated and recommended load, rpm, hp. Trying to restrict something with too high capacity never works out well. So if you want 300 hp, optimize the setup for that.

 

[blk7gxn]

#1 all day long! Why spend all that money to make a HO smothered boat anchor. LET IT BREATH 😍

 

[ck80]

Even if you run restrictive manifolds and gm parts on a higher hp motor, the high hp motor has higher compression,and needs higher octane fuel.

You want to run on 87 pump gas.

Go with option 1, just get a roller cam. The money you save on additives over the engine life more than makes up for the cost of the roller when buying.

 

[blk7gxn]

I personally would spend the extra money and get EFI setup in place of the carb. This way you can have your maximum HP AND your perfect 14.7:1 ratio for optimal fuel economy, and you can program it to do what you want without lifting a wrench one its all se up. Because without a computer, there is no way to establish this ratio effectively or optimize your power output !

 

[Cuse99]

All makes sense. Thanks everyone for the responses.

 

[DRIVEN]

You don't drive a dyno sheet and horsepower is just a variable in a math equation. For a driver, aim for fat torque in the RPM range where you'll spend most of your time.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

You don't drive a dyno sheet and horsepower is just a variable in a math equation. For a driver, aim for fat torque in the RPM range where you'll spend most of your time.

HP is pretty much just torque with a time value. HP = torque x RPM / 5,252 or HP = force x distance / time.

 

[ck80]

HP is pretty much just torque with a time value. HP = torque x RPM / 5,252 or HP = force x distance / time.

Or, in other words, big blocks win, inline engines come in second, and everything else brings up the rear while LS-engines go in a trash can in the corner.