Hey guys,

First off, let me say: "I have no regrets about what I've done so far." The Vette is god's gift to me, and he said to turn this pile of oxidization, and plumbers goop into a real machine. With that I set myself on a mission to build a car with a bit more moden day suspension, looks, class, elegance, power, and fuel economy. ABout 75% of the car is all new parts, I've put in countless hours with my dad in the garage, I've spent close to $30,000, and we're still counting. I wouldn't spend $30k on something I hate, or not love. For me its the passion, and excitment, and pride. But after reading some of Ken's 'articles' as I like to call them, it got me thinking. I have a 1977 L48, which menas more than likley I have a stock differential of 3.08, or 3.55. As Ken said 25% of power is lost in such a low gear differential alone, plus an additional 20% in the automatic TH350 tranny. This causes a problem for me. How can it be this tru that the power transfer from flywheel to wheels is a 45% loss! This means that my *estimated* 400HP motor will only be 220HP, this si pretty close to stock numbers. I agree that 220HP is a lot, especially for a perosn my age. But my friend's stock SRT-4 has 255HP, how is it possible he beat me! What can I do to get this back?! I feel like I got raped.

Sadly disapointed,
-Louis

Lewis, Before you get too discouraged, you need to understand the different ways horsepower is measured. Check into the terms about gross and net or sae horsepower ratings and rear wheel horse power. A new ZO6 isn't putting all it's horse power to the ground either, and if they measured it using the old standard of gross horsepower, it would be a lot more than 500 hp. Do some research on this and it will be a learning experiance for you.

Dave

Well, since my post I've learned quite a few things. FOr one I have a better understanding of the numerous amount of HP ratings, and formulas. So far BHP, or Break HOrse Power seems to be the most honest of all. Also I have a better undersanding of how differentials work. And that our Vette's have to go through 4 stages of power loss before the hp can hit the wheels.

1) Transmission
2) Driveshaft
3) Differential
4) Rear Axels

I still can't find how much percent of power you lsoe per certain Final Gear Ratio. I guess what I'm saying is I'll be depressed, and feel robbed if the car that I know can produce 400 wild ponies lands me up with less than some crappy 4 banger that costed $24,000

Louis,Ken,

let me regard it from a totally different way :

if low gear differential loses 25% , BHP's who cannot disappear but in heat from friction ,then we can calculate :

a aluminium differential in wind of 150 mph and inside fast circulating oil can produce a K-factor of 0.4 kW/m2.°C

So , assume the differential has 0.5 m2 surface for heat dissipation .

IF you lose 25% of 400 BHP = 100 BHP = 73.6 kW .

So 73.6 kW / 0.4 kW/m2°C x 0.5 m2 = 368 °C ( oil temp !).

This means that the differential will overheat and already been exploded , no ? ( 368 °C = 700 °F ).

So i think a differential without a extra oil cooler on it can lose ( = dissipate heat ) about max 50 BHP ? I have no idea what the max oil temp. can be in there but assume 400 °F will be already a lot ?

to have a idea : 73.6 kW are enough to heat a BIG house in mid winter ......!

Take your calculators and start the game.......

see you, Norbert

$30,000!

My god man, what the hell kind of parts are you buying for this car?!

 Can you give us a complete breakdown on what you spent on each area of the car? Like, how much on the engine, transmission, rearend, suspension, interior, body & paint work, etc.

 I'm just curious. I thought $19,000 including the cost of the car on my '81 was crazy.

Sarge  

Louis, the easiest way to find out what you are getting at the rear wheels is find a dino.  If you take it there, & strap it down, you will get what your putting out at the rear wheels.  Mine comes out at a little over 550 hp to rear wheels.  Remember too, you have to tune the suspension to get the hp to hook up, or all you are doing is spinning your wheels. (G)

Bob

30K I think is not all that bad.  I know I'm probably way over that.  I probably have half of that in susupension, steering, wheels and tires.