Is it really that hard to pull that extra 50 whp out? IM at 392/421 on E, I didnt figure getting to that 450 mark on the 2.0L would be all that difficult.

 

E85 is not an option for me. I may have better luck when I install my perrin intake and Garret 3.8 core intercooler (I had originally planned on being about 430 but missed by a few).

I know that I can't get significant additional power without a fuel or turbo upgrade. Fuel is out of the question (it's not here and I don't want to deal with it anyway) and so is additional lag which means a turbo upgrade is out of the question for me until after I get the engine built.

my current plan is to enjoy it as is (after the intake and core install) until the day my motor pops (or seems about to), at which point I will take it back to Chad and get it built for max low end power, maybe even with the same turbo to have a more responsive car with a wider power curve. We'll see what the options are when the time comes.

Right now, if I want to keep a 4 runner behind me from the jump I have to slip my clutch a little. Not a big deal and not hard to do and it gets a lot easier once you get used to your setup. But in the beginning I did get punked a few times.

 

Ah gotcha, sorry for the noob question im still learning these cars.

 

What is your driving style? Such as a stoplight to stoplight car, a highway monster, drag strip, autocross, or open track?

For me, a higher torque is much funner than a higher hp car. I drive a stoplight to stoplight car, meaning the fastest speed I go is getting on the highway. I only get use out of gears 1 through 3.

To cure the "mod bug" I switch back and forth between pump gas and e85. This will save you thousands of dollars if you can force yourself to do it. I have done it for going on 2 years and I still feel a thrill when driving my car.

 

If you drive like a grandma 95% of the time then you'll always be amazed when you stomp on the pedal the other 5%. I've had my car for a year now and it still gives me goosebumps when I put my foot down.

And I'm only making like 350...after I get my new parts and tune in the summer I'm gonna have to keep a spare pair of pants in the back at all times.

 

Also very true. I usually drive pretty easy, so when I do get on it, it still feels like plenty of power.

 

i need to adopt this policy.

 

I guess this is a key question on this thread - if you drive the car on road-tracks, going above 450whp is going to make the car a handful and probably unusable top-end power. A good balance of spool, torque and decent power should allow the engine to be taken to high rpms and stay fast on track versus the V8s.

On the other hand 450whp would probably feel low just as even 1000whp Supras feel to owners that regularly drag / 'street' race them

 

personaly im never content with my HP for too long. once i get used to it. it feels slow and want more HP

 

+1. This is very true. 450 whp is a tremendous amount of power for a track day car. I see it all the time, someone on EvoM is like "I am going for about 500-600 whp and I plan on doing street driving and some track days". Unless you are an experienced driver that is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

Had the most fun with my car when it had 460. Should've stayed there

 

You are so wrong. I am bored with over 600 whp in my evo. Thing is you get to a point when you drive it everyday where it just doesn't feel fast anymore. Only time you really see it is when some douchebag trys to race you and you smoke them in whatever they are driving.

 

I DD my Evo and never got bored of 350 whp. Like I said above though, 90% of the time I'm driving pretty casually, not really using the power. I guess if you're always using the power you have, then you you'll get used to it at some point.

 

I usually drive like an old lady 99% of the time. It just becomes at least to me you get use to it being there is quite a few spots I can open it up from 35 to 55 mph and anyone who drives these cars doesn't just roll in the throttle at all. I mean I do very very little city driving so that helps as well. Living in the country does have its perks I guess.

 

Im making the fun jump from my stock 8 turbo and cams to an fp red and kelfords with all the supporting mods to go e85. E85 an 93 is plentiful around me so im going to run my 93 map most of the time which should net me easily in that 450whp mark. When i get a little pinch for extra power ill just flash in e85 which my tuner tells me with my mods i should be around 525whp but still keeping the TQ levels around 400 to keep my block intact. I know ill get bored with it all in the end but at least ill have that extra shot of power to flash in. Kinda like drinking beer all night and it just doesnt do the trick well in this case e85 will be my shot of Jameson (or 3) to get u to that point where ur happy. Hope that helps. Btw i dont drink and drive. (Anymore)