horsepower limit?

Question

I have a 1991 trans am with a stock 305 in it. I was thinking about dropping a 383 stroker or a 350 in it, which may have 400-450 horsepower, as opposed to the stock 240, my question is what is the limit of horsepower i can have without having to put in a new transmission, rear end, etc. thanks

Answer 1

You got a 4 spd auto. Then its the 700r4 and its tough. With the new engine and cam set up get a 1981 Citation converter so that the cam loping won't keep tugging at the accelerator ( Old hotrodders trick)You got a stick you need to get one of those centrifical pressure plates and a newer clutch plate (can't remember what they are called but just get a Hot Rod Magazine to find out) Rear end ,is it black coated or rusty looking and does it have rear disc brakes? Oh well the old saying is run it till it breaks and then replace it

Answer 2

If that car has the stock 7.5" rear end on it, then it doesn't stand a chance against anything over about 400 hp. Especially if you plan on drag racing the thing at all. I'd be willing to bet the rear goes out long before the trans does.

When I upgraded my 1994 Z28 to about 510 rwhp (rear wheel power, not engine power), it fried the rear end in about a week. I upgraded to a 12-bolt rear end (Moser) with 3.90 gears and haven't had a problem since. Now, at over 700 hp, the trans is having some issues (imagine that).

So, in my experience, I'd be willing to bet the rear would go first. Try to keep it at or below 400 hp, and try to keep your foot out of it.

Answer 3

It realy depends on the tranny size. If it's no one of the turbo 350's or a standard you might have to look into upgradeing the tranny to handle the abuse of a bigger motor (thats it's not used to). If you go with a 350 ,which is alway a good option,cheap parts, and easier to work on. Go with the turbo 350 trans or the 400 & a set of 3.73ish gears. you'll have a cars that everyone wants and no one will want to race you. Be Careful and BUCKLE UP

Answer 4

There are plenty of trans builders who sell beefed up racing trannies for reasonable prices, usually only a few hundred more than what a stock replacement would cost.

The name Art Carr comes to mind here.

Answer 5

i own a shop and the rear end that's in it now will handle up to 500 horses,so you,ll be good on that part of it,the transmission may not take it,but the rear end will do fine,you,ll have to up date the transmission a lot to get it to hold up to that much power.good luck with it,hope this helps.

Answer 6

go 4 the 383 there will nothing to do with the traning those cars have a big traning any way

Answer 7

You will have to upgrade the transmission for sure,I would put a standard in if it were mine.

Answer 8

400hp will be pushing the limits of your stock trans and diff.