Hey dont everyone overlook the ideas that I have seen done before...Sm block V8's. This has been done before with far less than $10k. But how bout one just slightly better. And keep the weight on the suspenion in reality. How bout a turbo'd Buick V6. Or with some extra machine shop work....a twin turbo'd V6.
Guys any one who know anything about makin real Hp know that the Buick V6 is reliable and powerfull. Look at the Buick GN's. How many of us with a 4cyl turbo'd Volvo are ripping thiese things up at the tracks?
Just a few simple things to keep in mind about a buick. First is that you must increase oil pressure(80-100psi) Buick makes a kit for this($30 with new gears too, and the pump is external) You also want a turbo'd V6 or at least the injected motor(carbed motors are ok too but in todays day and age, we have the tech to make a motor that is practical as well as fast. Large carbs and cams are just unnessesary like they used to be) A good valve job and light porting really makes these V6's breathe well(just a nice clean up is good for most street apps)Good 2 1/2 - 3" pipes.
With twin turbos you could make 300-350Hp(depending on mods) and still have a car getting 20-25+mpg. The 700R4 auto trans is a nice fit behind the buick V6 as well, and it has a very low 1rst gear for some serious torque pulling out on your favorite Mustang and Vets.
Of course you will need to do some research on some of the V8 volvo sites for some info. I dont know of any V6 (Chevy or Buick) sites at the time. I myself am in the middle of planning for this mod for my 87 Volvo740 Turbo'd/inter.
If you consider the buick V6 at all in the slightest...look at some real hi-pro buick motor builders pages...Kenny Bell is one that you should check out. He has built some of the fast cars on the planet. Buick Grand Nationals are one of them.Vovlo has made a beautiful car, but Buick has the motor that the sweeds should of used. Hope I did not offend anyone by that. But where most Volvo motors will obliterate themselves(450-500Hp) buicks just start needing things like stronger rods and such. The bottom end of most buicks will go to 500hp before your looking at custom ground cranks and such.
I love my Volvo but I Lust my Buick V6....lol
Later guys,
Rich