I meant that an increase of torque does not mean that the maximum hp (which people usually refer to as it is published) will necessarily increase. In cases I mentioned it may remain the same or even decrease.

So higher HP throughout the powerband but not more maximum HP necessarily?

Here is an example. Imagine an engine that has exactly 150 lbft from 1000 to 7000 rpm and revs up to 7000. (I know no engine is exactly like that, it's a simplified example to demonstrate the idea). The hp is 29 @ 1000 rpm, 86@3000, 143@5000 and 200@7000. Max hp is 200.
Now we increase torque to 200 lbft but only in the low rpm range. Eg. 200 lbft from 1000 to 3000, 180@4000, 160@ 5000 and 150 above that. The hp is now 38@1000, 114@3000, 152@5000 and still 200@7000. So while max torque increased to 200 lbft, max hp is still 200.
Another example: we increase torque to 170 lbft across the rpm range, but now the engine can only rev to 6000. Power is now 32hp@1000, 97@3000, 162@5000 and 194@6000. And that's the maximum hp now, 194 with 170 lbft max torque.

Agree. I find this engine quite peppy between 4500 and 7400 RPM. But getting this car off the line quickly needs a fairly aggressive release of the clutch and traction control turned off

I want more "aggresive" wheels and aeoro-kit.

Give it 50 more and you will still hear "but the XXXX sedan has 50 more" and "this car needs anther 200 to keep up with the YYYY".
What I would do with 50 more is probably nothing. I can already be above any speed limit in between 3 and 7 seconds (without bouncing off the rev limiter or even going to 7k). I do not need to trim .2 seconds off my time from stop light or the traffic in front of me.

:thanks::thumbsup:

I see what you did there

250hp would be better, but as so has astutely been pointed out, low end grunt would be much more beneficial. Being able to accelerate stronger out of corners and sprint better to the next one would really hone the working edge of this car into a sharper weapon. As it sits it will do 100mph in fourth, I have no speed complaints, just acceleration ones and that's a torque problem.


I know when it lays down between 3500 and 4500 I think, "man, feel that fuel economy!"

Fast car Fast> Slow car Fast > Fast car Slow

So to answer the OP, with 50% more horsepower I would use it to trash the stock components of the car that weren't design to support an output of 300hp.

Or you could just upgrade your diff ratio, add Crawford power blocks and call it a day.

This would speed up every gear and move the entire power band down a few hundred RPM. This is assuming you are staying NA and just want to improve DD drivability. Depending on the FD ratio I'd imagine this combo would (seat of the pants wise) get you pretty damn close to the feeling of having those 50 extra ponies.

If it's destined for the twisties or autocross, this might be a great trick.