Quote:
Originally Posted by twobjshelbys
I think first I'd like an explanation of how almost 900hp was not the major contributing factor. This sounds like a case of pilot error to me.
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I would normally agree, Tony, except the OP indicates he is extracting that power from a 354" naturally aspirated small block. The numbers work out to essentially 2.5 hp per cubic inch. While not ProStock power levels (3 hp per cubic inch) it is close enough to raise the question of, "it it real or is it memorex" to steal a line from years gone by.
I suspect the represented engine power level is an optimistic wish with no dyno paperwork to support it. The real world power is probably closer to 550 FWHP, likely less, that will work out to about 450-ish at the tire — best case.
The real problem is a maintenance issue not a power, chassis design or strength of materials issue. Someone abused the car and when they heard the clunking in the back continued to beat on it until it failed. Once failure arrived the blame game begins. There are enough of us with SPF replicas that make more power, more torque and do not seem to suffer these sorts of failures. It is an abusive operation / lack of maintenance type failure — nothing more and nothing less.
My questioning was just to point out that the OP was sprouting potential problems like a popcorn machine at a movie theater without any knowledge of what he was talking about - let alone testing to provide some sort of basis for the representations.
Ed