You can squeeze 1000hp out of a surprising number of engines, often for a total build price of sub 20k with moderate reliability, the only caveat is that the engines are often closer to the raggedy edge of what they can output in relation to thier displacement.
In my youth, and with one of the first cars I modified I was pushing just shy of 940hp on a 3sgte at 40psi, block rebuilt with forged parts, sleeves, forged bottom end etc, was only 19 when I built that, the biggest problem i had with it was finding axels that could take the power and fit the car, and the headache of having to drop most of the engine each time I wanted to change the clutch to experiment, since the trans was from a ST205 (interestingly bolts straight up to a ST185 engine).
Of course you need to be of the mindset where stripping an engine or custom wiring looms is more a question of time then finding it daunting, but i still assert that anyone with access to the right tools and some patience can do it.
Incidentally, right now theres a soarer sat outside with straight-out exhausts on a 2JZ-GTE that pushes 700+ for fun, though it still needs stiffer springs because stomping the pedal tilts the car so hard the rear shocks smash the bump stops like the fist of an angry god.
Trying hard not to kill it, as I wouldnt mind transplanting it into a GA61 when I eventually find one with a relatively sound chassis.
Just for fun, here's a friend of mines Celica ST185:
Dyno 900 awhp: https://youtu.be/MaRaBnZlMvU
210mph standing mile: https://youtu.be/a8OQCHG__6M
In my youth, and with one of the first cars I modified I was pushing just shy of 940hp on a 3sgte at 40psi, block rebuilt with forged parts, sleeves, forged bottom end etc, was only 19 when I built that, the biggest problem i had with it was finding axels that could take the power and fit the car, and the headache of having to drop most of the engine each time I wanted to change the clutch to experiment, since the trans was from a ST205 (interestingly bolts straight up to a ST185 engine).
Of course you need to be of the mindset where stripping an engine or custom wiring looms is more a question of time then finding it daunting, but i still assert that anyone with access to the right tools and some patience can do it.
Incidentally, right now theres a soarer sat outside with straight-out exhausts on a 2JZ-GTE that pushes 700+ for fun, though it still needs stiffer springs because stomping the pedal tilts the car so hard the rear shocks smash the bump stops like the fist of an angry god.
Trying hard not to kill it, as I wouldnt mind transplanting it into a GA61 when I eventually find one with a relatively sound chassis.
Just for fun, here's a friend of mines Celica ST185:
Dyno 900 awhp: https://youtu.be/MaRaBnZlMvU
210mph standing mile: https://youtu.be/a8OQCHG__6M
