Too Much Horsepower?

HOT ROD Magazine recently posed the question "What's The Best Horsepower Number For A Street Car?" in a sidebar article it published inside a feature article about 1,000 bhp crate engines. Ten of the top engine builders in the U.S. weighed in on the subject, first on making 1,000 bhp then on what the perfect amount of horsepower is in a street car.

While the ways each builder reached the 1,000 bhp mark varied, most seemed to think between 600 - 800 was the perfect amount to have in a street car.  We're not so sure they didn't open Pandora's Box with this one. After all, it's unlikely that any two people will agree how much horsepower is enough or too much, yet alone what's perfect.

Then there's the "street car" concept to consider. Just like horsepower, everyone's answer is probably different. Is it a daily driver? How 'bout a car that can do HOT ROD'S Drag Week? Do you demand it have to have a smooth idle, great street manners and power everywhere in the curve or would you be satisfied with a lumpy cam that sounds like every exhaust note is a gun shot and needs a high stall and gears just to get from light to light?

We're interested to hear what you think and if you want to share, email us. And just so you know, we can meet your "perfect" power level, whatever it is.