how much power is too much power?

Hostile_1LE · 03-28-2022, 05:43 PM

Hey y'all. I'm fairly new to Camaro's, and new to LS and LT engines as a whole as well. I'm wondering what everyone's opinions are on how reliable the LT1 and how much power they can make. I am really dying to do some bolt-ons, but with the fear of losing my warranty (at least for now), its hard to do it with clear conscience. I plan to eventually throw an MSD Atomic AirForce intake and NW 103mm TB on it, along with flex fuel. Any ideas as to how much power this might make, and would the car still be reliable at the power. I know its a pretty vague question but chances are you guys know a lot more than I do. I currently have the AWE cat back and GM CAI, so my warranty could always be gone. My dealer claims the cat back won't affect my warranty but who knows...

JSH · 03-28-2022, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hostile_1LE

Hey y'all. I'm fairly new to Camaro's, and new to LS and LT engines as a whole as well. I'm wondering what everyone's opinions are on how reliable the LT1 and how much power they can make. I am really dying to do some bolt-ons, but with the fear of losing my warranty (at least for now), its hard to do it with clear conscience. I plan to eventually throw an MSD Atomic AirForce intake and NW 103mm TB on it, along with flex fuel. Any ideas as to how much power this might make, and would the car still be reliable at the power. I know its a pretty vague question but chances are you guys know a lot more than I do. I currently have the AWE cat back and GM CAI, so my warranty could always be gone. My dealer claims the cat back won't affect my warranty but who knows...

Your questions are common here. You can make an additional 50 or so hp by installing a flex fuel kit, running an Ethanol blend, with a new tune. A CAI would be fine, but a NW 103 would not be appropriate for this.

Joshinator99 · 03-28-2022, 05:59 PM

If you want your GM warranty, do not mod your car. It's that simple.

Some bolt ons and E85 will be reliable assuming the tune is solid. That's not a ton of extra power.

In terms of too much? No such thing my man.

s346k · 03-28-2022, 06:10 PM

my car has been bolt ons and ethanol since 3/20. put about 17k miles on that setup. only issue i've had is a couple injectors checked out last spring. couple hundred bucks and it was up and running again.

Sindri · 03-28-2022, 06:30 PM

I like the old Mark Donahue quote
"When I can lay 2 black lines from the apex of one turn to the braking point of another, only then will I have enough power."

Altered Carbon · 03-28-2022, 06:34 PM

With what you want to add, you'll be fine, and with plenty of room to add more in the future. Also... too much power?

LT1gen6 · 03-28-2022, 06:42 PM

How much torque or horsepower is too much or little? Only a specific owner and circumstance can produce the answer.

In my experience with a recently acquired Gen 6 LT1, the stock engine is the most powerful I've owned. I don't need anything more than stock to drive to the grocery store, work, a neighboring town, or state.

I will never drive it on any type of race track, nor will I race anyone on the street.

My goal is to avoid accidents, with a proactive, defensive driving mentality of being a longtime motorcyclist.

I am constantly anticipating the presence of bicyclists on hilly, limited-sight-distance roads, being prepared to slow quickly if needed. Bicyclists are everywhere in my area, as individuals or 50-person pacelines.

My current insurance rate is very good, which I hope to preserve by avoiding tickets and accidents.

I also enjoy the game of trying to max mileage in congested areas where 50 hp is all that's needed to "go with the flow" of traffic.

I think of my LT1 as a fun touring car, loving the sound of the stock dual exhaust, use of the 6-speed manual, and impressive overall handling, from a public street and safety mindset.

The hp and torque are advantageous on highway entrance merges, or while passing RVs going up hills or mountain inclines. I definitely appreciate having enough power (and more) to safely pass in these situations.

This answer is probably an unpopular, atypical one for this forum. But it's my experience to value and enjoy the stock LT1 exactly as special ordered as a factory build: 2022 LT1, no options except Redline and RS packages, and locking lug nuts.

arpad_m · 03-28-2022, 07:06 PM

how much power is too much power?

You probably won't fancy this, but considering all things one may love and appreciate about the Camaro, the amount of power is a like a slider you're dragging left to right, and as you're doing so, some quantities and qualities improve while others deteriorate.

Thus, there is no easy answer, all depends on what you consider important—do you want insane acceleration from a 60 roll? you need all the power you can get... how about some gnarly, wicked exhaust note topped by some supercharger whine? crank up the boost, baby...

On the other hand, do you want to launch from a dig without crazy, un-streetable thick-a** sidewall drag radials? cut back on that power, you only have 2 driven wheels... do you still want to maintain a conversation in the car, or be able to use more than the first half of the throttle pedal range on a curvy road, or have a chance of a cruising mpg that starts with a 2? careful with that "moar powa' babeh", etc. etc.

We could talk about all scenarios, drag racing, road course, wet driving, cold and hot weather, the abilities of the car will vary with power adders in all situations, sometimes to your advantage, other times, not so much.

Finally my personal take. I have ~735 rwhp, close to double the amount a stock auto SS makes, in a safe and durable configuration, and that, with the weight of the car, is ample IMO. Anything more and I'd be losing too much compared to the gain on the street where I use this car 99% of the time now. The plaids cannot be beaten with a RWD car no matter what, and horsepower chasing to get to the top is meaningless either way.

Edward Paul · 03-28-2022, 07:40 PM

I've spent lots of money on older cars and they still never shined like the new LT1.
It is true for most vehicles that there's a tradeoff. What you gain on top is lost on the bottom. I looked at a dyno sheet with the intake and TB and didn't like the dip in the spot that would see the most use. With the factory NPP exhaust I wouldn't touch it. Just enjoy.

TXCSSU · 03-28-2022, 08:02 PM

Some people really really love power, but forget that you still have to put that power down, and have to stop that power. What are your goals? Are you wanting a Dyno-Queen, a track monster, a GT, or a 1/4 mile monster? Each of those will require different approaches. Some people will insist that you can just increase power, but if you're serious about what you want, you'll have to be more precise in your approach.

KaMaRow · 03-28-2022, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshinator99

If you want your GM warranty, do not mod your car. It's that simple.

Some bolt ons and E85 will be reliable assuming the tune is solid. That's not a ton of extra power.

In terms of too much? No such thing my man.

Actually now a days dealers are desperate for money. I have had dealers install mods. And in writing if they put the mod on they will honor the warranty. My local ford dealer put a supercharger on my GT and fully warrantied it and said they would do any factory warranty work since they put the supercharger on. That even if ford denied the claim they would still honor it.

Joshinator99 · 03-28-2022, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaMaRow

Actually now a days dealers are desperate for money. I have had dealers install mods. And in writing if they put the mod on they will honor the warranty. My local ford dealer put a supercharger on my GT and fully warrantied it and said they would do any factory warranty work since they put the supercharger on. That even if ford denied the claim they would still honor it.

Those dealers are few and far between for sure… at least in my neck of the woods. Sounds like you found a good one.

SS_Don · 03-28-2022, 08:32 PM

It's too much power when you can no longer control the beast.

cthulhucaller · 03-28-2022, 09:15 PM

If you are killed instantly by g forces at the crack of the throttle, that is too much power. Less than that, you can work with.

I have done the whole way too far into strip car territory on older Camaros, and made it terrible to drive on the street, and less likely to live long. Your mod list is nice and light, all you'll really hurt is your wallet and your warranty if you have one. You'll get some punch out of them, but not "whole different car" levels. I am picking up a 2022 later this week, and intend to leave it alone for as long as I can stand to.

03-28-2022, 05:43 PM	#1
Hostile_1LE Drives: 2020 Camaro SS 1LE \| Satin Steel Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Lubbock, Tx Posts: 176	how much power is too much power? Hey y'all. I'm fairly new to Camaro's, and new to LS and LT engines as a whole as well. I'm wondering what everyone's opinions are on how reliable the LT1 and how much power they can make. I am really dying to do some bolt-ons, but with the fear of losing my warranty (at least for now), its hard to do it with clear conscience. I plan to eventually throw an MSD Atomic AirForce intake and NW 103mm TB on it, along with flex fuel. Any ideas as to how much power this might make, and would the car still be reliable at the power. I know its a pretty vague question but chances are you guys know a lot more than I do. I currently have the AWE cat back and GM CAI, so my warranty could always be gone. My dealer claims the cat back won't affect my warranty but who knows...

03-28-2022, 05:59 PM	#3
Joshinator99 Drives: 2017 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Petersham MA Posts: 4,858	If you want your GM warranty, do not mod your car. It's that simple. Some bolt ons and E85 will be reliable assuming the tune is solid. That's not a ton of extra power. In terms of too much? No such thing my man. __________________ 2017 Chevy Camaro 2SS A8 Whipple 3.0, Mast Black Label heads, Fore triple in-tank pumps, 112mm TB, LPE +52% injectors, LPE BB HPFP, 15” conversion *1059 WHP/944 WTQ, 9.48@150*

03-28-2022, 06:10 PM	#4
s346k Drives: like an old lady Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: indiana Posts: 2,415	my car has been bolt ons and ethanol since 3/20. put about 17k miles on that setup. only issue i've had is a couple injectors checked out last spring. couple hundred bucks and it was up and running again. __________________ 2016+ camaro: everyone’s first car

03-28-2022, 06:42 PM	#7
LT1gen6 Drives: '22 LT1 Coupe Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Motor City Metro Posts: 214	How much torque or horsepower is too much or little? Only a specific owner and circumstance can produce the answer. In my experience with a recently acquired Gen 6 LT1, the stock engine is the most powerful I've owned. I don't need anything more than stock to drive to the grocery store, work, a neighboring town, or state. I will never drive it on any type of race track, nor will I race anyone on the street. My goal is to avoid accidents, with a proactive, defensive driving mentality of being a longtime motorcyclist. I am constantly anticipating the presence of bicyclists on hilly, limited-sight-distance roads, being prepared to slow quickly if needed. Bicyclists are everywhere in my area, as individuals or 50-person pacelines. My current insurance rate is very good, which I hope to preserve by avoiding tickets and accidents. I also enjoy the game of trying to max mileage in congested areas where 50 hp is all that's needed to "go with the flow" of traffic. I think of my LT1 as a fun touring car, loving the sound of the stock dual exhaust, use of the 6-speed manual, and impressive overall handling, from a public street and safety mindset. The hp and torque are advantageous on highway entrance merges, or while passing RVs going up hills or mountain inclines. I definitely appreciate having enough power (and more) to safely pass in these situations. This answer is probably an unpopular, atypical one for this forum. But it's my experience to value and enjoy the stock LT1 exactly as special ordered as a factory build: 2022 LT1, no options except Redline and RS packages, and locking lug nuts. Attached Images Last edited by LT1gen6; 03-28-2022 at 07:07 PM.

03-28-2022, 07:06 PM	#8
arpad_m Drives: 2018 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 11,701 View My Garage	how much power is too much power? You probably won't fancy this, but considering all things one may love and appreciate about the Camaro, the amount of power is a like a slider you're dragging left to right, and as you're doing so, some quantities and qualities improve while others deteriorate. Thus, there is no easy answer, all depends on what you consider important—do you want insane acceleration from a 60 roll? you need all the power you can get... how about some gnarly, wicked exhaust note topped by some supercharger whine? crank up the boost, baby... On the other hand, do you want to launch from a dig without crazy, un-streetable thick-a** sidewall drag radials? cut back on that power, you only have 2 driven wheels... do you still want to maintain a conversation in the car, or be able to use more than the first half of the throttle pedal range on a curvy road, or have a chance of a cruising mpg that starts with a 2? careful with that "moar powa' babeh", etc. etc. We could talk about all scenarios, drag racing, road course, wet driving, cold and hot weather, the abilities of the car will vary with power adders in all situations, sometimes to your advantage, other times, not so much. Finally my personal take. I have ~735 rwhp, close to double the amount a stock auto SS makes, in a safe and durable configuration, and that, with the weight of the car, is ample IMO. Anything more and I'd be losing too much compared to the gain on the street where I use this car 99% of the time now. The plaids cannot be beaten with a RWD car no matter what, and horsepower chasing to get to the top is meaningless either way. __________________ 2018 Camaro 2SS — G7E MX0 NPP F55 IO6 735 rwhp \| 665 rwtq Magnuson TVS 2300 80mm pulley \| Kooks 1 7/8" LT headers \| JRE smooth idle terminator cam \| LT4 FS & injectors \| TSP forged pistons & rods JMS PowerMAX \| DSX flex fuel kit \| Roto-Fab CAI \| Soler 95mm LT5 TB \| 1LE wheels \| 1LE brakes \| BMR rear cradle lockout \| JRE custom tune 1100 - 1/30/18 \| 2000 - 1/31/18 3000 - 2/06/18 TPW 2/26/18 3400 - 2/19/18 \| 3800 - 2/26/18 4300 - 2/27/18 \| 4B00 - 3/01/18 4200 - 3/05/18 \| 4800 - 3/14/18 5000 - 3/16/18 \| 6000 - 3/19/18

03-28-2022, 06:30 PM	#5
Sindri Drives: 2022 Camaro 2SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: VA Posts: 100	I like the old Mark Donahue quote "When I can lay 2 black lines from the apex of one turn to the braking point of another, only then will I have enough power."

03-28-2022, 06:34 PM	#6
Altered Carbon Ghost Spawn Drives: Camaro Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: East Coast Posts: 538	With what you want to add, you'll be fine, and with plenty of room to add more in the future. Also... too much power?

03-28-2022, 07:40 PM	#9
Edward Paul Drives: LT1 Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Fl. Posts: 82	I've spent lots of money on older cars and they still never shined like the new LT1. It is true for most vehicles that there's a tradeoff. What you gain on top is lost on the bottom. I looked at a dyno sheet with the intake and TB and didn't like the dip in the spot that would see the most use. With the factory NPP exhaust I wouldn't touch it. Just enjoy.

03-28-2022, 08:02 PM	#10
TXCSSU Account Suspended Drives: 2022 ZL1 M6/Nissan Leaf Join Date: May 2016 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,138	Some people really really love power, but forget that you still have to put that power down, and have to stop that power. What are your goals? Are you wanting a Dyno-Queen, a track monster, a GT, or a 1/4 mile monster? Each of those will require different approaches. Some people will insist that you can just increase power, but if you're serious about what you want, you'll have to be more precise in your approach.

03-28-2022, 08:32 PM	#13
SS_Don Drives: '22 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,058 View My Garage	It's too much power when you can no longer control the beast. __________________ '22 2SS \| Wild Cherry Tintcoat \| Design Package 3 \| NPP \| MRC \| A10 \| NAV \| Ceramic Coating \| Full Frontal PPF \| New Hood and Side Stripes \| Michelin PS AS 4 Range AFM Disabler \| Mishimoto Catch Can \| Diode Dynamics side markers \| Cold Air Inductions CAI \| LLoyd Velourtex front/trunk mats with Camaro SS logo ZL1addons Deluxe Rock Guards, Stealth Lift Pads, and Tow Hook \| Escort MAXcam360c \| Footwell Lighting \| Banks gauges in ZZPerformance pillar pod \| Paddle shifter extensions

03-28-2022, 09:15 PM	#14
cthulhucaller Drives: 2022 1SS Team Joe and Becky Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Georgia Posts: 188	If you are killed instantly by g forces at the crack of the throttle, that is too much power. Less than that, you can work with. I have done the whole way too far into strip car territory on older Camaros, and made it terrible to drive on the street, and less likely to live long. Your mod list is nice and light, all you'll really hurt is your wallet and your warranty if you have one. You'll get some punch out of them, but not "whole different car" levels. I am picking up a 2022 later this week, and intend to leave it alone for as long as I can stand to.

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