TWIN TURBO 395ci LS1 (18 degrees timing)

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

On Westech’s Super Flow dynamometer, Steve Brule plugged a 45-minute run-in to insure proper break-in of the rings and pistons. The engine management software was easily used to fully tune the engine in five power runs. At 12 degrees, timing advance was conservative. Two-degree steps of advance were made with great increases in torque. Finally, the 395 reached the point when the increase stopped at 18 degrees.

The results were gratifying: 950lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm and a boogeyin’ 1,067hp at 6,500 rpm. Perhaps more important for a street application was the 817lb-ft produced at 3,000 rpm. At 3,500 rpm it was 856lb-ft, proving that this combination would indeed work well for the intended long haul and would grunt nearly as loud as that fictional D9 Caterpillar.

Yup, smoking tires, a big, fat sour ball lodged in the chump opponent’s throat, and a poop-eating grin on your face. Could there have been more? Quite certainly, but this exercise wasn’t about building an all-out bloodletter. We wanted our Sleepy Thing to drive smartly- and rapaciously--for there are many egos to deflate. After all, there are just so many things you can do with 1,000 horsepower and DOT tires.

Considering its mission as a street engine and using an aluminum cylinder block, we thought it wise to hold output levels where they were. For a 1,400-1,800 hp output, an iron block would be the most judicious foundation. Whatever you decide, ride your tornado with caution.  

SourceS