I was reading how the next G35, will have a 330 hp V6. In fact, in the next couple of years, many V6's will be hovering in the 300 hp range.

Kind of makes a 300 hp V8, (or 310 or 320) seem weak.

I get that a V8 sounds better and has more low end torque, but what is the minimum power that an entry level V8 must produce in a Camaro by the end of decade. Or should we just go straight to 400 hp, when we check off the V8 box. ?

 

well I think most people might agree this engine would be the 5.3L.

The most powerful one right now is in the new Tahoe and makes 320hp.

Fast forward to 2009 and I think 330-340hp is enough.

Afterall if you want more, check off the right box just get your wallet out!

I am craving V8 torque and this will do the job for me easy. The goal here is not to have a base V8 that'll walk every 4cly or V6 in the market.

The goal is to have a Camaro with a V8 for people that do not want a V6 and cannot afford a Z28 or SS.

 

I think that a mid level v-8, tuned to about 330-350 range makes good sense. Beyond the 5.3 liter LS4, than you have either the LS2 or LS3 in the 425-450 hp range. In my mind, the real question is what do you do for the top engine Camaro, or will there be one? I would love to see the LS7, 8 or 9 (whichever is on line at the time of introduction of the big dog) with 510 hp or so in a limited production, GT500 fighter model.

 

For the entry level V8, enough so that nothing kicks sand in your face except the likes of the SRT8 cars, the Shelby, and the base Vette. For the next step up (the still affordable Z28 I hope), enough that only the Z06, the Viper, and the Ford GT could hand you your lunch. And then for those guys, the Camaro Supercar.
Base 330-350 HP, Step-up 430-450 HP, Supercar-whatever it takes.
I would love to see it where the base V8 could easily take the Mustang GT. One thing is for sure though, with the step-up V8, I don't want anything with 4 doors able to get close to me!

 

I would say no less than 350-360 hp at an absolute minimum. It is true that by the time the Camaro is released, lower 300 hp levels will be V6 territory and a V8 in a performance car should be higher than that. I have always said that the Mustang's 300 hp was weak from the beginning and less than two years into production, it already seems very weak for a V8. I would prefer to go strait to 400 hp but then again, I will want one of the upper models and I am not interested in the base V8.

 

Does it smoke tire at will?

Will it run over 145?

It's enough.

 

350HP, but we will see how far the boundaries of HP for the mid range performacne segment are really pushed by the end of the decade.

The car needs to be quick, but the base V8 does not have to be able to blow the doors off of every competitor. The next level V8 can do that.

 

I'd be surprised if it had less than the current GTO.

So I'm going to say 400, with the second level V8 pushing 425 or so.

Really.......the Camaro has followed the base Vette (only a few years behind) for quite some time.
Seeing as how the current base Vette is 400hp.......I expect the Camaro to debut with nothing less.

 

I keep reading about power figures and people's expectation thereof... if a V6 makes 300hp it is in no way comparable to a 300hp V8. The torque would be much superior in the V8.

These days, the power rating reads more like a sales brochure than anything meaningful... the meaningful aspect is the torque rating... and I'm not referring to peak torque, its the part that can be felt is the part I'm referring to.

 

330-350hp would be plenty for a base V8. It doesnt need to be able to destroy every V6 car out there because it is a BASE V8.

 

Just a little bit more than a mustang gt.

 

You brought this up earlier in another thread, and it got me thinking alot about that. If GM could supply the Camaro with a 300hp v6, having a v8 make only slightly less power is redunant. I know it is a wildy popular idea on these boards to have a weak (relatively) mid level v8 is spirit of the old 305 TBIs, but by the time the Camaro actually gets to the market, even a 350hp v8 is not going to be all that impressive. As you stated, the G35 will have a 330hp v6 engine, and that may be a luxury cars, but how much further behind can the 350z be, a much more accessable car? How much longer until we start seeing more v6s with the kind of output?
Many people on here would like a v8 just for the sound, and don't care about the power, but if GM could honestly sell a 400hp Camaro for the same price they would sell a 350hp Camaro, why bother with the 350hp one. 400hp isn't that scary when you don't put your foot in it. My LS1 barely ever sees over 2500rpm, unless I am doing some "spirited driving", a can't see why a 400hp v8 wouldn't be just as content gurgling around town at almost an idle, letting all the world hear it. The power is only there if the driver decides to use it, and it has been brought up numerous times on here that the buyers of these cars are seldom teenagers, so no worries there.


I am not sure what you mean by this. HP is HP, its a rating that means the same in both contexts. A well geared 300hp v6 is going to be right next to a well geared 300hp v8, given both drivers can keep the car in their powerbands. I am not sure what you mean by the part that can be felt?

 

Around 330 or so for an entry V8 vehicle is fine. The G35 is a great car, but it starts at $33 now. For that same price, your 400hp LS2 Z28 V8 Camaro Road Racer with Vette brakes similar to the GTO, if it were produced now would be alot more attractive. Basically if the GTO now looked like a Concept Camaro, Im saying at the same price as G35 which it is it wouldnt be on the lot long...

 

Assuming the Mustang GT stays around 300-325hp I think the RS 5.3 or whatever entry level V8 would be fine w/ the same kinda power. If it reaches 350hp that's even better and it should embarrass the GT (quite a coup IMO), but I would say 325ish hp would be just fine. It doesn't really need to dust everyone, that would of course be a great plus if it actually did beat most stuff on the road though...

Someone else pointed out GM could build the 400hp motor for about the same cost, and I've been wondering myself what exactly makes a hi-po 5.3l any cheaper to make and put in the car than a LS2 level engine. If the costs are really about the same then why screw around w/ the base V8 anyway?

 

spirtually a bae v8 does fill a spot the weak kneeded 305 TBI occupied. Realistically its far more powerful and capable against far more cars then the 305 TBI could ever compete with.

Impressive? Well thats an opinion. Among ultra hard core enthusiasts perhaps not but among average car enthusiasts that aren't rich it sure is.


If you want your 400hp LS2 or LS7 then go for it but money will prevent some pele from getting that. We should still be able to get a mid level V8 car with great performance. And if some kid in a 350hp EVO beats me I won't really care, cause he'll be on his way to replacing the clutch (and whatever else breaks) long before I will.

I'd be especialy impressed if I could get an RS V8 for $30K CDN