Power to weight ratio

[maxgtr2000]

I'm trying figure out good ways to go about boosting a different vehicle. I might be selling my car and since boost is addictive I'm already brainstorming on the next set up. I'm trying to figure out power to weight ratio. Stock figures are:

4th gen maxima 3.0 v-6 3100 lbs 190hp at 5500rpm

2003 Mazda Protege 2.0 4cyl 2750 lbs 130hp at 4000rpm

The stock 1/4 mile time on the maxima is about 14.7, Protege is like 17. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to turbo a car like that on stock compression which is 9:1. Maxima stock compression is 10:1. They say the protege is at about 224hp at 8psi, and my maxima might be anywhere from 250-280 right now (untuned and undynoed). I'm considering a protege but not sure if it would be worth getting, also considering a subaru legacy/outback, even a bmw. Any input is appreciated.

[Accord2nrz]

Well with the subies you're also benefiting from the AWD system as opposed to strictly FWD. True power to weight ratio is everything but you can do better with all 4 wheels generating power as opposed to 2 wheels pulling or pushing. Are you building the car for speed or drift? if for drift then you should look for something like a mid engine RWD car. Those are easiest. But based on ur criteria so far I would suggest the subaru legacy.

I know a man in AL who had one of those. A nice little famliy car but man was it quick.

[Turbineguy]

RWD or AWD. Front wheel is a waste when you start making decent power due to bad weight transfer characteristics. Go for the Leggy or look for a WRX. AWD Eclipse or Talon is a good option as well but reliability may be an issue.

[maxgtr2000]

Ironically I just like a daily driver that can get up and go when it needs to. I don't drift, track, or anything, I'm an old man..not really, sometimes I drive like one. But I'm addicted to boost so... Guess I'll look into getting a legacy then. I had considerd the protege but the low stock hp made me think if it was worth it turboing it, but then again civics don't have that much stock hp (older models) and people turn them into rockets so I was just wondering. BTW this was the guy that did the turbo kit for my maxima when I lived in TN.

http://www.fastechmotorsports.net/videos/No%20music%20798%20Dyno.wmv
Well with the subies you're also benefiting from the AWD system as opposed to strictly FWD. True power to weight ratio is everything but you can do better with all 4 wheels generating power as opposed to 2 wheels pulling or pushing. Are you building the car for speed or drift? if for drift then you should look for something like a mid engine RWD car. Those are easiest. But based on ur criteria so far I would suggest the subaru legacy.

I know a man in AL who had one of those. A nice little famliy car but man was it quick.

[elderc]

Because your looking at a Mazda product you might think Miata. They take boost well. weighing in at just over 2,250 lbs my 1999 stock hp was 140 at the crank but after I went FI its now over 250hp at the crank with a curb weight of 2,250 lbs thats a pretty good power to weight ratio ?:rolleyes: And their RWD !

[Talonboy]

RWD or AWD. Front wheel is a waste when you start making decent power due to bad weight transfer characteristics. Go for the Leggy or look for a WRX. AWD Eclipse or Talon is a good option as well but reliability may be an issue.


AWD Eclipse or Talon would be the cheapest way to go. Cheap aftermarket and bolt-on friendly. But...reliability with the 2nd generation DSM is an issue with the motor. So if you're down for a little block work then it'd be right up your alley. If not, my vote is for a WRX (lighter and probably cheaper than the Leggy).

Oh, and as far as power to weight ratio, you can always lighten up your vehicle with a considerable amount of deletions/replacements. My Talon's gross weight was 3300lbs. I gutted it, took it to a weigh station and it came in at 2950. Then I dropped out 100 lbs worth of seats (replaced with two 15 lbs race seats), pulled out 30lbs (weighed on a scale) of sound deadening material, replaced my cast iron o2 housing with a lighter steel one, replaced 45 lbs FMIC with 20 lbs FMIC (punishment racing), my 30lbs battery with an Odyssey 10 lbs battery, the list goes on. The point is my car is way more responsive, feels more torquy (I made that word up), and runs a 12.6 second quarter mile on stock 450cc injectors. Same mods but 200ish lbs heavier I couldn't break a 13.1 second quarter. FACT!

[Turbineguy]

^^This.

[Talonboy]

Ohhh, thought you meant a WRX non-Sti.

[elderc]

True Power to Weight !

[maxgtr2000]

This is a family car so it has to be 4dr and my wife has to drive it. I'm trying to find a legacy wagon now. The other cars would be nice but I just can't afford anything remotely close to 10k right now so I'm looking for a 2nd gen legacy and it is awd. I'd like to boost that and see how much fun it is. But the power has to be there. I can't go from a boosted v-6 to something with less power. At least with the awd the power will be there and the motor has potential and good aftermarket support. Building a motor is more like a dream than an option unless I can find a money tree.:D
Btw I don't go to the track or race i just like having a turbo daily driver to have fun in every now and then.