I'm a primarily Dodge guy as far as performance and trucks go. I have an 11 second 86' Dodge that runs a 451 stroker. Unfortunately for me, gas isnt the required 0.25$ a gallon for the 93 octane that would be required for using it as a daily commuter.

Here is my question that I really need answered:

My budget isnt just "endless", but I'm looking to spend at least enough to get something that I can easily build on to get 500hp+.

Whats the best platform to start with? I'd personally like to have a shortbed for the lesser weights involved. What engine and trans combo is the best. Should I spring for the 4x4 as well?

Send me in the right direction. The Ford Ranger ain't cuttin' it anymore. I'm out of college in 6 weeks, and Brett's gettin' a real toy.

~Brett Boyer, ubermachine@hotmail.com

 

id get a duramax but those can be pricey or i would but a vmax 4x4 those could both get to 500hp pretty easly.

 

a vortec max with an LQ9 6.0, or really anything with a 6.0, even a 3/4 ton 2wd.

 

Vmax 4x4 excab, or if you want weight savings get a single cab 4x4 and do a swap.

 

I would do a single cab 4x4 with 4.8. Swap engines as soon as you get it. You can go with anything from a stock LQ9 6.0 up to 440+ JUST DEPENDING ON HOW CRAZY YOU WANT TO GET WITH THE $$.

 

I would do a single cab 4x4 with 4.8. Swap engines as soon as you get it. You can go with anything from a stock LQ9 6.0 up to 440+CI, JUST DEPENDING ON HOW CRAZY YOU WANT TO GET WITH THE $$.

 

I'm a short cab kind of guy, but what kind of short beds come with a 6.0? I think AWD would be a wonderful thing. So is it pretty much a given that I'm going to have to swap a 6.0 into anything I get thats SBAWD? BTW, I've gotta know, what in the world does VMAX stand for? I searched the acronym "sticky" postings on this site and couldnt figure it out. I'm a fast learner, but there are some things I've just gotta ask. ~Brett

 

vmax is just a code for the 6.0, If I was buying another truck, it would probably be what everone else is saying, except I dont know about a 4wd. My choice would be a regular cab, short bed, 2wd, with the 4.8 then swap in the 6.0, then the possibilites are endless. Heads,cam, full bolt ons should get around 400 rwhp, Radix around 500 rwhp, Turbo= more than you could ever want! with deep enough pockets.

 

What is the realistic horsepower potential of the 4.8? how much better is the 5.3? How much weight do you think the 4x4 option adds to the race weight of a SBRC? Ah.... gotcha. SO the VMAX is the code for the 6.0? What do you think the best donor vehicle is for such an engine? Any specific 6.0 i should look for? I was thinking the most common 6.0 GM I hear about is the LS2, isnt it already at 400HP? Do you mean swapping LS2 stuff onto a 6.0 truck engine? I'm certainly not confused, but I am definately full of questions. Brett = Hi-Power Sponge

 

the most popular 6.0 engine is the lq4 came in all 6.0 gas HD trucks can be had for $1-2k at junkyard 05-later lg4/lq9 have ls2 rods and ls2 timing chain

IMO for 500hp best bet for DD(daily driver) is a rcsb 4x4( needed for traction) 4.8/auto combo swapped for 6.0l (lq4) add radix and all boltons and get FLT lvel 5 65e tranny and 3.73/lsd rear end and you have a reliable 500hp to the rear wheels