1g 2g question?

[ChrisDSM22]

Okay this is sort of an odd question and I'm sure there are many different opinions. I have had my 90 Laser turbo fwd for over 4 years now and it's my baby. I have been doing little things here and there and she runs like she is possessed and pulls like a raped ape. Recently I came across a deal I couldn't pass up 95 Talon TSI awd low miles and even lower price. Neither cars are daily drivers and are more of the weekend street and track warrior. I've decided that I want to start digging into one of them for a low twelve high 11 quarter mile street legal monster. I understand that the awd will help more in that aspect of things but, I am also wanting around 400 to 450 whp. I do understand that I am more likely to get that out of the 1g than the 2g just due to the fact the 1g is a little more stout and it doesn't lose as much power from the drive train from being fwd. I also understand the parts I will need and tuning that will be needed to get there. The 2g doesn't pull nearly as hard as the 1g but it defiantly has traction. I know someone will probably get irritated with my thread and go off about it but, some input from some people would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ThingyNess]

Despite the fact that the 6-bolt is stronger, I'd still build up the AWD. Getting into the 11 second range is so much easier when you can consistently cut a good 60' time. The FWD can be made to launch too, but it's going to take a lot more work, and expensive tires/suspension.

I'd much rather take the 7-bolt/AWD than the 6-bolt/FWD, personally.

 

[boostin92awd]

In my opinion seeing you are fairly happy with your 1g fwd I would start working on the 2g awd.Also as you stated an awd is a great platform for you to achieve your goals.

 

[ChrisDSM22]

Isn't it harder to achieve 400 to 450 whp in a 7 bolt? I maybe wrong.

 

[romeen]

Despite the fact that the 6-bolt is stronger, I'd still build up the AWD. Getting into the 11 second range is so much easier when you can consistently cut a good 60' time. The FWD can be made to launch too, but it's going to take a lot more work, and expensive tires/suspension.

I'd much rather take the 7-bolt/AWD than the 6-bolt/FWD, personally.

Agreed.

ChrisDSM22, it's not that it's harder to achieve 400-450 hp in a 7 bolt (in fact the higher compression pistons will help with that goal) but rather the 6 bolts have stronger internals (most noteworthy being the rods) which allow it to handle the high hp and torque better. The 7 bolts are more likely to crankwalk but if it is going to happen it usually will regardless of whether the engine is modified or not. Tuning will be the key in whether the stock bottom end will be able to handle 400hp or not.
That kind of hp (and the torque that will come with it) will be hard to "put down" in a FWD.

 

[wvturbo2]

Isn't it harder to achieve 400 to 450 whp in a 7 bolt? I maybe wrong.

WTF There are different things that are more restrictive compared to a 6bolt, but if you looking for high hp that stuff will most likely be replaced anyway. They are the same motor why would one be harder to make hp with than the other ?

 

[ThingyNess]

There are different things that are more restrictive compared to a 6bolt, but if you looking for high hp that stuff will most likely be replaced anyway.

And there are other things that are less restrictive, as well. Exhaust manifold, O2 housing, and TB elbow come to mind. That, along with the 8.5:1 compression, makes it a wash as far as I'm concerned (stock for stock) with respect to making power.

As romeen mentioned -- it's no harder to make 400whp on a 7-bolt than it is on a 6-bolt. In fact, I'd argue that it's probably "easier" in some respects due to the higher compression. However, once you start getting up there in power, the 7-bolt has less wiggle room when it comes to tuning, both from the higher compression and the weaker rods. There are stock (long-block, anyway) 7-bolt engines that have made 500 and even 600whp, but it's rare, and you have to really tune carefully and conservatively to do so.

 

[ChrisDSM22]

Okay, thanks. I was considering selling one of the two and just dumping the money into the other. What would you suggest that I use from the 1g? Obviously the turbo and bov but, is there anything else?

I have heard good and bad about head swaps?

 

[dave99gst]

What would you suggest that I use from the 1g? Obviously the turbo and bov but, is there anything else?

Head - Intake - t/b

 

[ChrisDSM22]

Will the 90 throttle sensors work with it?