If you plan to spend up to $4000 for modding and the power goal is about 300-400 rwhp or about 500 bhp, then modding the SC400 is better. If you spend the same amount of $$$, having the same power goal, then the V8 is a better choice. It's more fun to drive a boosted V8. It's more torquey at any RPM than the inline 6. With the same psi, the V8 has more hp and tq. Espcially the sound is meaner.

 

i wouldnt get a boosted sc400 just because its not a manual. Scotturnot has a 6speed one but im sure it cost him a pretty penny. Im biased on manual cars, i dont see a point of having all the horsepower in the world and all you can do is step on the pedal.

 

Buick Grand Nationals were all autos, they shift quick, no boost loss.

 

what im trying to say is driving a manual to me is an enjoyment, being able to downshift, heel toe and double declutch is the fun of driving, having so much hp but not being able to really do anything with it other than pedal to the metal is useless to me. I think it is definatly worth buying a 5-speed sc and mod it. In the end, more torque and hp or not, you'll have more fun driving your car.

 

yeah to me auto vs manual both have great points. but the clutch is where the fun is for most people and not power.

 

A couple notes:

- The 4L is definitely rarely modified in comparison to the JZ motors

- Most people who modify for power spend more $/hp on a V8 than they would on a JZ motor

- Most people who modify that V8 are doing it for other reasons than just making power numbers (wider power band, V8 rumble, originality, etc)

- Everyone who is modifying the V8 is completely dedicated to it. The absense of the aftermarket for the V8 makes one need to be dedicated as most modifications will have to be made to work as they will not come out of the box ready to bolt on power.

- I am about to drive away in my SC400 with an R154 five speed transmission swap completed for ~$2500. The transmission will hold all the power my centrifugal supercharger will be able to throw at it.

 

That really depends on personal opinion, and the traffic that you normally drive through. If you're into power and stick shift, then swapping the 5 speed like Blizzy is the best of both world.

 

I agree 100% bro