Originally Posted by
monaroCountry
The LS7 can easily handle 638fwhp in both turbo and charger form, yet GM decided to go with the smaller displacement and thicker walled LS9 6.2L. This is because they wanted this engine to be reliable and not sacrifice the margin of error. The last thing GM wants is an engine that is close to its limit, especially when they know that some owners will be increasing power with a pulley change etc. This is the reason why GM tests at WOT for 24hr straight along with other barrage of tests.
Changes in ECU would not be enough to cause overheating problems, you really need to changes in pullies along with ECU modifications for overheating problems to crop up. Pullies and ECU changes would net you well over 800hp.
As for a hood protruding intercooler, the aftermarket IMO would relocate the intercooler for higher hp cars. Most higher HP cars would change to some form of front mounted intercooler and not stick to or restricted to a top mounted intercooler.
...and you know this how?
I'm dropping out to create a company that starts with motorcycles, then cars, and forty years later signs a legendary Brazilian driver who has a public and expensive feud with his French teammate.