Debate: Did hitting 400 hp in my '92 Civic surprise me or was it a waste of $6k?

So I finally dynoed my built B18 swap in my '92 Civic hatchback at a shop in Cincinnati and it hit 404 hp to the wheels. That number blew my mind since I was shooting for 350, but now I'm wondering if it was worth the $6k I sunk into the turbo setup and forged internals vs just buying a faster stock car. Some guys tell me I'm a legend for squeezing that out of a 1.8L, others say I'm an idiot for not just getting a Corvette. What do you all think? Is hitting an unexpected milestone like that a win or a sign you went overboard?

2 comments

2 Comments

lunah863d ago

Pretty sure 400 to the wheels on a 1.8L is pushing it way past what a stock Corvette makes without boost.

dakota_fox3d ago

Honestly, that "pushing it way past what a stock Corvette makes" thing is exactly it though, right? It's like how people will spend hours perfecting a backyard grill setup that can sear a steak better than a restaurant, even though they could just go eat out for less money. There's just something about proving you can squeeze every last drop out of something ordinary that feels more satisfying than just buying the easy answer.