Can an M96/M97 Engine Contain 600HP?

[txhokie4life]

Can an M96/M97 Engines reliably run at 600HP?

What modifications would one due to help reliability here?

Stronger connecting rods? Pistons?

Can the stock crank hold up?

external oil sump and cooler?

thanks,

Mike

[Steve@Rennsport]

Nossir,..no way.

500HP is the max limit with stock internals and even then, engine life is short. One could replace the crank and rods with custom-made units but there are limitations imposed by the case and girdle design.

If you need 600HP and expect some reliability, I'd be shopping for a 996TT or 997TT engine. You will still need a different crank and rods, but that engine will do the job for you.