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The Mitsubishi 3000GT is a legendary sports car known for its performance and engineering. For enthusiasts looking to push the boundaries of this vehicle, achieving over 500 horsepower with forced induction is a popular goal. In this article, we will break down the costs associated with upgrading a Mitsubishi 3000GT to reach this power level.
Understanding Forced Induction
Forced induction refers to the process of forcing more air into the engine’s combustion chamber, which allows for more fuel to be burned and ultimately increases power output. There are two main types of forced induction: turbocharging and supercharging.
Turbocharging vs. Supercharging
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Turbocharging: Utilizes exhaust gases to spin a turbine, increasing efficiency and power but may introduce turbo lag.
- Supercharging: Driven directly by the engine, providing instant power but can be less efficient.
Cost Breakdown of Forced Induction
To achieve over 500 hp in a Mitsubishi 3000GT, several components and modifications are necessary. Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved.
1. Forced Induction Kit
The first major expense is the forced induction kit itself. Depending on whether you choose a turbocharger or supercharger, prices can vary significantly.
- Turbo Kit: $3,000 – $5,000
- Supercharger Kit: $4,000 – $6,000
2. Fuel System Upgrades
To support the increased power, the fuel system must be upgraded. This includes larger fuel injectors, a high-flow fuel pump, and upgraded fuel lines.
- Fuel Injectors: $500 – $1,000
- Fuel Pump: $200 – $400
- Fuel Lines: $100 – $300
3. Engine Management System
A proper engine management system is crucial for tuning the vehicle to handle the increased power safely. This may include a standalone ECU or a tuning chip.
- Standalone ECU: $1,500 – $3,000
- Tuning Chip: $300 – $600
4. Exhaust System Upgrades
To maximize performance, an upgraded exhaust system is necessary to reduce back pressure and improve flow.
- High-Performance Exhaust: $800 – $1,500
- Downpipe: $300 – $600
5. Internal Engine Modifications
For reliability at high power levels, internal engine modifications may be necessary. This includes upgrading pistons, connecting rods, and possibly the crankshaft.
- Pistons: $600 – $1,200
- Connecting Rods: $700 – $1,500
- Crankshaft: $1,000 – $2,000
Labor Costs
Labor costs can vary widely depending on the shop and the complexity of the installation. Expect to pay for several hours of labor for each of the upgrades mentioned.
- Labor for Forced Induction Installation: $500 – $1,500
- Labor for Fuel System Upgrades: $300 – $800
- Labor for Exhaust Installation: $200 – $500
- Labor for Engine Internals: $1,000 – $2,000
Final Cost Summary
Here’s a summary of the estimated costs involved in achieving over 500 hp with forced induction on a Mitsubishi 3000GT:
- Forced Induction Kit: $3,000 – $6,000
- Fuel System Upgrades: $800 – $1,700
- Engine Management System: $300 – $3,000
- Exhaust System Upgrades: $1,100 – $2,100
- Internal Engine Modifications: $2,300 – $4,700
- Labor Costs: $2,000 – $5,800
When you add all these costs together, the total investment to achieve 500+ hp can range from approximately $9,500 to $19,300, depending on the choices made and the quality of parts selected.
Conclusion
Achieving over 500 hp in a Mitsubishi 3000GT with forced induction is a significant investment, but for many enthusiasts, the performance gains and driving experience are well worth the cost. Careful planning and budgeting will ensure that you get the most out of your upgrades while maintaining reliability and performance.