is my engine builder on drugs?

[Jeff Chambers]

Engine builder is probably right, you're probably wrong. I don't mean that to be offensive, it would just seem that your engine builder probably knows more about this type of thing than you do.

For an engine slapped together from off-the-shelf, out-of-the-box components, the best estimate is probably around 1.15-1.25 HP per cubic inch, normally aspirated. If you listen to your experience builder and take the advice of other experienced racers, you could probably hope for 1.5 HP per cubic inch. Go all out, break the bank and do some R&D and 2.0 HP per cubic inch is not out of the question. My best guess give the little information above is 450-465hp at the crank.