Hey, I'm a Mopar guy. I really like the 8 1/4, but for the price to turn it into a sure grip, install gears and new brakes, I could have a stronger rear end for the same or less money. My car may be a cruiser right now, but I plan on doing some other things down the road. As far as hp goes, I really don't know. The combo is very similar to the HP380 but my heads are ported.