For many tuners obsessed with horsepower, 1000 hp is the ultimate goal. Turning from three digits to four not only looks impressive but means levels of performance that most sports car owners could only dream about. However, it's generally not going to be cheap to get to that point. Still, it is possible to achieve that magic number while still not totally breaking the bank.
The most obvious starting point would be something like an Mk4 Supra or a Skyline, but non-abused examples of those cars are skyrocketing in value. Not every car capable of handling 1000 hp has to cost a fortune, though. Some will set buyers back a surprisingly small amount and still get the job done. Just beware, there's a lot of models out there that will crumble before getting to anywhere near that amount of power.
10 Easily Modify: Dodge Challenger
The arrival of the Hellcat engine meant 700 hp Dodges were being produced in their thousands, so adding an extra 300 hp is a fairly achievable task. Of course, Hellcat Challengers aren't cheap, but it's possible to put a Hellcrate engine in a regular used Challenger for a similar effect.
Sure, it won't look as good or handle as well, but when working on a budget compromises are essential. Anyone on too strict a budget probably shouldn't be looking to build a thousand horsepower project car anyway.
9 Easily Modify: Lexus GS300
This rather unassuming-looking Lexus sedan actually features one of the most bulletproof tuner engines ever built. The 2JZ is one of Toyota's most legendary products, famed for its ability to handle heaps of extra power with very little needing to be upgraded.
It's the main reason why so many Supra Mk4 builds sport crazy horsepower numbers. Most buyers don't have Supra money though, so the GS300 is a great cheaper alternative with that same famous block. In fact, a build with an almost identical spec already exists in Florida.
8 Easily Modify: Nissan Patrol
A Nissan SUV isn't the most typical candidate for a 1000 hp+ build, but it's got a surprisingly strong track record. They're a favorite out in the Middle East, not only for tuned builds but for daily drivers too.
The Patrol pictured is owned by a Qatari businessman who wanted a stealthy but powerful car. Most passersby wouldn't know the car is as powerful as it is, but in fact, there's over 1,400 hp hiding under the hood.
7 Easily Modify: Ford Mustang
The quintessential American muscle car, there's a huge amount of kits and parts out there for the Mustang. That's great for tuners on the hunt for high horsepower, as it means it's one of the easiest cars to boost.
Being one of America's favorite cars, there's no shortage of cheap used 'Stangs either. That's great for two reasons: one, buying a car is easy and two, if anything blows up during the testing of the build, owners can just head to a scrapyard and replace bits on the cheap.
6 Easily Modify: Mazda Miata
Okay, so a stock-engined Miata probably isn't going to reach 1000 hp. But, it's easy enough to find a bigger engine for sale and drop it in the engine bay. The rest of the car is surprisingly tough, so owners can still keep within budget and not have to replace too many internals.
It's a recipe that's been done several times before, with crazy and hilarious consequences. A Hellcat-powered Miata tore up the Hoonigan Yard recently, and that only had 717 hp. 1000 hp will mean even more tire-shredding madness.
5 Blow Up: Nissan 350Z
This is a slightly controversial entry, as there are in fact several 1000 hp 350z builds already out there. The issue is that their engines aren't anywhere near capable of handling that much power from the factory.
A leading aftermarket supplier published a guide on their website, which said a 350Z engine can reasonably push about 400 hp without comprising on its durability. Anything much above that is going to require vast sums spent on upgrades, so it'd be better to just buy a more expensive, powerful car to begin with.
4 Blow Up: Land Rover Range Rover
With Nissan Patrols being good candidates and even a 2,000 hp Toyota Land Cruiser roaming the streets, it might seem like a Range Rover could be another weird-but-fun option. Well, the answer is no. Put simply, the car isn't built well enough to be able to handle more power.
In fact, several large car surveys have named the Range Rover the least reliable car on the road right now. They may be temptingly cheap thanks to their insane levels of depreciation, but it's not worth even considering it.
3 Blow Up: Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Of all the AMG models, the E55 is considered one of the most reliable. In fact, in stock form, they can clock close to 200,000 miles in some cases and still drive OK. But, if owners start adding performance parts, things will quickly go downhill.
AMG's engines are finely tuned with minimal tolerances, which means any extra stresses caused by non-stock parts will quickly wear things out. Once an AMG engine has started becoming temperamental, it's likely a death sentence for the car. So, it's best to avoid adding any extras, certainly not to the tune of 1,000 hp.
2 Blow Up: Subaru BRZ
The Toyobaru BRZ is a fun and affordable little sports car, but it's under-powered right from the factory. Many owners have tried to fix this by boosting power considerably, and Subaru's Boxer engine can handle it well.
However, this only works to a certain point. Much like the 350Z, when power starts to get above 400 hp the engine's durability is seriously compromised. A goal of 1000 hp would be around five times the car's stock output, so it the engine simply wouldn't last.
1 Blow Up: Jeep Wrangler
There's a 1000 hp Cherokee Trackhawk on the market, and a 1000 hp Gladiator too. Both of those are seriously expensive, so buyers on a budget might consider a Wrangler as a cheaper alternative.
The issue is that making a Wrangler with that much power that won't fall apart will probably cost as much as just buying a modded Trackhawk. It'll also look pretty weird too, so it's just all-around not a good idea.