Modifying cars is like crack. Once you've added some performance, you want more. Case in point: What starts as a stock engine will soon be a horribly overpowered money pit, with far to much horsepower, and a great sound.
Stock? Sure. Reliable? Sure. 300hp? Sure.
Stock? No. Reliable? Slightly. 800hp? Yep.
And don't think you'll be content with 800hp either, because once you've had 800 for a while, it's just not as exciting as it used to be.