[punkroqgearhead88]

My shortblock has seen better days. A new bottom end is in order as soon as funds are available. Perfect "might as well" excuse for a blower and forged internals.

I know some of these questions are kind of vauge and there are different variables, I'd just like to get a ballpark idea before I dive into another project.

Some of my questions for starters are:

Who still makes blower "kits" for our cars?

Which ones are the ones most preferred? (least maintenance, more reliable)

Typically,how much boost can I get away without an intercooler?

Typically,how much boost before a Walbro 255 reaches it's limits?

Is a block with four bolt mains necessary?

Reccomendations or forged internals? (brands)

If I decide to go with a 383, would the extra stroke be counter productive or help?

 

[FaSSt9602]

Who still makes blower "kits" for our cars?
This is the only complete "kit" I know of...RMCR Supercharger Kit

Which ones are the ones most preferred? (least maintenance, more reliable) See above.

Typically,how much boost can I get away without an intercooler?
I'd say 7psi max, but watch your IAT's. Don't want to mess with detonation and boost!

Typically,how much boost before a Walbro 255 reaches it's limits?
Usually listed in HP rating. With boost, I wouldn't want to try to push much past 500 rwhp. You could go with a bigger Aeromotive 340 pump that would give you some wiggle room (assuming you aren't going for 800hp).

Is a block with four bolt mains necessary?
Necessary, no. But, if you are building a short block, having it machined for splayed 4 bolt mains isn't expensive, and decent caps can be had for relatively cheap. 4 bolt mains will help to contain the extra stress of FI.

Reccomendations or forged internals? (brands)
Totally depends on your goals and budget. You can get a cheap Eagle kit to live, or you can go overboard and go with top of the line Callies Dragonslayer crank. Scat and Compstar are good mid ranged cranks and rods. Mahl, Weisco, or SRP for mid ranged pistons.

If I decide to go with a 383, would the extra stroke be counter productive or help?
With FI, cubic inches aren't as important. Yes, you will have more total power potential with more inches, but keep in mind, to make that extra power, your SC also has to work harder to fill that extra space with air! That RMCR kit would do fine with either 355 or 383. Also good to note that those extra inches aren't going to net you 100hp, or even close. It will add a handful of HP and move the power curve down a bit (assuming equivalent cams).

 

[Jeff Green]

Already good comments and here are a few more to debate.

The old Paxton kits made 7 psi and had no issues on a completely stock LTI.

Remember, most seem to forget, boost is restriction. So 7 psi is not always 7 psi. If you can get air flow numbers then that's a much better way to know what you can get away with when it comes to heat/boost.

Just adding a Snow injection system will allow you as much as 10 psi on a good flowing boosted motor. I have a used Snow system for sale So cheaper than all the stuff needed for an intercooler. And a ton less money!!

Save some money for the stuff behind the engine

 

[tenor39]

Remember, most seem to forget, boost is restriction. So 7 psi is not always 7 psi. If you can get air flow numbers then that's a much better way to know what you can get away with when it comes to heat/boost.

This! I have been preaching this for years, but no one seems to get it. CFM is the # to look for.