for those of you old timers like my self here on the forumn how much horespower does the stock block motor seem to handle without anything breaking?ive read so many differant numbers but 450 to 470 hp seems to be about the limit.and of course i also would like the newer members thoughts also.i am going to either get another blower,ported stock blower or a mangum case and maybe some of the newer sheetmetal intakes to get my power up to about 450 hp with about 16lbs of boost.i have 390 now with 14 lbs of boost.any suggestion on what to add to get this level of power if its safe?

 

450/16# should be doable with no problem...with a GOOD tune!!

 

i asked this same question a few weeks ago when i bought my L. 450 to the rear wheels is safe for daily driving. Anymore and you are looking at throwing a rod.

 

450 has been the limit for so long that it's accepted as law; but, I think that with the correct support mods (SCT2400 MAF, bigger injectors, and upgraded fuel pumps), over 500 SAE is possible. I'll know for sure in a years time. I'm already there on a stock block; and, there are others that have been at, around, or above 500 rwhp for a long time already. 450 rwhp SAE, with stock pumps, MAF, and injectors, sounds about right though.

 

AGREED!

 

500hp/600tq 16# boost 19deg. timing.. stock block.. still runing strong..

 

450-500 HP can be attained, but can not be considered safe. Even with pumps, 60# injectors and SCT Maf, and what I would call a very conservative tune, I blew mine up having some fun on the turnpike. HP was in the 480 range.
One tank of poor fuel will do you in.
Jim

 

I'm at 444hp with a 4lb lower, stock blower, full exhaust, accufab S/B, JL's ram air all basic bolt ons and a good tune. In June a KB, pumps, injectors, MAF and a tune go together so I should be at the 500Hp mark on a stock block so time will tell on duribility.

 

Ask a question...get a 100 answers. LOL

But as everyone has said....experience has shown that anything over 450rwhp is crossing the "safe line". BUT...that depends on alot of things. (i.e. tune...gas...driver...ect) Seems most folks ventilate their blocks with 80 kick-downs on the highway.

Just my $.02

 

Kick downs and cold weather do seem to take there share of motors.

 

Wow... What can you do safe (for kickdowns) on the stock block? I want to get a 4lb lower and a dyno tune.... will the stock block handle kickdowns with those mods? I find going WOT from 60mph gives you the best rpm/thrust, lol.

 

i ran 503 rwhp on my stock block for over a year with no problems. I sprayed the crap out of it from 15 -115 degrees temp. Get a good tune and hold on

 

So as long as I get a proper dyno tune, I should be ok with a 4lber, a kickdown or many, on the stock block? lol... Just be a little mellow in the cold weather or could I get a winter tune uploaded to a handheld tuner or would it have to go to the dyno for the proper cold weather tune or what?

Safe kickdowns with the stock block with a little more seat of the pants thrust is what I'm after.... 4lber+ dyno tune.... is that what I'm after?

 

get a decent dyno tune with a magin of safety built into it and you should be good to go year round. a number of factors go into the kickdown issues: load is highest in 3rd gear, it's the most often WOT blast that people do, and it is often done in the winter months when tracks aren't open, the 4-2 gear dropdown is not good on the tranny, many people max their MAF out causing it to blow under these conditions, etc etc

minn-kota or pratt & whitney can help you with your "thrust":
http://www.pratt-whitney.com/prod_comm_pw4000_112.asp

 

I agree. IMO above 400 rwhp a balance MUST be met between tune, fuel, timing, plugs, lubrication, and inlet charge temps.

I believe it's possible to push 500rwhp on an otherwise stock motor... and have it serve a decent lifetime. But those items absolutely must be in order for it to do so.

This last year I was pushing about 500-520 rwhp on spray and you can see it was taking it's toll on my rod bearings. Even when using fully synthetic & thicker oil. And ramping my shot size up so as not to shock it down low too.
(pic shows the compression end of the rod bearing)

Rich