My 383 bit the dust Saturday at the dragstrip. I havent torn in yet but my heads look fine so somethign was trashed down below. I had been planning to build a new shortblock next summer and put a forced induction setup on it.

For now Im planning to build a 355 block for the new setup. Im still undecided on supercharger or turbo. I'd prefer a kit as I dont have time to fab up a bunch of parts and make something work. I wasnt expecting this project and have another one already underway so time is limited.

Whats surprising is I have been doing a ton of reading and see the track numbers of people in the upper 12's and low 13's with superchargers. I was running 12.7's n/a with my 383/Superram setup. If I build a Superrammed 355 and toss on a d1sc or similiar would the number be any better? I'd really like to get into the 11's with my new setup.

 

Yes, the number would be better.

Guys running that slow are running little boost on a stock block. Also boost is just a measure of restriction, so a stock engine running 10 lbs of boost makes noticably less power than a well flowing one running less boost.

Build it up with 8.5-9 compression and a good set of heads, run 10 psi and you'll easily be deep in the 11s with room to add more boost.

 

Ive been 11:00 at 3800lbs with my 355/9lbs of boost on pump gas.
If you are building a new engine make sure you use forged pistons, 4340 crank and rods. try to get a 2 bolt block and put splayed steel caps on it.

 

people here are running 355's superrams 219/219 cam N?A in the low low 12's with good traction and gears.

with 9lbs or so boost, mid low 11s should be easy with great street manners.

 

Thanks guys. I have an old LT-1 motor that Im going to build up. Those came with forged cranks, pink rods, forged pistons and 4 bolt mains. I know I have to swap the pistons out for lower compression but is that old crank and the pink rods strong enough to handle 10#+ of boost?

 

Another ? to add to the topic.
Where do you run into limitations on the stock TPI block. I am aiming for around high 600 to low 700hp range but am worried about going with an aftermarket block or retaining the stock TPI block. Granted if I used a TPI block I would run splayed mained and forged internals.

I have heard seldom rumors of 500hp pushing it.

 

500hp is pushing a stock ford 5.0 block...they break.

I dont think our blocks have issues with that much power.

 

I think you should do some reading and research..

I'm in the process of building a 357cid (350, .040" over bore for those of you who can't tolerate someone identifying a motor by its actual displacement) which should be 560-580hp. In a 3600lbs car, we're talking low 11s if not high 10s.

If your dead set on the LT1, well. go ahead. personally i'd go with a SBC. Infact, Bob allready suggested a block to you. And he knows what hes doing.

Also, lookup Blownbird's old setup. If I remember, he went low 11s if not faster on vortech powered sbc.

-- Joe

 

I have a roller cam 4 bolt block with stock bolts (1989 truck) and I have been making between 850 and 900 hp this year. I took it apart and did see the mains doing some walking that is why I suggested the steel/splayed/studded caps.
If you do want to make more HP fill the block to the bottom of the water pump holes with cyrstec or block filler and it will hold whatever you can throw at it. BUT your street driving will be limited.