The Weakest Link?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Washington IL
The Weakest Link?
The is a lot of discussion about safe horsepower levels on stock bottom ends.
I know I have talked to ECS and they say if I understand them correctly that they do not recommend going much over 525-550. That is on the edge of being safe for an ls1 which is what I have.
I want to know what happens when we exceed these numbers.
What types of failures are the most predictable? Where does the motor break down most consistently? What are the most common rear end and transmissions failures?
Another question I have relates to power under the curve. For example, I have sts on my car and am making in the 480's rwhp @7.5.bs of boost. I am sure that top number is at the top of the rpm's.
What happens if I raise the boost to say 10lbs. I understand at the top of the r's I may be at dangerous levels for motor safety, but won't I also see increases lower in the power band?
What if I keep the r's down to safer levels on the top but enjoy the added power on the bottom and mid range?
Would my peak power still be the same but at lower r's and my lower and mid range increase significantly?
I know I have talked to ECS and they say if I understand them correctly that they do not recommend going much over 525-550. That is on the edge of being safe for an ls1 which is what I have.
I want to know what happens when we exceed these numbers.
What types of failures are the most predictable? Where does the motor break down most consistently? What are the most common rear end and transmissions failures?
Another question I have relates to power under the curve. For example, I have sts on my car and am making in the 480's rwhp @7.5.bs of boost. I am sure that top number is at the top of the rpm's.
What happens if I raise the boost to say 10lbs. I understand at the top of the r's I may be at dangerous levels for motor safety, but won't I also see increases lower in the power band?
What if I keep the r's down to safer levels on the top but enjoy the added power on the bottom and mid range?
Would my peak power still be the same but at lower r's and my lower and mid range increase significantly?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 16
From: Nashville TN
I had this same discussion with Chris about a year ago. My car ended up making 557/497 at 8 psi. The engine lasted a year, until the ring glands on #5 and #7 broke. Now I have a forged engine.
Yes you can up the boost and gain more on the lower and mid range. Limiting your max RPM is a safe way to protect the motor. ECS also uses restrictors in their superchargers to do the same thing.
Yes you can up the boost and gain more on the lower and mid range. Limiting your max RPM is a safe way to protect the motor. ECS also uses restrictors in their superchargers to do the same thing.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 1
I had this same discussion with Chris about a year ago. My car ended up making 557/497 at 8 psi. The engine lasted a year, until the ring glands on #5 and #7 broke. Now I have a forged engine.
Yes you can up the boost and gain more on the lower and mid range. Limiting your max RPM is a safe way to protect the motor. ECS also uses restrictors in their superchargers to do the same thing.
Yes you can up the boost and gain more on the lower and mid range. Limiting your max RPM is a safe way to protect the motor. ECS also uses restrictors in their superchargers to do the same thing.
Last edited by 98vettedave; Jul 22, 2008 at 04:45 PM. Reason: mistake
