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Question for the guys that know a lot about Kenne bell S/C

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Old 11-16-2018, 11:50 AM
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Crabr1
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Default Question for the guys that know a lot about Kenne bell S/C

I'm not looking for a bashing thread. Since I lost a roller tip off one of my lifters I'm thinking about installing a new engine! I'm completely stumped as to what I'm going to do as far as a engine. I'm going to do somewhat of a budget build,I don't want to go to crazy with my 20yr old car. My question for the guys that know about the KB supercharger is,can I use pretty much any block...Ls1,Ls2,Ls6 or Ls3 ? The main thing I'll want to have is all forged internals and hopefully get into the mid to high 600 rwhp,I was around 620rwhp with my Oem Ls1. I was going to go a different route but didn't get enough interest selling my KB setup,so I'll just keep it and put it on a forged setup.
Old 11-16-2018, 12:57 PM
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Turpid porpoise
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You will need to stay with something that uses cathedral port heads just like your LS1 so LS1/LS6/LS2.
Old 11-16-2018, 01:29 PM
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you can use an ls3/9/a block or an iron 6.0 block with cathedral heads as well, I've seen some people do that and still make good power
Old 11-16-2018, 02:35 PM
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Thanks you guys. It’s pretty confusing trying to figure out which way to go.
Old 11-16-2018, 10:42 PM
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Any block is going to be fine with the power you talking about making and that the KB is capable of making. Your power is going to be more limited by the blower. Add compression, put it on e85 and timing. That's where I see you being able to gain the most power. HP is more limited to blower than the engine. My f1r, 408 with trickflow 225s and ecs big blower cam made 887. The new engine is a 427, mast 305's, even bigger cam spec'd by blownbluezo6, other more expensive parts with the same f1r made 870. The tune was not done and the f1r probably would have made a little over 900 with a on kill tune. But it just shows that the blower is the limiting factor.
Old 11-17-2018, 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by neutron82
you can use an ls3/9/a block or an iron 6.0 block with cathedral heads as well, I've seen some people do that and still make good power
I agree plus that is about it also on rwhp with the KB with a forged lower on the car you can always if something happens to it junk the blower & go with a front munt blower.
Old 11-18-2018, 06:22 AM
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If your block is still good, keep the ls1 , and add forged rods and pistons, that is the most economical way.
when I built mine, I did a stroked ls2, but with a small pd blower, you don’t need the stroke, and it’s simpler and cheaper to stay with an ls1 for the power you will get.
Old 11-19-2018, 10:14 PM
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I’m pretty sure my block is still ok. But I’m wanting more,but also want to do somewhat of a budget build. So would it better to go Ls2 or have my block sleeved for more CI? I really don’t know much about engines,I can remove it and reinstall one,but tuning and deciding what to do are all new too me. I know a place I’ll take it to to fire it up and tune it. So any advice you guys have I’m listening. I will be keeping my KB and installing it on a rebuilt Ls1 or Ls2. I’m thinking the Ls1 would be the best for me,but I’m not set on it. If I keep the Ls1 it will be all forged internals.
Old 11-19-2018, 11:34 PM
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looking through TX Speed's parts a couple months ago, most of the similar forged rotating assemblies were the same price within a range of displacements, so it sounds like it comes down to what block you want to use & how much machine work you're wanting to do to it. you've got the 2.8, right? that should supply plenty of air for anything under 400ci if you're looking to keep the boost moderate... like 10 or less, and if you've got a good tuner & good gas, 10-11 compression's even fine so long as you cam it up to get the dynamic CR manageable, and you won't need as much boost to make good power (plus the blower'll stay cooler from not turning as fast).
foot stomp the *good tuner* part.

Last edited by _zebra; 11-19-2018 at 11:35 PM.
Old 11-19-2018, 11:36 PM
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i should be able to let you know how my LS1 turned out with the latest round of goodies... whenever i eventually get it back (hopefully Thurs)
Old 11-20-2018, 11:27 AM
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Keep the ls1 , stock crank, add Forged pistons and rods, simplest and most economical.
keep stock cubes, if you stroke it like I did , LS2 402 , it’s a waste, as you will have plenty of low end torque.
I can do 70 mph, drop it into 3rd and lay down 2- 50’ Smokin patches down the road.
If that’s what you want , by all means, but I am thinking of de-tuning to around 600 rw, which would be more managable
for the street .

Last edited by LedfootLarry; 11-20-2018 at 11:28 AM.
Old 11-20-2018, 09:48 PM
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or just do what i did for all these years on a stock clutch & cruiser tires: always lightly roll into the throttle
Old 11-20-2018, 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by _zebra
or just do what i did for all these years on a stock clutch & cruiser tires: always lightly roll into the throttle
what's the fun in that
Old 11-20-2018, 10:03 PM
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yeah


Old 11-20-2018, 10:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Crabr1
I’m pretty sure my block is still ok. But I’m wanting more,but also want to do somewhat of a budget build. So would it better to go Ls2 or have my block sleeved for more CI? I really don’t know much about engines,I can remove it and reinstall one,but tuning and deciding what to do are all new too me. I know a place I’ll take it to to fire it up and tune it. So any advice you guys have I’m listening. I will be keeping my KB and installing it on a rebuilt Ls1 or Ls2. I’m thinking the Ls1 would be the best for me,but I’m not set on it. If I keep the Ls1 it will be all forged internals.
The money spent on cubes is going to net you minimal HP gains. Just because you go from a 346 to a 364 (ls1 vs ls2) you will have very small gains. The power you are making is from your blower not the 18 cubes you would gain. I would stick with your stock block, add compression, maybe a bigger cam depending on what you have already put it on e85 or meth. Meth or e85 will let you run more compression and timing without detonation problems. Meth would even give you lower air intake temps.
Old 11-21-2018, 07:11 PM
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I think that's what I'm going to do,stay with my Ls1 and just have it built with forged Pistons and rods. I'm pretty sure I was running a 232/240 114 cam,is that too much,I'd like to go more. I also have been running methanol,it starts spraying a 3lbs and is adjustable. I know I'm asking a lot,and all you guys have been very helpful,but not asking brand,but what Pistons should I run? Of course all this could change as I have someone asking about my KB setup,I told him I might sell it,but if he try's to cut the price I'll just keep it.ill see what he replys after I send him pictures tonight. Again thanks to all you guys who have replied.
Old 11-21-2018, 07:55 PM
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Go with a bigger bore stock stroke motor.

Diamond pistons.

Always remember you will run out of intercooler above 600rwhp.

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To Question for the guys that know a lot about Kenne bell S/C

Old 11-21-2018, 08:05 PM
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Would using 317 heads do me any good? I'd like to not use my stock heads,but then again I don't want to go with afr heads either.
Old 11-21-2018, 08:09 PM
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I would stay with stock cubes as well and some 243/799 heads if you don't already have them, you can easily meet you goal without even having to port them... you are only trying to make 600rwhp so in my opinion there is no reason to go all out on another block (assuming your current block is still good) or high dollar aftermarket heads
Old 11-21-2018, 08:28 PM
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Originally Posted by neutron82
I would stay with stock cubes as well and some 243/799 heads if you don't already have them, you can easily meet you goal without even having to port them... you are only trying to make 600rwhp so in my opinion there is no reason to go all out on another block (assuming your current block is still good) or high dollar aftermarket heads
i don't have either of those heads,i have the other ones that aren't so well liked. So 317 heads really won't do anything for me?


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