Just remember... an S/C application imposes greater loads on the block than a turbo for a given net flywheel HP output. The S/C drive HP has to come from power made through the crankshaft. When George was netting 1,125HP at the flywheel, he was probably taking 150-175HP off the front of the crank... meaning the combustion chambers were making closer to 1,300HP. When the issue of LT1 block limits has been discussed before, Madman claimed to be making 1,200HP with his ATI setup. Neither George or Madman suffered a catastrophic failure, but they had the benefit of seeing the condition of the block when they tore things down. They both came to the same conclusion... don't push it any farther.

 

I've only put about 100 miles on my TT SBC 427, and I haven't gotten anywhere near applying full boost/WOT to the street. My engine made 1201hp @ 6600rpm on 93 octane with around 20-22 psi of boost and a mild tune. With a leaner tune, a couple more degrees of advance and a couple more psi of boost, I could probably get it in the 1400hp range but as you already mentioned it's a real challenge to apply it to the street.

Since dyno testing and tuning, I've since added a boost controller and swapped the 20# wastegate springs for 7# springs. The combination of lighter springs and electronic boost control make it alot easier to manage since I can cruise around with minimal boost, but easily turn it up to "kill" mode if I wanted to, but even with low single digit boost, it's a handful on street tires. I think it really a matter of how you drive it. If you're not aggressive with the throttle, you can drive a 1000+hp turbo car around pretty easily, but if you drive like a jackass, you'll end up killing yourself and/or others because it's ALOT of power. It's easy to build an engine that will make the power, but actually living with it is another thing. To be honest, just the thought of launching the car under full boost/full power (assuming the car could even take it wighout breaking something) makes me nervous. I know a guy who races in NHRA and he was commenting that his 8 second tube frame racecar makes about the same amount of power. Anyone who has ever actually been behind the wheel with that much power knows how violent it is.


I wouldn't recommend a factory block either, you'll need something like a Dart Iron Eagle or GM Rocket block.

 

1400 rwhp daily driven?
i'm a dumbass compared to the guys in here, but i can flat out tell you its going to suck.

and the T-56 is going to shatter and kill you.
dont even bother.
your going three times its power rating.
might as well slap up a 10bolt open rear and an aluminium driveshaft.
make sure you have a tranny blanket is all i can say...
your in powerglide territory.

for some reason i have my doubts
no offence, but someone building a 1400hp car has to realy know wtf they are doing. I dont think anyone would even ATTEMPT to run a t-56

if you are serious, shoot me an email. i have a few turbo connections. i might be able to get you stuff very cheap.



ohh
can the LT1 block even hold 1400hp?

 

Here's a 1000+hp TT street driven C4 Corvette with a T56 that is working well - http://www.jdhcon.com/vette.