compression + boost
 

okay, i'm pretty pumped up to get a turbo at the moment. but i want to get some honest opinions as to wether or not its a good idea. ive got a 97 TransAm with about 40k on the motor. I was planning on putting on a 5-8lb kit on a mostly stock engine. i would change out the rockers and springs and a new timing chain (just for good measure), i'm going with delteq coil packs (bypassing the opti) and some new ngk plugs for a quick tune up. it would be intercooled and custom tuned. i also would be getting larger injectors, a larger volume fuel pump and a 52mm throttle body. i find now that i drive the car quite often. but not necessarily an everyday driver. i would get a conroller to adjust pressure levels as well. keep it on 4.5-5 on normal driving and 8psi for those "needing to stomp a mudhole" occasions. i was slightly discouraged recently by a few posts about boost and the LT1 compression rate. as far as heads goes, i was planning on leaving them stock for a bit. if i changed heads any time soon, i would consider just going with a naturally aspirated engine instead.Is there anything more i can do to lesson the chance of killing the engine without digging into it too much? i probably know the answer to this question, just gotta hear it from somebody else. thanks for any input.
dave

Re: compression + boost
 

Water/alcohol injection. But it will still not be likely to have a long and happy life. Boost>>>stock pistons.

Rich

Re: compression + boost
 

It all depends on how you treat it. My daily car is supercharged and I ran the stock bottom end for 40k miles, then I blew a head gasket. Now I've got ported heads and a cam in addition to the blower on the same 88k mile short block with no problems. Granted I don't beat on the car much. Just be aware that it will most likely pop a ringland when it does die, it may last 10 miles, it may last 50 thousand, just be ready. :)

Re: compression + boost
 

so where would i pick up some heads for this application at? and how much would this cost me. is heads the only real thing i'm missing here? or should i pick up a turbo cam as well if i picked up the heads too? are there any real advantages to force induction versus naturally aspirated? provided they both had the same power output? i love the sound of a turbo. but if i'm gonna do any of these projects, i probably need to plan everything from the start. it probably wont pay to not do the heads also then. thanks again.
dave

Re: compression + boost
 

Trick Flow sells a set of LT1 heads with larger chambers. Summit has them for around $1400 bucks. A better idea would be to have your stock heads ported and add some low compression, forged pistons to the motor. At that point you could run 10 psi pretty safely. What kit are you planning to use or are you planning to make one yourself? :)