Is there a difference between turning up the boost to get more hp, and adding better heads and intake and getting more hp on the same boost.
Example:
Stock bottom lt1 8lbs of boost = 375 rwhp add smaller pulley = 450rwhp
Stock bottom lt1 8lbs of boost =375 rwhp add ported heads and intake = 450 rwhp
Is the motor with the 10lb pulley at greater risk of detonation if all things were equal? Thanks

 

The freeer flowing motor will run cooler,so yes.

 

In general, more boost = less reliability. So, freer flowing heads and cam will be more reliable than raising the boost. On the flip side, raising the boost is much cheaper.

I say do both and get 525 rwhp. Then again, I've blown up more engines in a month than most do in a lifetime. . .

 

When you add the heads/cam, it's actually going to LOWER your boost, but make more power, which makes it even better for a high-compression motor. I'm probably making around 4psi right now on the stock pulley, down from 6-7 on stock heads/cam.

Mike

 

This is great info. You guys are the best. Thanks for the INFORMED answers. Looks like the parts get installed now.

Much Thanks

 

Big power can be made either way. The tiny little buick 3.8 can make tons of power too even with a lack of displacement and small heads, but they do it at 20 to 35 psi. It would be cheaper and easier to add more boost and some form of charge cooler. Remember that boost does not equal horsepower, it's the amount of oxygen and fuel you can get into the cylinder that makes power. My goal is to make over 600 RWHP and still retain stock drivability characteristics when not under boost. I've seen cars produce 540 RWHP @ 14 psi with stock heads and 9.1 compression, non intercooled. I'm hoping 16 to 20 psi intercooled will get me to the 600 mark on stock LT castings.