LOTS_O_HP'S

[Jonathan R. Lusky]

Mike Taylor writes:
> 
>   ......A 600 hp small block Chevy for a speed boat ('74 Starbuck) I
> purchased in summer of '93.  I currently have about a 350 hp 350 small block
> Chevy engine in the boat that I rebuilt in High School ('86).  It's ok, but
> the boat needs more power.
>         Now, how does one get 600 hp's off a small block Chevy? 
>  
>                         TURBOSUPERCHARGERS!!!!!
> 
>         I plan on installing two t-4 Fairbanks turbochargers to another
> small block engine (I currently have the turbos).  I'll need two
> intercoolers plumbed after the turbos to rid the possibility for detonation.
> I plan on using Saab intercoolers but modifying them so that water will be
> the heat exchange medium (since the boat's on water, I'll have plenty at my
> disposal).

What the flow rating like on those?  Most of the OEM intercoolers I've
seen are majorly inadequate and fairly restrictive--on a little engine.

> The injection manifold will be the standard TPI found on current
> 5.0 and 5.7 TPI engines.

What RPM range are you planning to run?  Stock TPI is only good for
about 4500 rpm in general.  For a boat you'll be running a fairly narrow
RPM range, right?  If so, I think you'd be able to get better results
with a standard tunnel ram basewith a box plenum on top.

>         The engine itself will be a 350 4-bolt main, unless I can find a
> reasonably priced 400 4-bolt main.

You are much better off machining a two bolt block for splayed 4-bolt
caps than running a factory style 4-bolt block.  

>         My biggest problem is camshaft selection.  I've built three
> performance engines and read plenty of HOT ROD and CAR CRAFT magazines to
> give me a good feel for selecting naturally aspirated camshafts, but I'm
> clueless to the turbo realm.
         
Forget everything you have ever read in car craft, hotrod, etc about
choosing cams :).  Figure out exactly what you want the cam to do and
then call someone like Crower, Lunati, etc and be prepared to run up a nice
little long distance bill.  They probably have something that will do
whatever you want--it's just not going to be anything you see listed in
Summit Catalog :). 

>        Any other suggestions are appreciated.  And do you know if there are
> places to turn to on the "information highway" about turbocharging.  Thanks!!

You didn't mention heads...  what are you planning to run for heads?


-- 
Jonathan R. Lusky                        lusky at knuth.mtsu.edu
http://www.mtsu.edu/~lusky/                 (615) 726-8700
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68 Camaro Convertible - 350 / TH350  \_/ 80 Toyota Celica - 20R / 5spd