Damn brittle rods.
View Poll Results: At what point did it let go?
6 psi
1
4.35%
9 psi
3
13.04%
12 psi
8
34.78%
15 psi
6
26.09%
18 psi
3
13.04%
21 psi
2
8.70%
Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll
Damn brittle rods.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 72
From: Calhoun GA
I dunno, I've seen quite a few 5.4's survive a while @ 12psi and a good tune. However, I've also read a few posts where they have let go at 8-9psi...with those rods, anythings possible. I'm gonna low ball it and say 9
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
I run 10.5.
I know a few folks at 13.5 on stock motors.
But these are all centrifugal Prochargers.
I've heard good and bad experiences with KB blowers. I'm gonna go with 12psi as I've read a few others report rod failure with a KB at about that level.
I know a few folks at 13.5 on stock motors.
But these are all centrifugal Prochargers.
I've heard good and bad experiences with KB blowers. I'm gonna go with 12psi as I've read a few others report rod failure with a KB at about that level.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 311
Likes: 3
From: Arkansas
Almost 14 psi with my ProCharger. The centrifugals just have less parasitic losses at those pressures so the stresses transmitted to the crank are less. I won't push any higher on my truck though until I can afford to build the motor. Did you trash the block or are you going to replace the whole shortblock anyway? Oh well...time to put in a call to VT Engines or Boss 330. Ported heads, cams....early Christmas this year for you...
Elder User
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 311
Likes: 3
From: Arkansas
I might gain a little more boost when I get the meth injection tuned but it should also be a bit safer to run at those pressures too. Also looking to get a no-slip pulley. It's a balancing act with these engines. They can hold more power than they should but it takes so little to destroy them when at the limits.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Ballard, WA
Originally Posted by hkiefus
14 psi. I really thought it could handle it.
So what's the next step? I presume you need to get it going again ASAP.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,983
Likes: 2
I'll see what I can scare up. What I'd rather have is a recording of the sound. It sounded like a gaggle of iron squirrels were kicking the crap out of each other in the crankcase.
Are you guys suggesting that I purchase a crate performance motor?
For the time being I've got a nice Taurus to drive around. Come to think of it, if I can keep it long enough I'll save enough money on gas going to work that it will pay for the motor.
And for what it's worth, this departure took place while running 100 octane LL. The cylinder pressures were just too high. And no ****, this one doesn’t have an IC.
Are you guys suggesting that I purchase a crate performance motor?
For the time being I've got a nice Taurus to drive around. Come to think of it, if I can keep it long enough I'll save enough money on gas going to work that it will pay for the motor.
And for what it's worth, this departure took place while running 100 octane LL. The cylinder pressures were just too high. And no ****, this one doesn’t have an IC.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 72
From: Calhoun GA
Originally Posted by hkiefus
Are you guys suggesting that I purchase a crate performance motor?
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 311
Likes: 3
From: Arkansas
Take a few of the pistons and look at the skirts. You wouldn't have heard minor detonation that would have been enough to kill your motor but it would show up on the skirts. Even on 100 octane detonation is still possible with that much boost and no IC. I run 104 at the track and still check my plugs for signs of detonation. A crate shortblock would be the best way to go IMO. VT Engines, Boss 330 Racing, LFP, SHM, Mod Max, and CHP all carry a basic Lightning shortblock good for 800 hp and they guarantee their work. The modular motors aren't anymore complicated to build but there are differences and I would only trust a motor built by those who specialize in modular mills.
From VT a 5.4 Sportsman block is $3,895 with no core charge. Send them your block if it's useable and you can save a few hundred.
From VT a 5.4 Sportsman block is $3,895 with no core charge. Send them your block if it's useable and you can save a few hundred.