This summer I really want to start building my Buick 350 up for the supercharger system. I was wondering if you guys and give me some help with a few prices and on the best items to run. Ok i'm going to be getting the stage 1 intake from TA and which holley carb should I run? Also what do you guys think on 7.5 to 1 compression pistons? How much would that cost me from TA? Also with that low of compression and an intercooler could I run around 14psi for the street and maybe 20psi for the strip? Would a custom ground cam from TA for a supercharger cost much more than a production one? Also, what kind of fuel pump and regulator do you guys think would I need to run a setup like this one? Ok one more question. About the heads, could I get the stock ones ported and polished and machined and have them flowing enough or should I just wait for some stg. 2 heads from TA? Thanks a lot for your help guys! Daniel
Unfortunately, for now, we're stuck with modifying the stock heads! Not that they're 'that' bad...but it sure will be nice to have the option of ordering aluminum heads!! I saw AM&P's flow numbers on some of their ported bigger valve 350 heads - Not Bad!:TU: You can also get excellent results from some of the other Buick vendors or guys that specialize in porting Buick heads! If you're considering the ATI Procharger w/intercooler, you'd be fine with forged 8.5:1 compression. Intercooling keeps the intake air temp WAY down, compared to non-intercooled boost! I believe most of the GN/TR guys are running between 8 and 9:1. ATI has some impressive numbers with only premium pump gas!:TU: You can run much more boost with the lower compression ratio, but I don't think you want to sacrifice low end throttle response. Make sure you have your block decked to give between zero and .005" down. That will help control pinging/detonation by minimizing the quench area - you want the 'explosion' in the middle of the piston, not out towards the edges! The Stage 1 intake from TA is an excellent choice - I don't believe there is anything 'better'! For your cam, you will want something with a wider lobe seperation - at least 110*, 112*-114* would be better. Nitrous and supercharged motors tend to like a wider l.s. Looks like most of the off the shelf TA cams are $139-$149. You'd have to call for price on a custom cam, also cam specs for your application. There are several top notch Buick engine builders around the country. Just call around - AM&P, P.A.E., TA, etc. Jim Burek(PAE) is a regular on this board - I'm sure he'd be happy to advise you. Dave from TA also frequents this board. *You can get much more detailed answers from many of the other board members here. Hope my response can help get you started. Scott
thank! Thanks a lot of the response! That is helping but organize my efforts, with fewer ideas of what I need to do. I hope I can locate another 350 for my building purposes so I can keep driving mine until it is ready to be installed. Thanks agian...I might have more questions laters but this gives me a better foundation. Daniel
BTW, you'll have to address the connecting rod 'issue' with the power levels you should attain. At the very least, you might be better off ordering TA's 350 rods all done with new bolts for the later model capscrew style rod(73 and newer - I believe). Ideally, you would want a 'bullet proof' rod such as what is available for the 455! Unfortunately, nobody offers them - YET! I guess the stockers will have to do for now!:ball: *For your carb - you'll need to get a Holley that has been specially prepared for a 'blow-thru' application such as what you have in mind. Scott
rods... I can order the rods, and they would be able to take any hp or torque that I could throw at it. The only thing is you have to have them custom made and it would be from $1100-$1300. Lots of money for one part but i'm not leaving one piece on the engine not preped for my high hopes. Thanks Daniel
Although not cheap, the rods WILL be the first thing to fail. Should be money well spent! I would also highly recommend ARP main studs - with an align hone or bore! Scott
