I was daydreaming about putting an 8-71 blower on my car. I did the math and it seems that with 8.5 compression I could run 6 lbs of boost. I would only run 4 to be on the safe side until I rebuild the engine with forged pistons. I wouldn't be turning it into a race car, I just think it would look awesome. If it dropped my et to a 15.0 I would be happy. Anyone have any experience driving a blown car? I see used blowers at swap meets all the time. How much would a used blower and intake cost? I figure I could buy a worn one since I wouldn't be running much boost. What wears out besides the seals on the rotors? Are they expensive to fix?
An 8-71 is an excellent choice for your car. It does not have to be turned as high of rpm, so it does not heat the air as bad. A 6-71 would have to turn about 33% faster to make the same. Plus an 8-71 looks that much better visually. A 455 uses a lot of air, so I agree with using a 8-71. I would be leary buying a used blower case, as it is not just the rotors that need attention, but also the end caps and bearings wear out. Not saying that you can't get by with swap meet parts, I personnaly believe in low-buck swap meets and junk yards for stuff, but I keep it to parts that I can readily ID the condition, or else buy real cheap so you don't get burned. Don't forget you also need the drive and manifold pieces. In the end it may be easier (for sure) and almost the same cost to just buy a complete kit from one of the blower suppliers. Compare the cost of individual pieces and cost of rebuilding the blower vs a kit, it may not be much different. I think cast pistons would live up to 6-7 lbs boost, as long as you don't have detonation.
My brother and I are into our blower just $800. The lung is all been rebuilt. Buy the time were done with everything we'll have saved just over $1000. If you plan to buy a complete set they can be had for $3500 from Hampton and BDS. Have fun Doug:grin:
Dyers has a Buick 455 specific 8-71 blower kit $2950 for non-polished, $3200 polished. They've been selling this kit for MANY years that I know of. Don't personally know anything other than this.... They also have 6-71 kits but IMO that too small for 455.o No: Hope this helps.http://www.dyersblowers.com/Prices.html Jeff
