I know some have posted this in the past but wanted to get some new opinions on the matter.

What can a bottom end handle on a 3v 5.4? Or basically what can the engine handle with forced induction without cracking open the block to beef it up? (safely handle horsepower wise) I'm sure most will mention keeping the boost a safe level and a good tune but what do you run and how has it treated you?

 

While the engine could live up to 500 rwhp, I wouldn't consider it a safe level from a reliability standpoint. There isn't much margin for error for a malfunctioning sensor or a bad tank of gas. I think if you run more than about 8 lbs. of boost, you have to consider a broken engine a possibility from a safety standpoint, but you better have a tuner worth his salt.

 

I've been running 11-12lbs of boost and 450rwhp+ now since 05/06 on my 04 F-150.

I also change my oil every 12k miles, filter every 6k. The oil in my truck now is well over 2 years old, and I'm still running the same gas that I filled the truck up with back in july of last year 2011. Yes you read that right, my truck has been sitting in my garage since July 1, 2011 and it's not been started until Jan 30 2012.. My gas is over 7 months old. Felt like driving it again for some reason.

These engines are tougher then people think.

Oh yeah, and the Diehard platinum started right up with the truck just sitting there.

 

I'm running Fatherfords Vortech on my 07 fx4 with 33" mud tires at 12lb.

It has factory 3.73 gears which are the next thing ill be changing. Oil and filter change every 3k mile, fuel filter every 15k or so. 89k on the clock.

I haven't had it on for more than 7k miles or so, but I have had zero issues so far. And my truck has been through a lot prior to the blower install. This summer will be a real test for it though!

 

True, but you have to admit that you don't give a rat's patoot if it blows or not either. I think you have to admit, you're probably at the limit for carnage too.

I came across a question asked by a well respected engine builder what he thought was a safe level for the stock GT500 engine. His response was 500 rwhp. They're already making that stock. People are pushing these engine up to 800 rwhp. Is that safe? Not likely. There's a difference between pushing something to the limit and a respectable safety margin (i.e. safe).

What I think is safe is contingent on whether the truck is a daily driver and whether the owner has sufficient funds to rebuild the motor, if his engine isn't the anomaly that yours seems to be.

 

OP, I'm currently running 8 lbs., but when I ever get around to putting an exhaust system on this truck, I will be running 10. That may not have me at the limits of the motor, but will be the limits for my fuel system and injectors. Frankly, I don't care a whole lot if my engine blows either.

 

Man Windsor, on a posting roll there? Lol

I don't want my engine to pop, nor do I plan on it happening. I'm pretty confident with who is doing my tuning that it should be ok. S*** happens though we all know that, there's always the possibility of something going wrong, and it could very well happen to me or someone running even 6-8lb. I think running 10-12lb of boost just decreases the margin you have for errors to occur and not damage something. Just like a lean condition, you have a little more room for error in a motor running 6lb vs 12lb. My motor probably wouldnt stand a chance if it ran lean at wot, unlike the 6lb which may survive that scenario. Again I'm just comparing the margins and how more power reduces that.

Our motors can handle the power of 10-12lb depending on how you use the truck! After all its mostly about the hp your engine is cranking out, rather than boost level. But your room for error is minimal to none, which is why some would deem it as "unsafe". That's what needs to be considered when you select what is a safe power level for your truck specific to your driving. Things like local temperatures, are you towing, how often, how heavy, any racing in its future, daily driver only, etc, etc. Also note I used boost levels as a reference for power, that is not what you should base your selection on. You have to take into consideration any other mods you have that will result in a lower boost reading but net the same or more rwhp. You could make 400rwhp on 12lb or 500rwhp! Your Target rwhp is what needs to be selected considering all of the factors you will be putting your truck through. This will determine what is "safe" for YOUR truck.

This is all my opinion though. I'm no expert nor do I claim to be. I will not tell someone what is safe for THEIR truck, because when something happens(poor tuning, whatever) I know who they will be blaming.

 

Those comments were directed at Fatherford's post. We all know he's just looking for a reason to go with a "built" motor, but not everyone knows that. You just happen to slip in before I finished my post and hit reply.

Your closing comments, sums up what I was attempting to say nicely. I think everyone's "safe" factor is going to be different, so I thought I'd clarify that.

 

Ya we know Fatherford and Twinskrewd are just looking for reasons to tell their wives why they need a built engine! Lol

 

The real point to be made is when adding any performance mod to the engine you risk of blowing it.

Hell stock engines blow....

And yes, as soon as my viper and diesel is back up to 100%, I'm going to build the engine in this truck.

 

I too have pondered this for the past year I have owned my vehicle. I believe I reached out to Father Ford on his Vortech but it was scooped up already. I have an 07 Lariat w/ 5.4 and 3.73. I have 85k on the motor. It is time for a plug and coil change. The motor sounds great and the oil looks great after each 5k oil change. I have about 14 payments left on her. I would LOVE boost. I also drive 90 miles round trip. Its a crap shoot for me. I would be fine with the stock Roush or similar setup. That's $5k no matter how you slice it. At the end of the day this is my DD. Any motor can pop at any time I suppose. I say if you can afford it, run it!

 

To add on this statement: This is exactly why people stress SOOO much over who they will let tune their truck. Because the life of your truck is in the hands of your tuner for the most part, not you.

 

I think in general 450-475RWHP is considered safe if you dont drive like an idiot every chance you get. Some motors will handle more and some less. Right now I'm at 417RWHP and hope to get up around 450ish with some cams and another pound or so of boost.

 

i agree when you start adding stuff you chance blowing it or messing something up. I guess i was wondering what would be just stupid to do and ask for a rebuild. I do not have the time or money for a new bottom end nor does my wife think any of this is a good idea.

Back to the truck, got 89,000 miles and goal would be at least 400 to a max of 450whp. Nothing huge. I was also hoping to hit that without going above 9psi. I am also going turbo this time. Had a few cars with a blower on top and was going to try something new. Thanks for everyones input.

 

With what you just said, I'd say that is an acceptable power level. Are you really set on going the turbo route? Blower is generally a much cheaper route compared to a PROPER turbo build, not an "eBay" setup. It will absolutely require dyno tuning, and I hope you have a very reputable guy to do your dyno tuning. Troyer and JDM are possibly the best at tuning our trucks, but you may not be located near them. With a blower setup they could send you a mail order tune to get you started, from there you will go out and datalog some runs on the truck. Send these datalogs back to them for a final tweaking usually free of extra charge, and your good to go. I have to say if I had the money to choose between a roots/saleen or a centrifugal/turbo, I'd definitely choose a roots/saleen type blower. These trucks weigh a good bit, they need all the low end torque to get moving. Turbo lag is a cool feeling, but instant torque off the line in a truck is something!

Don't think I'm trying to completely sway you away from doing a turbo setup, if you have the resources, time, fabrication skills, and it's what YOU really want then by all means go for it!

Also I don't know if you off road, but a turbo setup would not be ideal if you do, since the only place to mount a turbo is under the truck!