I am asking this in regards to the early AEB version. I have spoke with a reputable tuner and was told 400awhp is its safe max with larger slower spooling turbos which would lead me to believe that you are keeping torque down. I am sure blocks have blown with less hp and maybe some have lasted with more. However I am looking for specific examples of failure where nothing was overlooked and the rods or whatever simply could not hold the power.

Also what are somethings worth replacing on a stock block non internal if you are looking to test it? I have seen something in regards to the water pump impellar?

Are the ARP head bolts fine for less then 500awhp also?

 

When you say "non-internal", I assume you're ruling out rods and pistons? Just talking about the actual block, correct?

 

i think its safe to say ~350hp on a good tune

 

I am referring to a stock un opened AEB motor. Stock rods, stock pistons, stock everything (well maybe some ARP head bolts). I ave heard 350hp but is that 350 crank or 350awhp? Those are 2 completely different things as most know.

I currently have a spare block but I am wondering if it is necessary with my goals? Ultimately I would like to hold onto it and do something down the road once the stocker gets worn out but I am not 100% sure I really need to swap its interanls out for what I am trying to do right now and in the immediate future.

Thanks

 

What's your goal (what turbo upgrade are you looking to get?)

 

The weakest point in the stock block is the rods, and HP doesn't kill rods, torque does. If you can keep the torque curve smooth you should be safe up to an elim-sized turbo with a good tune. Anything bigger than that and you're gonna want to upgrade.

 

Nailed it

Someone bent rods with a frankenturbo because of the torque spike.
Ironically its actually safer to go with a slightly bigger turbo like a GTRS instead of a Frankenturbo for that exact reason.

 

I have friends that have made up to 350awhp on stock rods, but they were all running tunes that were setup for a soft adv timing at peak tq/boost and then increased from there.

If your goal is to make 400awhp then it is just better to throw in a set of Scat rods which cost less then $400.


The stock head bolts can handle over 500awhp which is what I did on stock head bolts before switching to a set of Racewear head studs.