blower? EFI? 5.0 build up bananzaa

[BullittStangV8]

okay guys, ill be getting my ford racing 5.0 GT-40 aluminum headed creat in april. As you guys probably know, i had a carbed 289.
Anyways, i was thinking about the build up, and how i want to do it right the first time. So 2 thoughts came across my mind.
1) Possibly going EFI

2) Blower on the 5.0, stay carbed. The compression is only 9.0:1. So that should be relativly blower safe correct?

How difficult would it be to go efi? wouldnt i need allotta things to make it work with the computer? (meaning temerature sensors, 02 sensors, ignition wiring, all the things that set the paramaters of the computer)

Now if i went with a blower with the carb, this seems like it would be easier. It would be more of a bolt on and play, with the only tuning needed is adjusting the carb, and other easy things. Is there a bolt on blower for carbed 5.0's? Can someone post a link or info on what would be needed?
Mike
*Just read about the Holley 174 powercharger. Are there anyother roots blowers out there for carbed 5.0's, and how much do they usually cost?

 

[88 Fox GT]

The blower and carb would be easier, but the EFI would be very unique and reliable.

For the EFI, your going to need a computer to start off with, and EVERYTHING that goes with the EFI system (intake, injectors, fuel rails, fuel pump, switches, relays, wiring harness, all sensors and actuators, new fuel system...ect)

The carb and blower would make more power because it is forced induction, but like I said, the EFI is unique and neat also fun to play with. Besides, you could add EFI now and always supercharge it later.

 

[BullittStangV8]

that is true. but looking at it in terms of how feasible, easy, and costly the two options are, im startingto think carb and blower. Any suggestions on a roots blower?
Mike

 

[88 Fox GT]

Well the cost of this all depends. My whole EFI swap (including buying the engine and tranny) is going to cost me nearly $3,000. A supercharger alone costs nearly that, then you must equip the internals of the engine if you want to run some decent boost.

But, a carb and supercharger would be easier, for sure.

Not really sure on what roots-blower to recommend. The Holley 174 is probably a good one, but pretty small. I believe the "174" means 174ci of displacement, correct?

 

[allcarfan]

does the gt40 long block have forged pistons? I dont think it does.

 

[BullittStangV8]

no the internals are not forged, and it has 4.000" Hypereutectic pistons and a 3.00 cast crank. The compression is 9.0:1. Is that a low enough compression to run a blower safely? The engine should be putting out 345 hp n/a, so adding a blower might be close to going past the power levels the block can handle..
Maybe N/A might be my only option?
Mike

 

[cougar_68]

no the internals are not forged, and it has 4.000" Hypereutectic pistons and a 3.00 cast crank. The compression is 9.0:1. Is that a low enough compression to run a blower safely? The engine should be putting out 345 hp n/a, so adding a blower might be close to going past the power levels the block can handle..
Maybe N/A might be my only option?
Mike

I think the block would be ok...It's probably brand new for one thing. The thing I would be most worried about is those pistons.

 

[blown65]

low boost on those pistons would be fine. Just dont go around running lean at full throttle, nor detonating from being greedy with timing. As for the Blower, low boost you prob be ok with the 144, but I'd look for the 174. You can pick those up second hand if you are patient for a pretty good price. My cousin has one on his car that I found for him for 1200 bucks.

 

[allcarfan]

I think the block would be ok...It's probably brand new for one thing. The thing I would be most worried about is those pistons.

Actually a seasoned block is usually better than a brand new one. Personally, I wouldnt add a Power Adder of any sort with those pistons. They MIGHT be able to take it, but, I dont think it is worth it. If you want some more power out of the engine, swap out the cam and have those heads ported. That will cost far less than a super charger.

 

[BullittStangV8]

i wish ford didnt put those darn weak pistons in the block.. :O Seems like th consensus that supercharging on that block is asking for trouble. Im gonna try and read up on porting heads, and i think ill port match the manifolds to the heads, as well as port the heads. Should add some hp, any idea how much? 10-25?
Mike

 

[allcarfan]

porting manifolds? You mean your intake manifold or your exhaust manifolds? please tell me you have a set of headers and not exhaust manifolds. if you were going to spend the money on a Supercharger...and had the money....Id sell the heads that are on there....put that witht he money I had saved for a SC and slap on a set of AFR 185s and a nice camshaft, intake, and carb. You wont be making as much HP as you would with a SC, but you SHOULD be making in the realm of 400+ hp. I think the 345hp estimate ford gives is a little generous.

 

[BullittStangV8]

im sorry, i made a typo. I ment the intake manifold. And yes i have hooker LT's. to me it seems like i would come out ahead if i went with a blower and the GT-40 heads, rather then selling the heads and getting a new cam, intake, and carb HP wise.
The cost of the blower very well may prevent me from going with that option. Currently i have a holley street deamon 650 carb with an edelbrock performer rpm intake. So until i save up for the blower, im going to most likely keep what the engine comes with interms of heads and cam. Will my performer rpm intake be a good match for the cam, head, engine combo? would a different manifold be a better choice to replace my rpm one with?
sorry these questions are all so random and some are basic, but this is my first complete engine swap.
Mike