How can I tell how much power a shortblock can handle?

[badstang123]

As I've browsed various shortblocks none of them really put a horsepower rating that they will handle. I'm just trying to get an idea so when I make a purchase it will be something that will leave some growing room (For a blower or something down the road). I'm just wondering at what rating you need a forged crankshaft instead of cast, how much the block will handle, etc. These are some blocks I was looking at if you want to get an idea of where I'm coming from:

http://www.coasthigh.com/Assemblies/Ford/ford_347.htm

Thanks
- Justin

 

[ProKiller]

thats a loaded question and a half. no manufactorer is going to tell you an exact number. they can't, alot is the tune the other parts. with that being said. a stock block can usually handle up to 500fwhp. dart blocks, the sky is pretty much the limit for people on this site. as far as your internals, can't say for certain, but i still have a cast crank and have 450rwhp now with more on the way and not to worried. look at eades5.0, he's had crazy power numbers over the years with stock bottom end.

word to the wise, the tune is more critical than the parts inside the block.