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Supercharging Basics – Engine Preparation.
Detonation on a stock or worn engine can cause piston damage or burned valves. Most late model "smog" engines work well with a supercharger, due to their lower compression ratios and smaller cam profiles.
Guidelines
If using a stock engine, follow these guidelines for optimization.
- 7.0:1 to 9.0:1 compression ratio. The optimum compression ratio is 8.0:1.
- Higher than 8.0:1 is not necessary or recommended. Fuel, ignition timing, and total boost could become critical factors.
- 4 - 7 psi boost level. This range has proven to be the best compromise for power and reliability.
- 4,500 - 5,000 engine rpm. When using stock cast pistons, the engine should be limited to a maximum of 4,500-5,000 rpm.
- Exceeding this limit may over-stress the cast pistons and cause failure.
- Properly blueprinting an engine will allow higher rpm reliability. It will also maximize a supercharged engine's potential.
- Eliminate detonation (pinging). Detonation is the single most destructive force in a supercharged engine.
- This may include lowering boost level, retarding timing, installing a boost timing master, increasing fuel flow to prevent leanout, and/or using a fuel additive to raise octane level.
- The cooling system should also be in good condition to prevent overheating, which could lead to detonation.
