pro chargers

[malibu79]

if i go with a pro charger how much engine work do you really need to do i have a 79 malibu with a 87 t b i engine ...that is wired for t b i ...do i just do pistons and rods or do you have to do heads and all that jazz..???

[deuce_454]

pepends..... your malibu is as far as i remember on a relatively tight budget, so my suggestios will be based on this assumption. also your question is phrased in a way that it would seem you are asking for "minimum safe requirements"

The TBI setup is lacking in one big area as far as tunability goes.. the engine manegement system is not very flexible, so you have a few options in this category:

1. Replace the computer, on a budget my advice would be a megasquirt setup, alternatively a VEMS, still very DIY mut more versatile system... both will also cost some money in the fuel department as you will need to upgrade the injectors in the TB

2. Install a boost prepared carb setup, which isnt a bad option if you get a properly done carb...

3. replace the TB intake with a multiport fuelinjected, accel super ram, edelbrock victor junior.. or even a TPI with the above electronics... this is the most expensive option but allows for even more tunability...

(personaly id go with 2 or 3...)

The TBI engine isnt the best performer to begin with, so some used heads with big chambers would help... forged pistions will be requires at some point.. when is a function of boost and timing....

the reason i mention the lower performance of the base engine is that forced induction really isnt a power adder as much as it is a power multiplyer... i fyou strat out with a 200 Hp engine and add 15 pounds of boost you will end up with about 400 Hp, disregarding what it takes to drive the SC and assuming proper intercooling etc etc....

and a 350 Hp base engine will make 700 at the same boost level, so you need to optimize your setup before you can warrant throwing on an expensive supercharger.. otherwise you simply arent getting enough out of your money....

you can ofcousrse install the procharger on your stock TBI engine with whatever fuelsystem you want to keep... do absolutely nothing to the engine and drive it til it dies or you ger irritated adding oil everytime you add fuel... and then install a boost specific longblock....

but be sure you dont spend your money in the wrong place, forged pistond in a TBI 305 with swirl heads is just dumb... and your money is much wiser spent on a used forced induction engine off ebay or racingjunk.... or get an engine kit from PAW and sell your engine.. its worth somthing

350: https://secure.pawengineparts.com/350_4ChevySpecial.html
377: https://secure.pawengineparts.com/377_4N_Chevy.html

[speedjohnston]

What kind of power are you hoping to realistically make? That plays the biggest part in what you have to do. :cheers: