[Old man]

I have a 1998 LX 5.0 with TFS heads, Motorsport F cam, full length hedders, TFS intake, and other stuff.

I would like to supercharge the engine enough to make 500-600 HP. I care less if it blows the engine up, if it does I'll replace the block with a dart block. If it lasts a while, I'm OK with that too.

I was looking at either the Vortec V3 style VOR-4FA218-040L

Vortech 4FA218-040L - Vortech Centrifugal Supercharger Kits


or the VOR-4FA218-108 style that claims 1100 HP max.

Vortech 4FA218-108 - Vortech Renegade Centrifugal Supercharger Kits


Is the smaller V3 unit worthwhile, or would I be better off buying the big one and not running it so hard?? I plan on only running 500-600 HP maximum, just for having some street punch. Life of the blower is more of a concern than the actual cost or maximum power so long as I can get 500-600 HP.

If the bottom end blows up, I'll change to an aftermarket block and rotating assembly (probably a 347) and move the heads and stuff over to the new short block. I'd like to not waste money on a blower that wears out fast, or won't make the desired power with my 302.

Thanks,
Tom

[grn 00 gt]

I assume you meant to type 1989 LX.

Be careful with the hp rating, if I remember correctly the 5.0/302 pushrod motors had an issue with cracking down the lifter valley when you exceeded 500 hp. (not sure if that was flywheel or wheel hp)

I miss my Burgandy 1989 5.0 LX Sport 5 speed. I wanted a Kenne Bell P/D blower for it.
She is sold/gone, but definitely not forgotten

[uedlose]

S/C have different power rating of the engine to turn them they have different rpm ranges they make power in also determined by there size and gearing set up.that being said. It looks as if you have one of each picked out a street charger and a race/street charger. both of them will make the power that you are looking for with the first of your picks doing it sooner in the rpm range but may give some HP up at the higher end of the RPM scale with the other coming on a bit later in the rpm making a bit less HP down low but making it up in the top end big time.they both are 9sec capable so that is fast.with your 2nd pick being more suited for that and faster. I would chose the big one if you are gone to move up to a bigger CID. you cam max out S/C also I had that problem with one of our old ones. Good luck and have fun they are a blast