How much is safe when stock?

[laser92awd]

I've got a pretty comprehensive 16G setup. If you look at my mods list you'll see I'm running just about every external bolt-on mod there is. Right now, tuned with a pocketlogger I am running 800C EGT's, .88 A/F, low/no knock. Everything looks good - timing, duty cycle, etc. This is at 20psi. My engine is 100% stock - the most apart it's ever been is when I replaced the valve cover gasket if that tells you anything. It has 84,000 miles on it and my compression is within 1psi on all 4 cylinders at ~156psi. I have never ran it higher than 20psi but want to.

So I keep hearing about people running 22 or even 24psi on their 16G and I wonder if I'm going to start breaking things even though all my air/fuel issues look good. I read about steel head gaskets and titanium fasteners - are those things I need to do now or do I take the "if it's not broke don't fix it" approach? How strong are the stock rods & such? For that matter, maybe I shouldn't even be running 20 psi on my current stock engine?

And to complicate things even more - should I just forget about running higher pressure on the 16G and instead switch over to a 20G (or similar) running at lower boost?

Just trying to keep it all together while being as fast as possible!

Appreciate any replies and if you've ever unforunately had a high boost meltdown would you please vote on the poll on this page? Who knows how many engines you might help save!

 

[dyezak]

How about a completely stock engine (not even ARP studs), 6bolt of course, running 34lbs from a T3/T4 60-1 turbo!!! Sound insane? It did to me too (I sold the guy all the parts and tuned it in at 26!!!lbs at the track for him). But I've watched him run 34lbs on the street for like a month with it...completely stock longblock. My hand is on a bible and everything.

 

[dyezak]

Oh, yea, personally I run 22lbs daily on a Frank 19c with a sidemount. 98,900mi stock engine. Pulling the engine out next week for a built bottom end, 60-1 turbo, and direct port nitrous (120 shot). Should be a fun ride (and a 216 cored FMIC).

 

[Antilles]

ARP's

Thats the only thing you really NEED.

My friend made 2 pulls at 25psi with a big 16G and it looks like its headgasket time!