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Looking for some input on a setup I'm throwing around in the back of my mind. (Long post ahead)
I want a setup that makes around 550rwhp, drives like stock, is quiet, gets decent fuel mileage on the freeway, and is reliable enough to drive on a nearly daily basis in the warm weather months. The car will be 100% a street car and will only go to the track for shits and giggles if it ever happens. I have a brand new unassembled boost-ready 383 LT1 shortblock from an abandoned project that is fully machined and ready to go together. 3.75" Cola forged crank, JE -31cc dished pistons, 6" 4340 I-beam rods (forget the brand, but they look identical to Lunati Pro-Mod rods). The block is half-filled and has billet 4-bolt mains as well as the other usual machining for an engine designed to see a lot of power.
So here are my thoughts. Even though that shortblock is probably overkill for that power level, I already have everything so I might as well get it assembled and use it. If anything, the fact that it's overkill will hopefully provide the reliability aspect I'm looking for. Now, I'm thinking my best route to get what I want is to do a simple turbo setup. I've never done a turbo setup before. I don't want to spend a lot of additional money on this setup.
Here's the setup I'm considering:
-Aforementioned 383 shortblock
-Stock heads with valve job and appropriate valve springs. Probably would have them milled to get around a 52cc chamber for 9.0-9.5 compression ratio depending on what my deck height is.
-Very small turbo cam, probably something with a 21x/22x intake duration and mild lift for reliability. Want stock manners, smooth idle, and close to stock powerband.
-Cast manifold turbo setup from LT1Boost (not sure if he's still in business, can make my own if necessary). Might consider the modified BBK headers if it's worth it/cost-effective.
-SMALL turbo. Only need ~550rwhp and would rather use a smaller turbo so that I have zero lag. Remember, 100% street car. Would like some suggestions on turbos to consider.
-used ATI twin-intercooler kit OR small air/water intercooler with heat exchanger. It's a TA... I don't want to cut my bumper and want good airflow to the radiator since the engine has a half-fill. Given my power goals I think either of these options will be fine.
-exclusively 93 octane pump gas. No meth unless absolutely necessary.
Also, the car is a T56, so minimal lag and good low-end torque are important to me.
Before anyone asks, the rest of the car is up to the task. Have a fully-built T56 with a viper mainshaft, 12-bolt rear end with 4.11 gears and Eaton HD posi, kevlar clutch, Racetronix fuel pump w/ hotwire, full suspension upgrades, drag radials, 4" over-the-axle exhaust, 24x PCM conversion.
So, is this plan completely hare-brained? I know it's a lot of cubes for stock heads, but don't think it'll hold me back considering it's boosted. At the most, I'd consider getting a cheap port job on them like an LE1, or maybe buying as-cast Trickflow heads for slightly better flow and the thicker deck. Please remember, this is 100% a street car and drivability, timidness, and reliability are the primary concerns. Power goals won't grow. I know from experience that I want a car that's capable of running high 120's trap speeds (wouldn't complain if it could do 130) in a full-weight car. I figure 550rwhp is about what I need to do this. I fully realize that even this would be a handful on the street and don't really need any more power that would do nothing but smoke the tires.
I want a setup that makes around 550rwhp, drives like stock, is quiet, gets decent fuel mileage on the freeway, and is reliable enough to drive on a nearly daily basis in the warm weather months. The car will be 100% a street car and will only go to the track for shits and giggles if it ever happens. I have a brand new unassembled boost-ready 383 LT1 shortblock from an abandoned project that is fully machined and ready to go together. 3.75" Cola forged crank, JE -31cc dished pistons, 6" 4340 I-beam rods (forget the brand, but they look identical to Lunati Pro-Mod rods). The block is half-filled and has billet 4-bolt mains as well as the other usual machining for an engine designed to see a lot of power.
So here are my thoughts. Even though that shortblock is probably overkill for that power level, I already have everything so I might as well get it assembled and use it. If anything, the fact that it's overkill will hopefully provide the reliability aspect I'm looking for. Now, I'm thinking my best route to get what I want is to do a simple turbo setup. I've never done a turbo setup before. I don't want to spend a lot of additional money on this setup.
Here's the setup I'm considering:
-Aforementioned 383 shortblock
-Stock heads with valve job and appropriate valve springs. Probably would have them milled to get around a 52cc chamber for 9.0-9.5 compression ratio depending on what my deck height is.
-Very small turbo cam, probably something with a 21x/22x intake duration and mild lift for reliability. Want stock manners, smooth idle, and close to stock powerband.
-Cast manifold turbo setup from LT1Boost (not sure if he's still in business, can make my own if necessary). Might consider the modified BBK headers if it's worth it/cost-effective.
-SMALL turbo. Only need ~550rwhp and would rather use a smaller turbo so that I have zero lag. Remember, 100% street car. Would like some suggestions on turbos to consider.
-used ATI twin-intercooler kit OR small air/water intercooler with heat exchanger. It's a TA... I don't want to cut my bumper and want good airflow to the radiator since the engine has a half-fill. Given my power goals I think either of these options will be fine.
-exclusively 93 octane pump gas. No meth unless absolutely necessary.
Also, the car is a T56, so minimal lag and good low-end torque are important to me.
Before anyone asks, the rest of the car is up to the task. Have a fully-built T56 with a viper mainshaft, 12-bolt rear end with 4.11 gears and Eaton HD posi, kevlar clutch, Racetronix fuel pump w/ hotwire, full suspension upgrades, drag radials, 4" over-the-axle exhaust, 24x PCM conversion.
So, is this plan completely hare-brained? I know it's a lot of cubes for stock heads, but don't think it'll hold me back considering it's boosted. At the most, I'd consider getting a cheap port job on them like an LE1, or maybe buying as-cast Trickflow heads for slightly better flow and the thicker deck. Please remember, this is 100% a street car and drivability, timidness, and reliability are the primary concerns. Power goals won't grow. I know from experience that I want a car that's capable of running high 120's trap speeds (wouldn't complain if it could do 130) in a full-weight car. I figure 550rwhp is about what I need to do this. I fully realize that even this would be a handful on the street and don't really need any more power that would do nothing but smoke the tires.
It'll go from that boost point to redline in a heartbeat. I've bounced off my rev limiter a few times at the track because I was mesmorized by the engine/turbo noise and should have been shifting. 
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