The horsepower numbers listed are based on observations of failed engines that we've received at various different power levels. Based on the types of failures, along with the corresponding power levels these engines were at during the failures, we're able to draw up an estimate for the max power capabilities. Like any estimate it's an educated guess based on the data we have to work with. In this case seeing the modes of failure spread out across multiple engines gives a good indication of what the limits are.
Like anything though there are variables that affect these kinds of things, you can take a stock Big Block Chevy out of an old truck and add parts and Nitrous to it and make over 700hp, but how long realistically before it blow's up. I think the term "ticking time bomb" is probably most appropriate in that scenario.
So this isn't to say that as soon as a 3.5L ecoboost hits 450whp for the first time it's guaranteed instant kaboom. But we do know that once you get around that horsepower number that we see a lot of failures in stock engines, so that must be right around the limit before things start failing. Knowing this we try and make an effort to educate the customer so they understand the implications of power at these levels, and that an engine failure at higher power levels like these with a stock engine is entirely possible and in fact likely to occur.
It's important to keep in mind that when the OEM is designing the engine they are only trying to meet the performance criteria for that specific application, while at the same time keeping costs as low as possible. So adding extra strength to components to handle power levels that exceed the stock power output is almost never an option. It would add cost in most cases and is unnessary, because to the OEM, they have no reason to worry about the engine beyond the stock power output. They'll design it to handle exactly the power output in factory form, then add a small percentage for a safety factor. This is why it's easy to get away with a mild tune and bolt on's on almost any stock vehicle. But as soon as you push outside of the smaller power gains over stock, you'll most likely be pushing the engine to it's limits in stock form.
Attached are some photo's of some recent builds, as well as some shots of the machine and engine shop.
Thanks
- edited by 4DRHTRD to fix the title - was ernoise changed to Livernois
