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Raptor superchargers claim well over 500 rwhp. However I think most people would be using a stroker kit.We all know that the LS engines are known to hold a crazy amount of power but I've always wondered how much power a 304 can take with stock internals?
Interesting, I could believe that especially with how unresponsive these engines are to even mild camshaft alterations.Holden quote the stock CR to be 8.4:1 but others think it's lower. COME worked out it's closer to 8:1 because Holden didn't factor in the thickness of the head gaskets. Stock CR is the limiting factor to making good power as mentioned earlier.
I’ve heard all sorts of varying reports of oem gasket thicknesses over the years so I went for the thinnest aftermarket one I could find on the market.I thought stock gaskets were .040" thick?
I too have considered the MLS gaskets, they are also available in .029" thick I believe but probably cheaper to get the .040" and remove one layer as you suggested. Copper coat gasket sealer?
Thanks for the detailed write-up though in other words, you will just be throwing a whole lot of money for nothing if you wanted to make a 304 a lot more powerful...They can take a fair bit. But thats all relative, I consider a fair bit for a car that made 165kw at the flywheel to be say 200rwkw, thats a substantial gain. But you have to think about these differently to LS engines, you can't just throw a cam at them and double your power etc.
They have very low compression in stock form (around 8.4) which means a good cam, roller rockers, good intake, tune etc might net you say an additional 20rwkw. LS's compression straight out the box is in the 10s before you even make any mods so the skies really the limit straight off the bat.
Bubba from all race in Vic has a Holden block running about 2000hp, but thats an aftermarket billet holden block, with all the fruit.
Stock internals can make around 400hp with boost if the normal holden oiling mods are done. Thats the biggest thing is making sure the oiling system is up to scratch. the 2 bolt mains are also pretty limiting factor of the longevity of the engine under high stress. Just because you can make 400hp in stock form, doesn't mean it will last.
Naturally aspirated with super high compression, all the bolt ons etc I wouldn't expect it to hit more than say 230rwkw in 304 form. Even then your probably pushing the boundaries of the 2 bolt mains.
At the end of the day the ONLY way to make power from these is either utilise the low compression and boost it or raise the compression significantly to get more NA power.
But most that have done either compression or boost on stock bottom end 304's seem to find their safe limit between 220-250rwkw.
Sorry for your loss, but post the link here when you've made the thread...Stay tuned on my thread when funds have recovered from the fire. I'll be sending 2 bolt mains on a 355 with around a 150 shot of nitrous down the strip.....could be interesting....for science.
Thanks for the detailed write-up though in other words, you will just be throwing a whole lot of money for nothing if you wanted to make a 304 a lot more powerful...