How much power can the stock B58 Engine handle?

Summary

In this informative video, the speaker delves into the power limits of the B58 engine, noting its ability to handle 320-350 horsepower stock, with a safe tuning range of 600-650 horsepower. He emphasizes the engine's primary weakness—the pistons—and offers guidance on avoiding failures through cooling and fuel upgrades. For those pushing beyond 750 horsepower, he advises considering engine builds and stronger components. The video also touches on cylinder head reliability and valve float issues at high power levels, providing essential insights for enthusiasts looking to modify their B58 engines effectively.

Takeaways

• 💡 The stock B58 engine can handle approximately 320 to 350 horsepower.
• 🔧 With proper tuning, the B58 can support an additional 50 to 100 horsepower, targeting around 600 to 650 horsepower for optimal performance.
• ⚠️ The primary weak point of the B58 engine is its pistons, particularly in the first generation due to high compression ratios.
• 🛠️ If piston damage occurs, repairs often require building a new engine or sleeving the existing one, which can be costly.
• ⛽ To reach 600 to 650 horsepower, upgrading the fuel pump and turbo while using an ethanol mix is crucial.
• 🌡️ For power levels above 700 to 750 horsepower, enhanced cooling methods, such as alcohol in fuel and water injection, are recommended.
• ⚙️ Approaching 800 horsepower necessitates significant engine modifications for reliability.
• 🔩 While piston failures are common, rod bending is rare; however, it's advisable to replace rods when upgrading pistons.
• 🧪 The cylinder head generally holds up well until exceeding 900 to 950 horsepower, where valve float may occur.
• 📝 Viewers are encouraged to plan their engine upgrades thoughtfully and reach out with any questions regarding B58 performance.

Q & A

What is the primary weak point of the B58 engine?

The primary weak point of the B58 engine is its pistons, which can crack or experience ring land failures due to high compression.

What are the compression ratios for the first and second generations of the B58 engine?

The first generation of the B58 engine has a compression ratio of 11:1, while the second generation has a lower compression ratio of 10.2:1.

What is the typical horsepower rating of the stock B58 engine?

The stock B58 engine is typically rated between 320 to 350 horsepower.

How much additional horsepower can tuners generally assume the B58 can handle?

Tuners generally assume that the B58 can handle an additional 50 to 100 horsepower on top of the stock rating.

What is the recommended horsepower target for B58 builds?

The recommended horsepower target for B58 builds is around 600 to 650 horsepower, which can be achieved with an upgraded fuel pump and turbo, as well as a suitable ethanol mix.

What precautions should be taken when pushing the B58 engine beyond 700 horsepower?

When pushing the B58 engine beyond 700 horsepower, it's essential to maintain proper cooling of both the intake charge and combustion chamber, and to use a strong fuel setup, including port injection and an appropriate ethanol or methanol mix.

What modifications are suggested for those aiming for over 800 horsepower?

For those aiming for over 800 horsepower, it is recommended to build the engine to prevent potential failures, as pushing this level without modifications could lead to significant damage.

What are the potential issues with the cylinder head at high horsepower levels?

At high horsepower levels (above 900-950 hp), valve float may occur, necessitating the installation of stronger valve springs to ensure reliability.

Is it common to experience failures with the rods in the B58 engine?

Failures with the rods in the B58 engine are relatively rare; most issues are related to piston failures.

What is the best practice for enhancing the engine when replacing pistons?

When replacing pistons, it is best practice to also upgrade to stronger forged rods simultaneously to enhance the engine's durability.