Hi. I've been lurking on here for a while, but finally joined. I've searched for some of this but wasn't successful it what I specifically was looking for. So my son is working on a 1983 Dodge W150 pickup with the slant. He's decided to rebuild the engine and install a Torqstorm supercharger kit. I have Doug Dutra's book on order but figured I'd ask a few questions here.
1. For now, I think we are planning to plumb a boost line to the existing mechanical fuel pump's vent hole. I've seen this done before, but any issues I should be aware of? I know an electric pump and regulator would be the hot setup but we're trying to keep it as simple and reliable as possible.
2. Must we run an ignition system with boost reference to retard the timing or can I set the initial timing to ~10 BTDC and then do a lockout plate in the distributor to limit max advance to mid 20's or so? Once again, trying to keep it as simple as possible and honestly the $700 price tag for the MSD box is a bit much now.
3. He has the Carter BBD 2 bbl on a cast iron 2 bbl intake and stock exhaust manifold. He plans to keep the manifolds and maybe convert the BBD for blow through. Though we are looking at the Holley 350 and 500 2 bbls. Would like some input on this from people that have some experience with these.
4. His engine already has the head rebuilt with stock valves and the head is shaved .030" but we are looking at the CompCams High Energy cam package. I think its the 212 duration and .45" lift. He's planning to just run .030 flat top pistons from Sealed Power (cast) which I think will be fine for lower boost levels (input?) and not sure if we should deck the block at all.
This is a daily driver (he's in High School) and is a lifted truck with 35" tires and 4.56 gears with the NP435 4 speed manual. He plans to do some off-roading with it, but basically it needs to be a decent all condition type of engine build. I appreciate any info you guys can share and really appreciate being able to join. Sorry for such a wordy post (especially for the first one!)
Jerry
