I bought a used 2300 Whipple '96-00 7.4L kit for my crew cab dually. I sent the compressor back to Whipple for a full rebuild, new rotors, seals & all. The kit is fresh & ready to install. Then I chickened out. I heard too many stories about bad detonation and heat soak due to the L-29 head's chamber design & poor exhaust flow. So I decided to build a naturally aspirated 489 (+1/4" stroke & .030" overbore 454) with Brodix oval port aluminum heads & a Lunati 60620 cam (211/219@.050" .550"/.550" lift, 112LSA). Now that the machine show is done & I'm nearing assembly on the engine, I'm starting to think what a Whippled 489 would be like. So down to the question:

1) With aluminum heads, good flowing exhaust port, headers & good dual exhaust and a 9.0:1 compression ratio, will I be able to tow without suffering too much detonation?

2) Has any one ever seen, fab'd or heard of making an intercooler work on one of these '96-00 7.4L kits? Or is there another way to intercool a big block (different whipple and/or intake)?

3) Is the cam I have compatible with a Whipple & 7~8psi or will it build too much cylinder pressure while towing. I will be towing fairly heavy.

Thanks for any input on my build.

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1999 Chevy K3500 Crew Cab
Vortec 454, Mesa Headers & Custom Dual Exhaust
NV4500, 6" Pro Comp Lift
489ci (8.0L) at the machine shop
Rebuilt 2300 7.4L Whipple Kit on the bench

Well i have a smaller 1600ax on my completly stock 454 and with my headers and exhaust i produce about 5 lbs boost, i have towed with it and had not any issues, (approx 10,000lbs) I`m not quite the guru of building engines but it sounds like you will be able to handle that boost, (contact lunati about the cam, they know best.) if you install a pyrometer it should be able to notify you prior to any disasters. do note that our engine computers are able to back off timing as required when detonation occurs. worst case scenario is to install a smaller pulley or maybe a custom made one that reduces boost by a pound or two.

As for the intercooling i have pondered this much aswell, due to the small inlet size and shape on the manifold not much is going to fit. however running a water injection setup may be an option. I have always pondered running a second exhanger off of the air conditioning system right after the air filter, how ever this would take up alot of space and place an extra load on the conditioning system ultimatly reducing radiator efficiency. I sure wish i could have more time and money to fool around with it, i could be onto something!!

lol.

Not sure if i helped you out much, but good luck on the project!

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