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How much power can a stock 392 handle?

154K views 25 replies 18 participants last post by  stevewhite  
#1 ·
What's the most boost/power you can safely get out of a supercharged 392 before you need to start upgrading parts? I don't know if I'll be able to get my hands on a msrp Hellcat, so a supercharged 392 is my next option. I've heard the 392 can barely make 550whp without upgrading internals. I'll be selling my daily driven R/T soon, so I need this blown SRT to be reliable. It will be an auto btw. Thanks!


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#2 ·
6 psi MAX. Even then, I would start saving for drop in pistons at a minimum. If you bump to 8 psi, I would go with pistons and rods.

The crank is forged, so with pistons and rods you should be able to bump it on up to 10-12 psi. This should net you 650+ rwhp with a good tune.

Personally, I would look long and hard for a Hellcat at MSRP or a little over. I'd fly to get one if I had too. You will lose every penny you put into a Scat Pack for mods, unless you remove them and sell them.

If I had the financial resources for a Hellcat, I would never consider supercharging a 392 car.
 
#3 ·
Good to know, thanks guys, was thinking along these same lines. Also I heard the tranny is our SRT8's can't go much above 600HP RWHP (Talking automatic here) so that's something to consider.


Basically I'll just try and save up for a Charger Hellcat (as I have 3 young kids so 4 doors is better.) Or Trade in my SRT8 (I own in free and clear) and use it as a down payment for the Charger.


I think it would be cool to have the most powerful (based on HP) production Sedan in the world. :D Plus with a few mods down the road it would remain so as you most likely could easily bump it to 900 - 1000HP would be my guess.


Sorry, don't mean to hijack this thread.


Alex
 
#22 ·
So I had a d1x procharger installed e85. Full bolt ons and was pushing 650 rwhp and blew my 5spd tranny now upgraded to 8spd hp70 trans and fully forging motor and bigger port n polished heads cam lifters
Soon to be pushing about 900 to 1000hp. Should be fun.
 
#4 ·
I am in the same boat as you. I have also researched to find the same info.. you could spend $8k-$10k to throw a blower on and keep stock internals with 6-7lbs boost. But then you have to think reliability and longevity to think about.

You could add the rods and pistons and spend another $5k to run from 6-12lbs of boost putting you up with the hellcat.. jn the end around $15k.

That is where it ends up being a slippery slope for me. If we spend that much then why not get some stage 2 apache heads and a cam? Or even purchase a forged HHP/BES shortblock along with a blower to put you in the 1000hp club.

Once you go down that rabbit hole you have to look at new half shafts, driveshaft, transmission upgrades, etc...

Sorry for the rambling. So it seems that blower and pistons/rods should net us 650-700hp safely for under $20k which would put us at sticker for a hellcat (not with dealer markup).. minus the warranty and long term value.. plus the hellcat base already has all of those high HP capable components that i rambled about earlier
 
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#24 ·
I am in the same boat as you. I have also researched to find the same info.. you could spend $8k-$10k to throw a blower on and keep stock internals with 6-7lbs boost. But then you have to think reliability and longevity to think about.

You could add the rods and pistons and spend another $5k to run from 6-12lbs of boost putting you up with the hellcat.. jn the end around $15k.

That is where it ends up being a slippery slope for me. If we spend that much then why not get some stage 2 apache heads and a cam? Or even purchase a forged HHP/BES shortblock along with a blower to put you in the 1000hp club.

Once you go down that rabbit hole you have to look at new half shafts, driveshaft, transmission upgrades, etc...

Sorry for the rambling. So it seems that blower and pistons/rods should net us 650-700hp safely for under $20k which would put us at sticker for a hellcat (not with dealer markup).. minus the warranty and long term value.. plus the hellcat base already has all of those high HP capable components that i rambled about earlier
Ah the Rabbit Hole of H.P!
 
#5 ·
If we're talking 8 speed automatic, the 392's come with the 8HP70 transmission which has a max torque rating of 516 lb/ft. So you're not going to be able to do a whole lot before you'll need a heftier transmission (like the 8HP90 in the Hellcat).

Mike
 
#6 ·
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#8 ·
6 psi blew mine to pieces. You better make sure you have some forged pistons and rods if you plan on supercharging.
 
#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
you can safely do 7lbs on a 6.4L and 8lbs on the 5.7L, the thing to remember is you dont need a blower to break an engine, excessive abuse and you can break anything!!!!!

It all depends what your doing and how your doing it, my 11 R/T with 9lbs of boost make 525 whps, original clutch and nothing has been replaced powertrain wise...the first time the valve covers were off about a week ago was to install the prototype new A2Speed covers

ok, you'll think, I dont do anything with it, far from that, gets plenty of laps whenever i can, 2 long haul power tour and just passed 46k......
Luke

 
#10 ·
#11 ·
Just go with a Hellcat and blow all of us off the road with some good 'ole stock reliable power with a warranty from the factory. I've even thought about making the jump over to a Hellcat myself and then turning the wick up even more when tuning and parts are more available to make it faster but having 707 horsepower from the factory is pretty dang tempting.
 
#19 ·
I'm not sure if you can recommend vendors who are not site supporters but there are enough threads on here about drop in pistons to lead you to the right source for parts.

That said, inexpensive and modifications do not go hand in hand.
 
#20 ·
Lol yeah I know expensive is the game but I been looking at acouple different vendors who sell same product but are different prices and looking for a company who stands behind what they sell , been calling around all morning and can’t even find a speed shop in my area who will install pistons and rods and cam it’s a joke I gotta get outta buffalo ny lol
 
#21 · (Edited by Moderator)
What's the most boost/power you can safely get out of a supercharged 392 before you need to start upgrading parts? I don't know if I'll be able to get my hands on a msrp Hellcat, so a supercharged 392 is my next option. I've heard the 392 can barely make 550whp without upgrading internals. I'll be selling my daily driven R/T soon, so I need this blown SRT to be reliable. It will be an auto btw. Thanks!
Not true there is a new kit out there I’ll post a link twin turbo 5 psi 600 whp