mo_dingo said:
Running 400HP on the stock block is asking for engine problems. 8PSI will get you 320 rwhp. H/C/I will get you 320rwhp.
With the h/c/i, you will have a completely brand spanking new top end. Which means you don't have to worry about valves/springs/head gaskets blowing. The only major problem is that your bottom end could go.
With a turbo, you have stock everything, so you could blow anything on your engine. The injectors/fuel pump/MAF will be new (usually), but those aren't major components.
So if it's a daily driver, with above 50k on the longblock, I personally would get a h/c/i combo. Money ends up being the same, but dependability is increased 10-fold w/ the h/c/i. But that's JMO.
Scott
First of all, 8psi should be right at about 370 at the wheels. Much more than HCI.
I say turbo all the way and here is why:
1. A trubo will make way more power, plus it would make enough power at 10-14 psi to harm the block, therefore maybe you would just stick with the stock heads for good.
2. The most important reason is so that you would not have to buy a MAF, injectors etc. twice. For a HCI you would want 24-30 lb injectors and a turbo would be 42-50lb. You would most likely run a different MAF also. So it will cost you more in the long run and why do it all twice??
3. There was a comment about the hassle of taking the turbo stuff off to put h/c/i on if you went turbo first. I completely do NOT agree with that as being a concern. I can take my turbo stuff off in about an hour. Even better, last week, I took all my turbo stuff off, tore the motor down to JUST the shortblock sitting in the engine bay, to having the car running again with the turbo completely back on in about 12 hours. That is no more than a weekend job if you are at all capable.
4. Another major thing to think about if the tune. You would most likely need a tune after each, so keep that in mind.
5. Most importantly, turbos are SWEET!
DISCLAMER:
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THOUGH, THAT IF YOU ARE NOT CAPABLE OF DOING THIS STUFF ON YOUR OWN, NOT ONLY DO I NOT RECOMMEND GOING TURBO FIRST, I WOULD NOT DO IT "EVER". JOE IS RIGHT ABOUT RELIABILITY, BUT THAT IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO DETERMINE ON YOUR OWN.
p.s. I would try that clutch before getting a new one. It should hold up to 5-8 psi alright on street tires. The tranny probably won't though (T5).