Fred,
Thanks for the informative post. It might be worth mentioning that the dry-sump is last on my list, and most likely will never happen. Reasons? Cost first, and then the complexity of belting the front end (I also feel that reliability would be an issue too with that many items running off one belt, but could be wrong). Space limitations would be third. Was thinking that I could find a used system off eBay. Problem is the pan. They all seem to be custom, and nobody wants to part with a good used one. If only it were a SBC I was building. Did someone mention that it costs more to build an FE than a SBC?
I have pretty much expelled any supercharger that requires an
oil feed. Just because of the extra complexity, and size. I am also thinking that the
oil bathed superchargers might limit my positioning.
I was looking at the recent supercharged 4.6L for just the reasons you mentioned. I am starting to think that the crude drawings that I have currently will have to almost hold off until I can actually, at least, get the block into the car (thinking about getting one of those mock-up plastic blocks). I did see some of the water cooled offerings from Vortech. Prices seem absurd. Although I have been thinking about doing some type of water cooler like you mentioned, and just reverse engineer what Vortech, or some other vendor has done. At about $3k for an aftermarket cooler, I can only imagine what "rocket science" is actually involved in these systems. Fail that I will just go without the cooler (putting flame suit on).
To be honest I never understood the need for the cooler. I understand that compression produces heat. So why does this explain coolers on the intake side. Than I look that the Top-fuel and funny cars. What do they run for coolers? Understand different system, but compression is compression.
BTW no hood modifications allowed here. You are correct it will need some engineering to sort out. That is the fun part of the whole ordeal. I just need to make sure that I do not overwhelm myself. Bumps in the road??? Sure there will be some if not many, but when you are staring at that 427, the bumps will seem to flatten out.
Thanks again,
Chris