Boost...19 to 24

[Shimy87]

Hey guys, stupid question. I run alky and 24lbs of boost, 99% street car. I see some guys running some pretty quick times and they say the run 19 LBS of boost. I know there are lots of factors but my question is this, is 24 with 0 knock harder on the motor than If I would turn it down a bit, and also would I notice a big decrease in power?? Obviously tune fuel for lower boost.

[Scoobum]

Boost...at least to me...is nothing more than a number based on restriction. There's a whole load of guys 'doctoring' their gas...but won't admit it...at least publicly. You have the choice of maxing your turbo out...or leaving it at 20 pounds and getting your ass handed to you by Hondas.

[Steve Wood]

If you are making 500 hp at 19 psi of boost, or you are making 500 hp at 28 psi, the combustion pressure puts the same stress on either combination assuming there is no detonation on either.

As Brad said, boost is the resistance to flow measured in the plenum/intake.

What makes power is the number of air molecules that gets stuffed into the cylinder. Many things affect this.

In essence, there is no free lunch.  yes, you will put less duress on the engine at 19 psi than you do at 24 psi in your own set up.  You will also make 50-60 hp less and you will slow down a half a second, or more, in the quarter mile, I would guess.

The faster you go, the more it will cost you.  It is as simple as that.  One of the basic rules of going fast

[Shimy87]

Thanks guys! Will be leaving it at 24