It’s not the pistons per se that limit horsepower, it’s a combination of powdered metal rods and tuning. If you have a safe tune it’ll live for some time at that power level. If it has a crap tune it’ll blow up.

A word of wisdom, do more research on the topic. I’m not trying to put you down but the way you worded your post leads me to believe that you don’t know much about superchargers or even cars in general. Not only is there a lot of info on the corral but the internet in general, just stay away from the idiots on YouTube with slammed mustangs talking about their straight pipes…

 

Well, you are not wrong, I really don't know much about modding cars. I was thinking of some bolt-ons at first, but in California, there are some parts that I want that aren't legal here. So with that plan in shambles, I thought I'll go all the way with a supercharger. After a quick google search, I learned that 4.6 pretty much max out at 400 hp, not just because of their pistons, but it's a major part of the problem. I just want to know any superchargers that people recommend as being reliable, and what I have to do to make sure my engine lasts as long as possible. Also, the transmission is 5-speed. I'm not really asking for 600 hp, at best 450hp. It only has 80k miles so it should be no problem, but I did pay the low mileage premium and I want to get my money's worth.

That comment I made asking for a "traditional" supercharger (being over the motor)is just that I didn't really find much info. I know of Kenne Bell 2.1 supercharger, but for around $6500, I don't know if it's worth it or just name-brand prices.
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I thought it was 450rwhp?

Then you have a bunch of guys that claim they have been running well over 500 for years on the stock bottom end.

 

This is the route I chose for my 01 Bullitt (winter project). Anderson-Vortech Tuner V3 Si-Trim Kit With FREE Power Pipe®. Fits 00-04 GT Mustang
Shop around for your fuel pump, injectors, larger MAF, etc. Very cost effective and safe 8lbs of boost on stock engine. If you upgrade the bottom end you can expand the horizon of this supercharger. With bolt ons like long tube headers, free flowing exhaust you can reach your 400 hp goal.

 

The 3v has a pretty similar “limit” and I’ve seen a number of those guys running around 500. There’s a guy on s197forum that has been running a whipple at about 500hp for years, and it’s a drag car. It’s all in the tune.

I know what you’re saying about the supercharger. You’re looking for a roots type blower like a whipple or kenne bell. They’ll make instant torque but are harder on the internals. The other type is called centrifugal, like Vortech. They act more like a turbo and build boost with the rpm’s. They’re a little easier on the internals since you’re not always in max boost.

 

I know what you’re saying about the supercharger. You’re looking for a roots type blower like a whipple or kenne bell. They’ll make instant torque but are harder on the internals. The other type is called centrifugal, like Vortech. They act more like a turbo and build boost with the rpm’s. They’re a little easier on the internals since you’re not always in max boost.

maybe take your own advise...

A word of wisdom, do more research on the topic. I’m not trying to put you down but the way you worded your post leads me to believe that you don’t know much about superchargers or even cars in general.

 

A properly sized/setup turbo will act more like a roots/screw blower making full boost much earlier in the rpm range.

 

I might just do a full rotating assembly and a nice cat-back. then put in a v3 Vortec supercharger. I feel like that should cover me and give the engine some leeway. Now the issue is the transmission, it's the 5-speed and I heard that that also maxes out at 400 hp, or I should say 400 torque. Would a 500 torque after-market clutch kit cover me for that or is it also the internals that needs to be upgraded?

 

I had a Vortech 2V that made a hair under 500lb/ft and a bit over 500hp with a Spec clutch. The stock T45 made some whining noises here and there but it stayed in one piece. Never launched it at the track though and only spun it to 6000rpm.

 

Just a note on how key the tune is.

Our 2002 GT ran an S trim on a 2.95 for ~6 years which was about 11 lbs I think. It was super reliable and a lot of fun. We bought the car out of California and it was tuned by someone there.

We made a huge mistake and brought the car into a local "Mustang tuner" in Vancouver to see if they could tune out a driveability stutter it had at ~3k at very light load cruise. He calls says he cant tune the ECU and has to wipe it and start over from scratch. This clown blew the car up in 3 pulls.

I sent his file to another tuner to look at. Apparently he loaded a 2003 - 2004 cobra tune as a base and made some crap adjustments. Ran a ton of timing and way too much fuel and sent it to its death.

The kicker we had to pay for a full pre dyno inspection with compression test and he even scoped the cyls. This thing was tip top and super freaking clean inside before he popped it.

I would start by finding out who is going to tune it.