There's really 2 schools of thought on this. Some guys with more aggressive SC setups than I have the guts for, have had success pushing the limits of dead stock F20C/F22C's for many miles.

As of late, the real debate is on the stock HG vs the 3mm HG (costs/benefits of both).

But yeah, if you're due for a new motor/rebuild...might as well build one up the way you like it.

 

You don't need a built motor as long as you have a reliable tune. If you want to play it safe lower the compression via a headgasket or pistons. I personally run a stock bottom end, 2mm HG, and a built head pushing 15.7psi with zero issues.

 

From the horses mouth!

 

Can you think of ANY reason to lower compression with a SC setup under 16psi?

Man I hate lower compression.

 

your pushing 499 with a stock bottom end?

 

Yes

 

Not really. Your making boost progressively with an SC rather then all of it at a lower rpm like turbo and then flat lining, so in other words less circumstance of detonation for SC. And nothing that some timing retard or water/meth kit couldn't handle. I'd keep your stock compression and just make sure your tuner isn't back woods

 

Man that sucks, to come all this way to be one hp short of 500.

Stock internals FTW

 

Actually, when it's less than 86* ambient I make 500+

 

So, how long have you been running your car like that? Miles/years/hours/minutes....?