ive read in countless posts that the most you want to run on a stock bottom end is 8-9psi and likewise, ive read countless posts saying the max the stock bottom end and block can handle is 500rwhp. which one is right? because in theory you can take a bone stock 5.0 and put 15lbs of boost on it and you wont hit 500rwhp.
im at the point where im making 403rwhp on 8lbs of boost. id like to run a couple more pounds of boost to get a firm grip on the 400hp mark. by that i mean, since hp can fluxuate with heat (i.e cold air more power, hot air less power) all it would take to cause me to run less then 400hp is a worm day.
i have a wide band o2 and adjustable fuel pressure reg so its not an issue of can i tune it but more of which "rule of thumb" should i follow.

 

Both. 9 psi of boost and 450 FLYWHEEL horsepower. The connecting rods are only rated to 450HP, which isn't going to be RWHP. I'm 100% sure on this being this way for the 4.6s, I'm not sure about the 5.0s, should be the same though.

 

there's a few people on here running over 400RWHP on a stock engine, which is over 450 fly wheel.

 

you might see 450 rwhp out of a 5.0 block right before it splits in half. a 4.6 properly tuned can take around 600 rwhp before something breaks.

 

where'd you see that at? i've always seen like 450RWHP'ish before you lose something. whether it be a rod, tran or your whole rear end ripping off. not 600s

 

the weak link of the stock 5.0 is the connecting rods, (I think rod bolts actually).
Once you have changed out the rod bolts the next week link is the block itself. Over the years Ford reduced the amount of metal in the area of the main bearings to reduce weight and cost. Because Blocks are castings, some are weaker than others based on inherent flaws in the casting. I think 600 HP is about the point the weaker blocks have failed (split in half). Some 5.0 blocks do just fine on > 600 HP. Keep in mind too, we are talking stock Ford block, there are many aftermarket 5.0 blocks that have added metal to the main bearing area. I have a stock Ford 5.0 block making 600 HP so far it is still together.

 

both are about right.

it's not assuming the car is blown.....it's either way....max hp and max boost.

i've seen guys run 19 psi...but it doesn't hold up too long, it's like spraying a 175 shot on a stock motor

personally i'd have no qualms about 10-12 psi as long as the fuel system was adequate

 

You may not need more boost to hit your mark. Do you have an INTERCOOLER?

 

The block will handle around 500hp, the internals will handle around 12-15psi. (i'm talking about the 5.0)

 

500hp by the crank is the most. one of my freinds has split two d.s.s blocks making 17psi which translates to one
season of racing,and this is not a daily driver. i would get a aftercooler of some kind before i would add more boost.