I am looking for suggestions as to what should be done to a motor before supercharging it. I have a 1998 502 mag mpi with 250 hours on it. I don't know if a complete rebuild is nececary? Would having the crank & rods balanced be worth the money??
I know my drive will need some upgrades as well so I'm trying to get an accurate idea of total $$$$ spent to satisfy my need for speed. Right now I'm leaning towards a whipple setup. Anyone who has any experience with supercharging your engines, your input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys

Whatever time and money you plan to spend on supercharging your engine, triple it...

Valve job, inconel exhaust valves & new head gaskets.

You could just slap a Procharger on there as is. It is somewhat of a gamble but if it has been well maintained and not driven too hard you should be okay.

I have heard the head gasket debate and yes if it would probably be better to replace that. Many do it on low/med time engines without changing them with no problems.

That being said, I am sure that folks will chime in with some horror stories.

Yes, I am sure it would be optimal to do a total refreshen, inconel valves, and ceramic top pistons etc. If you want to run high boost and do it hard that would the way to go. If you run lower boost on a well intercooled centirfugal blower and stay into it for short periods of time, its probably not necessary.

You can run a Procharger on your stock set-up, that said I would plan on a rebuild within one season depending on boost and run time.

I have a modified ProCharged 454 Mag that I have learned many a lesson and paid the tuition, it can be a great turn key operator but takes some homework especially regarding fuel system and ECM setup.

Count on a drive upgrade regardless of what the "professionals" say, I did a B-Max so far so good.

I would definately concur with the homework on the fuel system and ECM. There are a number of ways to go there. Spend some time on that.

I see you are pretty close to LOTO. I would call Lake Shores Marina. I have heard they are the best at LOTO when it comes to Prochargers.

Griff - You hit the nail on the head! I was just telling my wife on the way home from the lake that we will probably have someone up at LOTO do the work.
Some one suggested that I have new bearings installed on the crank & rods, and the head gaskets are a good idea. I have never had any major engine work done before but I'm figuring around 15 grand to get motor supercharged & the drive upgraded to handle 600-650 hp.
Does any one know if the whipple kit adresses the fuel issues better than procharger? If I decide on a procharger I'm not that far from Lenexa, Ks where they are based. I would probably tow it up there & have them set it up.
This could be a whole other thread but whats the opinion on full hydraulic or external hydraulic steering with that kind of power?

Full hydraulic

Hydraulic steering is a "must have" at over 70mph.

I really don't see a reason to touch the bottom end on a 250hr engine as long as it has good oil pressure and has been maintained properly. That is not an area where problems usually arise. The weakest links are in the valve train.