Any differences in reliability between supercharger A and supercharger B?

[Seraphitia102]

I'm planning on getting a centrifugal blower, but is there any differences in reliability between let's say Vortech and Paxton. So far, Vortech is the only company I've read about that specifically states "Designed for maximum performance at safe boost levels on stock unmodified engines." "Each Vortech supercharging system is designed, tested, and sold to be installed on vehicles in their original or otherwise stock form. They are engineered to deliver maximum performance and long term engine durability at safe boost levels on stock engines. By taking into consideration variables such as the intended use, climate, altitude, and design parameters of stock engines, Vortech supercharging systems deliver proven performance."

No other company has used that clear word "safe" from what I've seen. Of course, I understand that a supercharger is a "modification" hence I'm sure will decrease the life of my engine (I think?), but I'm just wondering if there is a safer supercharger than another brand supercharger. For example, I heard Kenne Belle are excellent for blowing out stock unforged motors...

Also, does adding an intercooler (let's say air-to-water) make a supercharged system more durable? Or is it just added efficiency for more power?

 

[VPStang]

I don't think you'd go wrong with vortech or paxton. Paxton would be overkill if you didn't plan on going with a forged bottom end later on ao you can rally take advatange of the novi 2000's output. personally when i reach that point--I plan on going with Vortec sq trim. I don't plan on going with super high end power--though that may all change. I've heard vortech quality is topnotch as is their support. Safety of the setup is all in the tune. There for I will also be going to modular powerhouse of GA to get my kit so that I can also get the tune from them. Intercooler is always a good idea. Though they can be expensive when you buy a full kit from a shop--but you can piece one together for a fraction of the price and still equal in quality and performance. And yes--the intercooler whill only help the durability since you are getting a colder charge.

You should check out www.modularpowerhouse.com

Their reputation is second to none--hell the owner is a freaking legend in the stang world for his tuning abilities.

They should be able to answer any questions you have.

 

[Seraphitia102]

I've heard of Modular Power House and I'd definitely want to get my supercharger setup with them. But since they're out of state, they don't have any expedite services where they can come out here and install it can they? I don't want to drive to GA for a supercharger

 

['13_ImpactBlue_GT]

MPH is teh chit, I was down there Tuesday getting some 3.73s, Steeda Sport springs, and Strange adjustable shocks and struts installed. Got to see and hear a 450 + hp Cobra on their dyno They had 6 Stangs in the shop in various states of modifications, they are super cool and very very friendly, not too mention knowledgeable on what they sell and install

 

['13_ImpactBlue_GT]

I've heard of Modular Power House and I'd definitely want to get my supercharger setup with them. But since they're out of state, they don't have any expedite services where they can come out here and install it can they? I don't want to drive to GA for a supercharger

Go to www.modularpowerhouse.com and post your questions, Tim or someone knowledgeable should be able to help you

 

[03ghoststang]

even if you choose either SC you will be happy and i would consider saving for a forged bottom end for when you decide to up the boost

 

[back_in_black]

I don't want to turn this into a kb versus vortec thread, but I was considering the vortec with the cooler option, nice looking and performing setup and I think very safe on the engine with a good tune, than I started to read about how the centrifical blowers don't kick in until 3000 rpm's or so and that the kb kicks in instantly, which is nice on the street where most of my driving is done. I also like the way the kb sits on top of the engine instead of looking like another alternator at the front of the engine. I think either way you go you should plan on something that allows you to upgrade in the future. like everyone has said if you have a good tune and don't up the boost past 9 lb's or so you should be fine, the rods on these cars are weak so you will be taking some kind of risk with any power adder I don't care how good the tune - so in my exmaple I went with the kb 1.7 unit and I ended up forging my motor and now I am limited with the 1.7, the 2.2 would of been a better upgradable option, so which ever you choose you will get used to the power and want more. You will love the extra power !!!

 

[BooWFO]

Odds are you'll get used to whatever amount of power you wind up with and will want more. From what I've read the novi 2000 is the better building blcok blower over the sq.
As far as reliabilty goes, I know several people with 100k miles on vortech'd cars. If it was me and those 2 I'd prolly go Vortech more kits out and more people used to tuning them.
Since your going to have it installed and tuned out there I'd suggest seeing what the shop you like using suggest.

BTW since you got the whole saleen thing going what about one of their kits?

 

[Seraphitia102]

BTW since you got the whole saleen thing going what about one of their kits?

I would like to get a Saleen supercharger, but they're too expensive for parts. It's like they tear you a new a$$ when someone forks over $5,000 for their supercharger sets (that don't even make as much power as a KB per se), and paying them $1400+ for their body kit unpainted felt like getting raped in the a$$ without lube... But Saleen stuff sure do look good though I love them

 

[Seraphitia102]

I don't want to turn this into a kb versus vortec thread, but I was considering the vortec with the cooler option, nice looking and performing setup and I think very safe on the engine with a good tune, than I started to read about how the centrifical blowers don't kick in until 3000 rpm's or so and that the kb kicks in instantly, which is nice on the street where most of my driving is done. I also like the way the kb sits on top of the engine instead of looking like another alternator at the front of the engine. I think either way you go you should plan on something that allows you to upgrade in the future. like everyone has said if you have a good tune and don't up the boost past 9 lb's or so you should be fine, the rods on these cars are weak so you will be taking some kind of risk with any power adder I don't care how good the tune - so in my exmaple I went with the kb 1.7 unit and I ended up forging my motor and now I am limited with the 1.7, the 2.2 would of been a better upgradable option, so which ever you choose you will get used to the power and want more. You will love the extra power !!!

How much does it cost to forge your motor? What exactly is done during forging anyways?

 

[98blackmagic]

Ive got a question on this, how about powerdyne blowers, I think they are more budget minded at 25 or 2600 bucks, but does anybody here have one or know any pros or cons about them?

 

[back_in_black]

my forged shortblock from vt was like $3,400.00, plus gaskets, etc.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

How much does it cost to forge your motor? What exactly is done during forging anyways?

Forging the engine refers to upgrading the internal components. It requires changing the pistons, rods and in the most power hungry cases, the crank. You can buy these items for as little as $1,200, but since you don't sound all that comfortable with installing your own supercharger, you're most likely not going to be up to the task of adding the required forged components to your engine either. You'll likely have to pay for a previously built short block, which can run you in the $2,000-$3,500 range, depending. The stock set up is said to be good for the 400rwhp range, but I've seen them let go at both lower and higher horsepower levels than that.So, that being said, unless you want to really start sinking money into your set up, it's best you stay with a kit that's going to reflect your capable power levels. The S-Trim Vortech is a nice choice too and Modular powerhouse sells a version of it in one of their Mongoose Kits and should put you in the 350-380rwhp range, depending on other supporting parts in your combination. The Kenne Bells are a nice choice as well and will make a little more grunt down low than the Vortech will, but, at a fairly substantial difference in price. There will of course be the argument from Twin Screw supporters to the effect that "if you want the best, you've got to pay for it" to justify the price difference. Which I'm assuming is in direct relation to performance in this sense, since one kit is as reliable as the other. But with that same logic in mind both blowers are equally and easily upgradeable and when push comes to shove, the S-trim will support about 100-more horsepower than the 1.7L Kenne Bell. Another option you might consider, would be an Allen Engine Development Kit, similar to mine. They’re a very well engineered kit and cheaper to buy than the Saleen and the Kenne Bell, but will provide just as much low end grunt and fun as either. They’re also intercooled and utilize the stone reliable, time tested Eaton supercharger. They are admittedly limited in performance though and won’t provide the top end rush of either the KB or the Vortech, but they’ll make as much as your stock engine will handle, which unless you do plan on dropping the money into forged internals is all you really want anyway. The choice is yours; just make sure you make it based on hitting realistic power levels with a realistic budget. And for the Record, the Paxtons are as tough and reliable as the Vortechs as well. As a matter of fact, a lot of people don’t realize it, but Paxton Automotive has been owned by Vortech for the last few years now.BTW…thanks for the Administrator props, but I don’t think it’ll every see the light of day. They’d never give that kind of power to a Canadian.

 

[BooWFO]

I would like to get a Saleen supercharger, but they're too expensive for parts. It's like they tear you a new a$$ when someone forks over $5,000 for their supercharger sets (that don't even make as much power as a KB per se), and paying them $1400+ for their body kit unpainted felt like getting raped in the a$$ without lube... But Saleen stuff sure do look good though I love them

OUCHHH!!! there are a few reasons I was thinking the saleen. I've seen a few for sale whole kits or take offs fairly cheap. Saw a whole set-up go on ebay for 2500. was everything. guy converted to a KB and all the stuff to go with it. Just an idea. plus it would kinda complete the ride you know.

Powerdyne's if they are still like the old ones super reliable but I've been told they are kinda limited powerwise. Weren't they the ones on the old Super Coupe's and didn't a few other manufactures use them too.

 

[DBMSTNG]

Powerdyne's if they are still like the old ones super reliable but I've been told they are kinda limited powerwise. Weren't they the ones on the old Super Coupe's and didn't a few other manufactures use them too.

no, those were Eaton roots style blowers.

 

[LB0193]

Powerdyne's I have only heard horror stories about those things....Vortech is a top notch supercharger...but I love my KB

 

[back_in_black]

just like anything else you get what you pay for - with the exception of Saleen Body parts !! LOL

 

[streetstang03]

saleen s/c'ers are crap. noone should waste their time/money on one of those POS's. unimpressive performance

go for a mongoose kit from Tim at MPH. i would go for the Novi 1000 mongoose or a KB 1.7L mongoose kit if i were you.

 

[joshheat25]

yea I have 80,000 miles on my enginea and want to get the vortech mongoose kit. but I am wondering how much use I will get out of it? I know my engine wont be able to take much more? About swapping engines. is the stock block just as strong as the VT block?

 

[Gearbanger 101]

saleen s/c'ers are crap. noone should waste their time/money on one of those POS's. unimpressive performance .

The Saleen blowers are a nice kit. They're visually probably one of the prettiest on the market and use a version of an M112 Eaton (their base kit), which as already discussed before, are the most tried and true. The problem with the Saleen kits, is that the lower manifold in order to run the blower upright and still clear the factory hood has some nasty twists and turns into it and isn't the greatest flowing unit. It's not designed very well and as such, without some serious porting, flow potential is limited. It does however have a few good points that even the KB doesn't. The Saleen heat exchanger for starters is a much more stoute unit than the KB's and even comes with additional cooling fans.

All in all, its not a bad kit, just not a big power maker. Much like the Allen’s. Still more than enough to challenge the capacity of the stock internals if pushed hard enough though.

yea I have 80,000 miles on my enginea and want to get the vortech mongoose kit. but I am wondering how much use I will get out of it? I know my engine wont be able to take much more? About swapping engines. is the stock block just as strong as the VT block?

Unless your engine is in rough shape, it should take what the Vortech based Mongoose kit is throwing at it with little trouble. Tim's mail order tunes are said to be pretty good and I wouldn't even worry about it. As far as I know, the blocks used in the VT kits are nothing more than factory units, dressed up with heavy duty internal hardware. Even if I'm wrong, with even just forged rods and pistons alone, the stock block will handle 600hp+. Add a forged crank to the mix and you're somewhat around 1,000hp capable. Both are waaaaaay more than most of the supercharger owners on this board will see.