Roots/Twin Screw Chargers - Step Inside!

Fubar02GT

New Member
Jul 30, 2005
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Bradford
I have just a couple of basic questions. i'm versed but not an expert on exactly which charger for what application and such. i'm not totally interested in peak numbers so much as everyday driving and overall fun factor. i'd rather have a smoother curve over a top end monster. For this reason i'm almost dead set on a kenne bell for the 02 2v GT that i have. However, there has been attractive pricing on the Saleen charger kits as well lately, with most i've seen new under 4k shipped with everything i'd need. Does anyone run the saleen chargers? i think the one in the kit is the series IV charger. is there anything to look out for with these kits or is KB the clear cut choice? would a saleen provide comparable power increases to the KB? any and all responses appreciated
 
00s281sc368 said:
The saleen IV or even V blower is clearly way less efficient than a KB... There is a big HP difference between the 2 kits in the same conditions.

This statement is "clearly" inaccurate. Blower efficiency has nothing to do with it! The series IV and V both use a Twin Screw blower, just as a KB does. The Series IV uses 1600AX and Series V uses a 2300AX both made by Whipple. Both blowers will easily match and in some cases surpass the efficiency and output of either KB unit. The differences in their performance levels have to do with an inferior manifold design (as lgndracer stated) and the relatively docile state of tune as provided by Saleen. That being said, they do have some points that are actually better than the KB kit. Electric cooling fans that accompany their heat exchanger, larger coolant pump, better coolant reservoir are all an improvement over Kenne Bell offerings.

Another alternative to either the KB or Saleen you might look over if you really want to make some power would be AED's race kit. It's not CARB legal and you'll have to supply your own drive and fuel system as well as tune, but it uses the 2300AX blower and a much improved manifold over the Saleen. http://www.allenengine.com/racekit.html That being said, this system is definitely not for the weak at heart...or wallet and may not be the best alternative for someone on a budget. Another alternative would be one of the more budget conscious REV II Eaton Based kits. http://www.allenengine.com/01must1.html It won't make the overall horsepower numbers that the KB will (about 380-390 tops), but it's also a little smaller and priced accordingly and every bit as fun on the street.

Just another alternative. :)
 
Fubar02GT said:
i guess the verdict is in then, though i'm sure i'll find it hard to stomach the cost of a full KB kit now since they must go through select dealers and can't be dropshipped and all that nonsense.

Kenne Bell direct is the best way. I ordered mine and 10 days after it left their shop in was on my door step.

2 weeks later i was having some fun. the install wasn't bad it sucked at times but thats ok once your play with the end product you forget how the install went
 
Fubar02GT said:
so you can still order direct from KB, but can't get one shpped to you from a dealer? what sense does that make?

it eliminates the middle man thats whats nice about it. Plus you can tell them exactly what you want over the phone, they will then email you an order sheet. fill it out email it back and a in about a week or so you have a pair of heavy assed boxes on your step
 
DoubleONegative said:
it eliminates the middle man thats whats nice about it. Plus you can tell them exactly what you want over the phone, they will then email you an order sheet. fill it out email it back and a in about a week or so you have a pair of heavy assed boxes on your step


ok now that makes sense, except the hefty MSRP, which i guess if you wanna play you gotta pay...

anyone have any kids they're not claiming on thier taxes this year? i could use a few more credits/deductions :D
 
Fubar02GT said:
ok now that makes sense, except the hefty MSRP, which i guess if you wanna play you gotta pay...

anyone have any kids they're not claiming on thier taxes this year? i could use a few more credits/deductions :D

I don't wanna hear it the 99/01 kit is their most expensive i paid $6758 shipped and i got a military discount

my wife was pissed!!!! oh well i love my toy
 
Fubar02GT said:
I have just a couple of basic questions. i'm versed but not an expert on exactly which charger for what application and such. i'm not totally interested in peak numbers so much as everyday driving and overall fun factor. i'd rather have a smoother curve over a top end monster. For this reason i'm almost dead set on a kenne bell for the 02 2v GT that i have. However, there has been attractive pricing on the Saleen charger kits as well lately, with most i've seen new under 4k shipped with everything i'd need. Does anyone run the saleen chargers? i think the one in the kit is the series IV charger. is there anything to look out for with these kits or is KB the clear cut choice? would a saleen provide comparable power increases to the KB? any and all responses appreciated
Ultimatley a twin screw blower will out perform the Eaton Roots, even the latest hybrid versions.

For a fun road car either of these should be bang on, as they will make it feel like you have a bigger engine (more low down easy accesable grunt) rather than a more powerful top end like the centrifugals. Remeber both setups work and are good, so when it comes down to money price all the alternatives and see if you are still prepared to pay the extra for a particular setup.

Having said that, I personally still prefer the KB setup @ 9psi intercooled. With all the extras for the kit and a cat back it should make you car feel as though you shoved a 427 big block under the hood. So if you have the money go for it.

The Roots on the other hand does seem to get a bad rap, which is not always fair. However there are 2 reasons for buying a Roots:

1. Price - has to be signifcantly cheeper than a twin screw.
2. Performance limitations - provided you use the eaton within its intended operating range it should be fine, this will however limit how much power you make.

But remember although a Centrifugal setup will be more powerful and ultimatley quicker than a Roots it might not be as fun and easy to live with. The Roots has been used on many different production cars and is proven. It will give you good low end (very similar to a twin screw), but will tail off in the upper rpm's.