Just a quick question. Does anyone know how good the superchargers are that dont require you to tap a hole in your oil pan and run it to the supercharger itself? It seems nice on paper, but how reliable are they, and safe for that matter.
My Kenne Bell is super reliable! Instant full boost from about 1200 rpms up. Didn't have to drill pan, so no issues at all!!! Just make sure that you take compression ratio into consideration when determining boost levels (to save your head gaskets) to keep it safe and driveable. You'd be surprised at what 6 or 8 lbs of boost will do.
I have an old-school Paxton SN92 which is self contained. It uses standard ATF, and you just change the supercharger oil every time you change the engine oil.
Low boost levels around 6psi should be fine. I'm running about 6psi on a 130k motor, and its working great.
wow awesome, i just was never sure about the self contained ones, but sounds good to me. I'll probably look into getting one of them. On a basically stock engine how much boost can i run? Like all stock except for 2.5 inch exhaust?? Im planning on getting heads and an intake, but as far as injectors and fuel pump go?
I agree. dont let tappin the oil pan for the install affect your choice on a supercharger to purchase. It was a little scaring at first,but not bad at all. I think the install articles make it sound way worse than it really is.
But to tell you the truth. If could go back and do it all over again I would have gone with a kennybell, rather than a vortec. nothing wrong with the vortec, just would have enjoyed the kennybell more I think.
Strawberry92LX5.0
My Kenne Bell is super reliable! Instant full boost from about 1200 rpms up
The price was right on my old-skool Paxton, but if I was going to go buy a new charger, I would like to have a twin-screw style like the Kenne Bell for the low end power.
A few years back I was looking at a BBK Instacharger on eBay, but I heard they weren't good, and there's no support for them. They sure looked cool though.
I think it all depends on where you do most of your driving. I have never had my car to the track so most of the fun I have is stoplight to stoplight where the Kenne Bell really shines. I've heard people shying away from them because of the lack of top end boost, but I don't think its as big of an issue as most make it out to be. KB makes a point on their website: Would you rather launch at 3000 rpms with 6 lbs of boost or at 6000 rpms to get 6 lbs of boost? Probably an extreme example, but it shows how effective the KB superchargers are. My only complaint on the KB is that KB tells you to use their stuff (ie boost a pump, boost a spark, etc). I wasn't sure how that would work with my combo. FYI, I'm placing an order for a 16 lb pulley. I currently have an 8 lb on but am only seeing about 7 because of the mods. I can't wait to see what the 16lb pulley does.
Just kidding, it looks like you have a pretty stout engine. That extra 8lb's will sure kick her in the butt.
I really agree with what you said about boost. I have to wind mine up to 6k to get 6psi, I really wouldn't mind having all my boost available right off idle. Of course with 135k on my motor, maybe it's better that I'm not boosting 6psi all the time for longevity's sake.