Vortech vs. KB. Pros & Cons

Ken01GTvert said:

Other Vortech Pros:.

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More shops out there with experience to install and tune them
--> The installation kit comes with pictures for every step, so it should be a no brainer for any shop. And don't need a tune, the chip is perfectly tuned for your car the first time

More guys have them on their machines and have good info in forums
--> Vortech has been available for years, but this is changing. We see more and more KBs.

Easier to prevent from going into boost when you don't want to
--> Not true, your right foot is the only responsible. But that also means the vortech can't give you boost when you really want it

Runs cooler under the hood then the KB
--> Not true, the KB is more efficient. Proof: it makes more HP at equal boost level.

Will work with strut tower braces (especially important for verts)
--> ok maybe. Who has some?

May be easier on your drivetrain since boost is not instantaneous
--> So where is the fun then?

Other KB Pros:
Kit is complete with all parts necessary including injectors and pump booster
-->Yes
Kit comes with very thorough instructions with pics for everyday backyard mechanic
-->Yes
Kit replaces the stock lower intake manifold which has a tendency to crack under too much stress
-->Yes
IMO has more bling then Vortech (comparing polished versions)
-->Yes
Supposed to be quieter then centrifugals which makes it stealthy
Pure fun factor
-->Dunno, there are some sweet blower noises from inside at least...

I'm tempted to just flip a coin to make my decision
-->10 vs 1. I don't see any good reasons to get a vortech...?!?!

1992 2.3LX said:

sorry to hijack a little here. but where does the procharger fit in the Vortech KB battle. I have a stock 96 vert that will be getting some minor mods that i want blown eventually. and am starting the research and saving now. so just curious.

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The Procharger is a centri and almost identical to Vortech in terms of boost/torque/power curves.

It looks like you guys covered most of it so I don't need to add much. There is a trend right now of people selling their centri's and going to the KB for good reason.

Ken01GTvert said:

Other Vortech Pros:
Will work with strut tower braces (especially important for verts)

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The Steeda Strut Tower Brace for the 03 Cobra will work with the KB and the stock hood.

http://www.modularmustangs.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=258&sort=1&size=medium&cat=500&page=1

The picture of the STB isn't showing up. Just click on the link to it in the previous post.

00s281sc368 said:

Runs cooler under the hood then the KB
--> Not true, the KB is more efficient. Proof: it makes more HP at equal boost level.

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This is because the Kenne Bell is intercooled. Roots and twin screw blowers produce more heat than centrifugal. You are comparing 9psi intercooled to 9psi NON intercooled.

I just bought a vortech s-trim, steeda boost pipe, and a snow performance injection kit. Where am I goin to fall in comparison to the KB?

I have a vortech but I have a feeling when I get a ride in Smith atlanta's car even though he has like 70hp less than me it's going to feel faster and probably want to me make me switch to a KB.

I drive my car daily in good and bad weather so I like the fact that the boost doesn't really come on till I fully get on it and put it in the higher rpms but that's just me. I'm sure if I could only drive my car on nice days the KB would probably be my first pick.

There is also the issue of gas milage.Since the KB is easier to get into boost, that also means it will use more fuel.You have to add fuel when you add boost.The vortec will not really see any boost unless you really want to, saving you fuel....in theory anyways.I dont know about you guys but I like gas milage.Also when you punch the gas, the KB will probably use more gas there because its already at full boost, requiring full fuel flow, but the vortec or procharger doesnt need fuel fuel right away because of the lack of boost, if it did dump in full fuel it would bog the engine and make it run very rich, so I dont think the CPU will dump it all until it needs it....I just like the centrificuls for some reason.

Both KB and Centri will give you nice boost. My take is if you're getting a supercharger for the track, get a Centri. If you're getting a supercharger for street action (light to light) get the KB. KB hits boost at about 2000rpms while a centri will boost at about 3k-3500 rpms. If you want centri with the feel of a roots, get higher gears (3.73). Both will put you in your seat rather nicely. Both come with pre-burned chips, but my suggestion is after you install your supercharger, go have it dynoed so you know where your fuel/air ratio is. Hate to have your car go boom from detonation.

KB is a great blower nice torque and power down low but it just like the Vortech/ATI blowers have their downsides some are just minor. I was going to by a KB for a long time I really had my heart set on it a few things changed my mind. On a KB even intercooled it creates higher intake temps than the vortech/ati...yes it's more effecient than a roots style blower but it still creates heat which leads to detonation specially if you want to put alot of boost in.

Secondly the KB makes too much torque too low...some of you may be looking at me like right now but think about it...half the people here with the 9psi KB with the stock gear using 275 or larger DR's can't use their first gear and part of 2nd. I'm sorry everyone here knows traction is important if you want to win races...

Lastly I think the Vortech/Ati models have more potential in the long run for larger safe power we've seen countless cars hitting 500-700+ hp with centi's and untill the 2.2L kb race version comes out I don't really see the 1.7L hitting the 600rwhp mark without some major help.

The KB is a great street blower with some good power for the track...I just feel the Centi's is the tried and true way if your going to setup for race...which is not for everyone so it's good that were getting more options nowadays in the modular aftermarket