Vortech vs. KB. Pros & Cons

95CobraStang

95CobraStang

Member
Jan 21, 2004
281
1
18
Chico, CA
#1
Sorry, this is a little long.

It seems lately, that KB has been the blower of choice these days (unless all others just keep it quiet, that is). With that in mind, I want to weight out the positives and negatives of a Vortech and KB, as I am in the market for some forced induction.

Vortech over KB is good because:
- it seems a lot cheaper...is that so??
- it will respond to gears better. ie: it takes a while to build up full boost, so traction won't be at as hard to get AND the gears will put it in it's powerband perfectly
- you can push more boost through it.....eventually w/ a stronger motor
- the boost isn't always there for easy daily driving, so i would think it's easier on the motor.

KB over Vortech:
-much better torque curve!!!!
-more power!!
-power at almost any rpms

Basically, I'm trying to justify buying the Vortech over the KB b/c I can save a little money....But if it just does not make sense, then ill save up the extra. Would anyone choose the centri over the KB roots style? Keep in mind, this is a daily driver, and I won't be running anything but street tires.

Any feedback would be great...

Also, correct me if I'm wrong in any of my pros/cons, b/c I am still learning much, and they are only my opinions :D
 
#2
If you plan on leaving the engine stock , FOR A LONG TIME , get the KB , if you know you are going to forge the bottom end later the vortech or novi2000 or procharger D1 are the way to go ..... the KB will out perform the others especially in the torque curve right out of the box , if you like low rpm torque get the KB ...... IMO..
 
#4
Perhaps you guys haven't heard of the 2.2L kit for the GT?

Twin screw imo is the best supercharger technology out there BUT it comes at a equal price. You nearly always get what you pay for.

kirkyg
 
#5
the KB won't neccesarily make more peak power than the Vortech. it depends on a number of factors. for one, the KB 9psi kit comes with an intercooler (one reason it's more expensive). i believe SmithAtlanta actually lost some peak power with the KB when he switched from the Vortech but he picked up a much flatter powerband. you can't go wrong with either blower. if you can, find people who have them and go for a ride. then decide which is best for you.
 
#6
kirkyg said:
Perhaps you guys haven't heard of the 2.2L kit for the GT?

Twin screw imo is the best supercharger technology out there BUT it comes at a equal price. You nearly always get what you pay for.

kirkyg
Click to expand...


2.2 IS STILL IN TESTING AND IS TOO MUCH FOR THE STOCK BOTTOM END....
 
#8
Other Vortech Pros:
More shops out there with experience to install and tune them
More guys have them on their machines and have good info in forums
Easier to prevent from going into boost when you don't want to
Runs cooler under the hood then the KB
Will work with strut tower braces (especially important for verts)
May be easier on your drivetrain since boost is not instantaneous

Other KB Pros:
Kit is complete with all parts necessary including injectors and pump booster
Kit comes with very thorough instructions with pics for everyday backyard mechanic
Kit replaces the stock lower intake manifold which has a tendency to crack under too much stress
IMO has more bling then Vortech (comparing polished versions)
Supposed to be quieter then centrifugals which makes it stealthy
Pure fun factor

I'm tempted to just flip a coin to make my decision.
 
#9
I have had both on the same car. Built , stock heads, headers, 42#, 90mm MAF.
14# Vortech (441rwh/392TQ).
KB #14 (450rwh/465TQ).

I reduced the problem of low end torque by upgrading to 410 gears.
Vortech easy to run at the track. Tires hook , slam gas, pop clutch hang on...

Reasons for changing: No good intake available. Tried Reichard. Helped upper end. Needed to rev high to take advantage. High pull was was cool. Since max boost only for a short time temperature was not an issue. Could take a trip down the track time after time with no cool down. no problems.

KB is best intake you can buy... Parts sold very close to KB purchase.

KB looks great, sounds great. Instant boost/hp is fantastic. Slam the gas, neck snaping power now.. Had to go with 295/35/18 BFG dr's . At least I got 2nd and third back. (Have not changed 410 gears yet)..
465TQ at 3000 all the way to almost 5000. Heck could not start on dyno below 3000 because of tire slipage...
Because max boost is extended, heat generated is interesting to get under control (14# boost issue. I suspect its not as much of an issue with 9psi).
Have not been to the track yet. Expect tire hook issues. Not sure I can run back to back. Need a cool down.
Take your pick both are a blast..
 
#11
For a street driven car you can't go wrong with either one. But I have to say the better buy for a 400HP stock bottom end GT would have to be the 1.7ltr 9psi intercooled KB. against the same HP centrifical the KB will win everytime due to the flat torque curve. Torque wins races :nice:
 
#12
i would say KB 9psi, if u wanna keep it stock for awhile cause' the low end torque is just unbelievable. i just have mine installed a week ago, and i already smoke one Z28 and one SS. for the street, KB is so fun. u can peel out from first up to third gear without even try.
look at the torque curve for KB
hp_tq_graph_2.gif


BTW, anyone has a Vortech 9 psi dyno sheet. if so, please post it here. i wanna see the torque curve compare to the KB
 
#13
I have also had the vortech and KB on the same car although with different combinations. The vortech made 437 rwhp/404 rwtq at 9 psi with a bullitt intake and exhaust mods where the KB made 485 rwhp/482 rwtq at 9 psi with ported heads and cams. I've had three vortechs and now a KB (with a second on the way :D ) on this car and I can say the vortechs are great blowers but if you like the feeling of having a big block under the hood, go with a twin screw. Here's my old S Trim graph.
vortechgraph.jpg
 
#15
Bullitt #3067 said:
I own a Bullitt. Is it worth replacing the Bullitt intake with the KB twin screw? Or, should I just slap a Vortec or Novi 2000 on there and be done with it?

What would you do if you had a Bullitt intake?
Click to expand...
Try to sell the Bullitt intake to other Votech guys, and put that money for the KB9psi. you wont regret :nice:
 
#17
Bullitt #3067 said:
I own a Bullitt. Is it worth replacing the Bullitt intake with the KB twin screw? Or, should I just slap a Vortec or Novi 2000 on there and be done with it?

What would you do if you had a Bullitt intake?
Click to expand...

I will be installing mine (KB) in the next week or so, just waiting for it to arrive. I haven't decided what I am going to do with the Bullitt intake yet. I kind of want to keep it for the nostalgia but if I were to decide to sell, how much would it go for?
 
#19
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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