What would you do H/C/I or Vortech.

I have to question a couple of things I am reading here.

First on power, a Vortech kit will make about 50% over stock. So from 180 rwhp (assuming we are talking about a stick - less for an auto), we add 90hp, bringing the total to about 270 rwhp. And that matches up with what many report here for the Vortech kit alone. If you want more, then you will need intake and head work (probably both). So the 350 to 370 rwhp estimates are a bit misleading. Now I would assume that the LT and exhaust should be good for some rwhp, but not 80. Compare that to what many report with an HCI setup. Often those run between 285 to 310 rwhp (again on a stick). I got to 285 with full supporting mods and a custom tune by AFM. So as a pure question of rwhp, the HCI edges out.

As far as tuning, I think I read above that the supercharger wouldn't need a tune but the HCI would. That's opposite. A SC requires a tune. The Vortech kit does not include a custom chip or any kind of tune (that's probably the reason your car leaned out - no tune). An HCI with a mild cam can run very well without a tune, and even run pretty good with an aggressive cam (the primary issue people report is poor idle - but almost never the engine eating lean condition that a SC creates). So factor in the cost of a tune to the SC kit. Either way, you will want a dyno tune eventually. You just need it immediately if you get the Vortech.

All that aside, I think the question really goes to how much you want to put into the car. A SC kit would give you a solid, noticeable bump up in power. And it's much less invasive to install (no breaking factory seals - a definite consideration on an otherwise reliable stock motor). Not to mention, the SC kit would probably be a bit easier to install too. Still, done well, an HCI kit could be very satisfying and reliable too.

Either way, you will have room to grow (start with a SC then do HCI or vice versa). But keep in mind that you can wind up spending a good chunk on tools and supporting mods either way too (like 50% to 100% of the cost of the kit).

Sorry for the book. Obviously I think about this choice a bit since I did my HCI last summer. Good luck.

GRGT1994 said:

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First on power, a Vortech kit will make about 50% over stock. So from 180 rwhp (assuming we are talking about a stick - less for an auto), we add 90hp, bringing the total to about 270 rwhp. And that matches up with what many report here for the Vortech kit alone. If you want more, then you will need intake and head work (probably both). So the 350 to 370 rwhp estimates are a bit misleading. Now I would assume that the LT and exhaust should be good for some rwhp, but not 80. Compare that to what many report with an HCI setup. Often those run between 285 to 310 rwhp (again on a stick). I got to 285 with full supporting mods and a custom tune by AFM. So as a pure question of rwhp, the HCI edges out.

Click to expand...

A S-trim with inj. + MAF will make over 300 rwhp WITHOUT a tune and can make over 350 with a tune. 50% is on bone stock, with no exhaust, intake or fuel mods whatsoever. These are the exact same mods that would be required of an HCI that wants to see anything over 300 rwhp.

I agree though that both are very positive moves, and each allow you to build on to the other. It's difficult to go wrong. If it were me, and I was into superchargers more than turbos I'd do the vortech first. If you wanted a turbo setup I'd probably lean towards doing an H/C/I first.

Bottom line, with a proper tune and spending the same amount on the vortech as the H/C/I I would say that the supercharger would produce more power.

Let me give you guys my facts with my mods. I have 1 5/8" LTs with the rest of the exhaust and upgraded fuel (42# inj, 80mm maf... check my sig) and on the stock longblock I made 313 rwhp and 374 rwtq. Look:



In one of the stickies with stangnet combos there is someone with an aode running the same basic parts as me plus an aftermarket intake making over 350. From what I have seen of others H/C/I dyno graphs you can't argue with these results. My driveability is great, but with the 42# injectors, 18" wheels and cobra brakes I get 15.x mpg. Take your pick, each has their ups and downs, but my vote is for the blower if you want the most horsies for the same (or at least similar) buck.

i think i like grady's dyno graph more. look at that nice flat torque curve!

I would do a HCI before a S/C. depends on how far you want to go with it though, if you just want 300 some rwhp. then just get a S/C and be done, If your going to want more, HCI then the supercharger in the future.

That is a good point that acceleration is area under the curve. for this the H/C/I wins...