I was wondering if anyone has supercharged a high mileage LT1. I have a 94
z28 and was deciding wheter supercharging would be beneficial or just cause to much wear on an already older engine. My car has 120k but still runs great, no leaks new plugs and wires, and strong. I really am planning on getting the vortech s-trim and installing it on my own. If anybody had any feedback or experiences with the s-trim kit on any lt1 that would be great high mileage or not, Im just trying to figure out and outwiegh power and cost effectiveness. THanks.

 

With all those miles I don't know if I would put a supercharger on that engine. But if it runs fine then just make sure you upgrade the fuel system and give it a tune up and get a programer and if you know a good honest mechanic ask him/her if it will take the power. I would get a turbo system they are so much nicer than superchargers. I used to have a 91 Z28 with a L-98 and I had a Procharger on it and it made a huge difference. Now I have a 2000 SS with a STS Turbo and in my experience the turbo is way better. Check out the site for your self www.ststurbo.com

 

I'd put it on knowing that a rebuild would be necessary soon anyway, then start saving up for the rebuild and take care of it when you blow a ring or two.

 

Supercharging your engine is fine. Putting your foot into it all the time might not be. A lot is dependant on your driving habits.

Oh yeah, supercharger > turbos.

 

Dude get a turbo kit. I can work any f-body superchared car with the same mods as my car. actually I can kill a supercarged 6-spd coupe SS with my convertable automatic SS.

 

I understand that a rebuild is in the near future, and i would plan on a rebuild in which i can use the same supercharger of course.

 

well in that case, what is your end goal as far as power output? heres a rough guide line

450 rwhp S-Trim
450-600 rwhp S-trim plus aftercooler
600-700 rwhp T-trim plus aftercooler

If you just changed pistons and had normal bolt ons like headers etc you could expect 450 hp from an S-trim.

 

I have had my s-trim for a while and I like it. After almost 30,000 blower miles I have 210 psi compression across the board. Of course I am **** about everything but believe me, I push the motor to its limits often, not regularly, but often.

This is my take on turbos vs. supers. First of all, either setup has its advantages and I appreciate and repspect both setups especially on fast gm cars. I know from personal experience that from a low rpm, the power comes on gradually in a supercharged setup because the blower speed is directly related to the engine speed of course. But when you are going full throttle shifting at 6k or above, when you get into your next gear you will already be at close to full boost. Once you are in your powerband, you stay there and I can't imagine a turbocharged car feeling much faster in that instance. That is just my feeling about turbo vs. super. A turbo is a nice setup but is a little more to manage and tune properly but A LOT of fun to drive. Where a supercharged engine lacks (low end torque) a turbocharged car comes on strong. It might interest you to know that I opted to sell my old turbo technologies kit for my s-trim and some other parts. Some might think that was a bad choice but I believe it was right and I'm very happy with the blower. Plus, I have my eclipse to get my turbo fix!!!!

 

A buddy of mine had 140K miles on a 96 T/A with heads and a hotcam and he put a blower on it with no problem. Your driving habits do make a huge difference in how long the motor will last.

 

Good synopsis!

LJ has run 9.9 at 140 with an S-trim, so don't worry about its limitations.

 

I cant remember what LJ put down, I think it was around 608 [or more] hp with the S-trim. I think I could put down 575 if I went out and bought some long tubes and left them uncorked on the dyno. The S-Trim can do 600 but for peak efficiency I'd lean toward a T-trim if I was just getting into the game and wanted to make over 500. In package price its really cheap to start with a T-trim instead of upgrading later.

 

Rich Krause made very good power with the S-trim and yes, LJ did run in the 9's with the S-trim. My goal is to run 12lbs thru an intercooler eventually - and make it hook.