I would like to know, from those who know, if a supercharger is for me. Like many, I would like to see my Z28 turn 400 rwhp. However, since I live in California, the smog laws limits my choices toreach this goal. A supercharger appears to be the best application for high power output.

My first question, are superchargers just for 1/4 miles and short bursts of acceleration. Are they a good application for long freeway drives or canyon carving?
My main concern is reliability after installation. I was thinking of going with Vortech. Their intercooled system has a E.O. number. I wasn't going to run more than 8# of boost.
My driving style is like an old lady's 90% of the time. I rarely jump on it. Mainly I like to know its there if I want it.

So does anyone think that a supercharger is a good application for a street machine and a road trip vehicle?

I appreciate your opinions. Thanks in advance

Mister Will

 

Well, after a couple of weeks of being supercharged, all I can say is WOW! After a couple of tuning issues(heat probs etc.) I'm very satisfied. As far as streetability it's there. Power when you want it, or you can drive a normal. As far as reliability, I'll join the rebuild club as everyone else has. Then I 'll punch it to a 355, lower the compression and up the boost. GL in your decision. Ask questions, get your facts and enjoy.

Boost=Drug

 

Yeah thats what I keep hearing

I was thinking possibly replacing the crank, bearings, rods and pistons with heavy duty forged pieces. Would that do the trick?

Or should I just wait until it blows and have a full rebuild done?

 

depending on the details, that *is* a full rebuild.

 

You'd be better off running the car till it goes pop. Then rebuild and up the boost. At that time you already have the S/C.

 

You do understand that this is an expensive hobby especially since you want a SC and want more than 400rwhp, streetable and smogable?

Then I would say get the supercharger . On the LS1, I keep seeing a SC slapped on will get you around 450rwhp right away if done right and tune either with a Procharger or a Vortech.

I really like my SC, the power is always there and pulls like a monster on the freeway and everywhere. Also, most of the SC for the LS1 comes with some kind of aftercooler or intercooler to keep the intake air temp low and consistent.

With the SC, you will get over 400rwhp and the car will be like stock except for the whining. I agree don't do the rebuild until you need to. The two LS1 supercharged that I know of have been holding up well and especially if you are driving 90% grandma style.

Or else you can think about doing head and cam, and on the LS1 you can get to 400rwhp that way too, but smoging by the sniffer may be harder. Too many heads and cam LS1 in CA already, we need more with the hair blower.



Good luck

 

Kudos to all your replies. Everyone seems to agree the application has awesome power gains but keep a fund for the rebuild.

If and when I decide to install a supercharger. I was thinking of going with the Vortech 8# system W/ intercooler. Then put a 5# pulley on the supercharger for engine preservation. Good idea?

I understand the system doesn't produce much boost until the engine revs up?

Also, are there overheating problems when the engine is under constant load for like towing or driving in the mountains.

Thanks again for the insightful comments. Who doesn't like the idea of putting a supercharger on there car. I'm ignorant in this area however and am trying to get a feel for the real world applications (and consequences)