Superchargers - hmmmmm....... nice :)

[stig]

Well, despite telling myself that I wouldn't want to supercharge the Mustang, seeing Clarkson's videos on YouTube yesterday has made me do a U-turn Makes the 'stang sound like a jet!

There's a fair amount of aftermarket 'chargers available and was wondering what your opinions were of them? I see Ford Racing have just released the GT500 supercharger (and I'm probably going FRPP for the handling kit and axhausts) which I quite fancy.

Your thoughts gents (especially Lu51fer )

[stig]

Podie said:

What about Roush...?

Roush, Saleen, Vortech, Ford, Magnacharger etc. - open to suggestions, but just wanted some opinions of which are good and which should be avoided (if any)

[stig]

Thanks chap - that confirms alot of what I'd thought.

I had a Weiand 177 twin-screw 'roots' style blower on my GTR and the delivery was absolutely linear. I'd not considered a centrifugal charger in the past, but your point about the clutch longevity is a very valid one! That said, I'm a bit fan of tail out tomfoolery and torque is a huge help in that respect. V8s, as you know, aren't that keen on revving without a fair amount of internal lightening, so maybe the twin screws are a better bet for me?

Again, UK backup is also important (though I'm used to doing the work myself) so from that perspective, Roush/Vortech are pretty well supported.

I was quite keen on staying all FRPP (handling pack, exhausts etc.), but I suppose I could do the same with the equivalent Roush kit. I believe the exhausts are the same anyway as they're sourced from Borla?

Incidently - what mods have you done to the air intake? I assume that you've replaced the OE system with a cold-air setup?

[stig]

I'm really, tempted by the Vortech, but I'm 99% sure I'm going to go for the Roush. It's available polished, but actually, I think I prefer the black one?




or

Edited by stig on Friday 15th December 14:37

[stig]

LuS1fer said:

Well if yours is a 2007, make sure you get the supplemental kit as the 2007's are different.
http://store.roushperformance.com/det

It also suggests here that you have to ship the PCM back to Roush for recalibration.
www.moddedmustangs.com/roushcharger-its-50-state-legal-and-available.html

and it's still only 415hp.

This is one of the newest, the Magnacharger which gives 425hp:
www.stangnet.com/Store/Mustang-Power-Adders_2/MAGNAC-01-12-65-011_22.html

I'm not certain but I think the Ford Gt uses the Whipple supercharger which uis the top line jobby producing either 415hp or a stonking 475hp with massive torque:
www.whipplesuperchargers.com/product.asp?ProdID=1208

Edited by LuS1fer on Friday 15th December 14:46

Yup - I knew about the supplemental kit, as the coolant pipes are a little different on the '07s.

The more I read, the less certain I am which way to go!

The Ford Racing Supercharger (a Whipple), is available for the Mustang GT as an HO version - good for 500hp they reckon. Has an integral cooler IIRC. Whilst I could install it, this is one area I'd definitely like some warranty on, especially as the tune is as important as the install. So unless I can find someone in the UK that will do it, I'll probably go Roush (or Vortech ).

www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=9765

That said, I'm not after 'absolute' power - been there, done that - more trouble than it was worth. I'd be happy with 350+ RWHP to be honest which is ample for the road.

Edited by stig on Friday 15th December 14:57

[stig]

LuS1fer said:

I have an idea if you're serious. Roush UK currently have their 420RE up for sale. Ring them and ask if you could have a short drive to see if it's what you want from it on the basis it could mean a sale of a supercharger for them. If so, it's £5000 in their pockets unless you're importing one yourself or they've dropped their prices due to the dollar rate. When I was liaising with them, they were extremely helpful and sent photos of the installation etc and were very keen to help out.

as for 350hp being enouugh for the road, it always seems that way but after 6 months, you always start wishing you had more especially in this age of 500hp cars at every turn.

As it happens, the guys who are sourcing my car are selling the Roush demo I'm due to pay them a visit anyway, so as you say, it's probably best to try before making a decision.

As for the output, I take your point, but my last two 'toy' cars made 630hp and 400hp respectively - so I know what I'll be happy with for the purpose I've set out for the Mustang

Of course, any more is a bonus. It's nice to be able to tune incrementally in this regard

[stig]

Lu51fer - have you seen the Magnacharger Roots Hybrid charger (3 lobe design with 60 degree helical twist - like a screw type blower)? If the claims are to be believed, it's quite impressive.

http://magnacharger.com/sc-mustang.ht

Edited by stig on Monday 18th December 12:12

[stig]

LuS1fer said:

Yes, it's the third link in my last post. LOL. It does look good both aesthetically and practically. It struck me as being a good buy.

Doh! Must re-read posts properly

[stig]

Posted this on another thread, but though it relevant here too:

Keep going round the houses with supercharger choice! It breaks down into a number of pros and cons - but there doesn't seem to be a 'wrong' choice. The way I see it:

Vortech/Paxton - centrifugal with gobloads of power (462hp), but take a while to spin up so maybe lacking a little in immediate 'shove in the back' feeling. Perhaps a little more considerate to the drivetrain. Warranty available.

Roush - roots (up to 427hp), warrantied, but not the most attractive of kit! Instant torque, but perhaps more parasitic than the centrifugals. Air charge gets hotter with use (this was my experience on my Weiand too), so power drops during prolonged abuse

Twin screw - Saleen, Whipple (Ford Racing), Kenne Bell - all great by most accounts. Internally charge cooled, so more consistent power delivery. But this perhaps brings the question of how much is too much? The 'safe' operating margin for the 3V engine seems to be 400ft/lbs torque and up to 450hp (US hp that is). No UK support that I've found so far, so no warranty (anyone know different?).

Roots Hybrid - Magnacharger. 3 rotor roots with 60 degree helix, so a hybrid between a roots and screw (forced induction and compression). Trying to find some reports on this unit along with UK support. Magnacharger are OE fitment on a fair number of cars and Eaton's credentials are well established. They claim very little parasitic loss, with good power gains. Jury's out on this until I have more info.

Now, I'm pretty keen on getting a warranty with this as I'd rather not have the inconvenience of having to rebuild a 3V engine here in the UK (and I can't exactly post it back ). This really only leaves the Roush and the Vortech in the frame. They both have their merits and I really can't decide between them! The 400-450hp (and the figure does vary depending on who you speak to) 'safe' operating figure is interesting and I'd rather not get into having to replace the rods and crank. 420hp is a nice 'middle' figure and is ample for what I'm after on the road. The dealer I'm sourcing from is also a Roush distributor, so this makes the Roush perhaps a more convenient option.

Ah well, it's not going to be an immediate mod any way (will probably add a cold air intake to the stock car first and see how it goes), so more research I guess

[stig]

OcUKGibbo said:

steve.c said:

no not yet, am waiting to hear back from Saleen regarding this as 200lbs is a substantial saving in weight which I want to lose from mine!

They do have a new lightweight 20" wheel, I think its 5 spokes instead of 7, maybe the weight they advertise is with that wheel. As the 20" wheels on our cars I am led to believe are extremely heavy.

They look amazing but for me cause issue with traction in 1st and 2nd gear as heavier wheels make wheel spin more of a problem.

Also as its unsprung mass it has a great effect on performance. If yourself me myself were to fit some performance ultra lightweight 18" wheels to our cars then no doubt we'd see and feel a noticable performance improvement.

I've gone for GT500 wheels for mine. I'll have to change the 18" Bullitts (shame because they're lovely) as the GT500 brakes won't fit without 1" spacers

[stig]

05stangkc said:

stig said:

I'm really, tempted by the Vortech, but I'm 99% sure I'm going to go for the Roush. It's available polished, but actually, I think I prefer the black one?

I stumbled over these Pics! Blows me away my Redfire GT/CS on a UK Website! Very Cool! All the Way from Porterville Ca. USA

Hey kc - good to have you here Hope you don't mind me posting your pics!

My Black GT/CS is due to land in March - can't wait!

Gorgeous pony you got there too