Vortech Supercharger Question...

Rusty Shackleford · Post by **Rusty Shackleford** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 2:11 pm

I have recently started looking into supercharging my CC as it is going to be paid off next month and I will have that much more $ to put into it...the thing is, I keep seeing recomendations for the Vortech kit on this and other S10 sites yet Vortech doesnt list a system that fits our application. I checked their site several times and still cant find anything. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it. Also if you have other suggestions, feel free to share them.

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 2:42 pm

Save your money for gas and don't add the pump to your truck.
If you want more power, buy a fullsize. If you still want a smaller truck and just want to make a toy out of it, add a V-8.

Don't get me wrong, they are amazing. The bottom end is like no other. Just not a good idea for a daily driver, IMO.

HenryJ wrote:Posted: 11 Apr 2005 07:08 pm
...The Supercharger is a nice toy, but not very practical. It is a big heat pump with other monkeys on it's back. For an occasionally driven toy, they are a kick in the back side to drive. For a daily driven vehicle you will have bitten off way more than you really want to chew.

To be practical a blown engine needs to be built and designed as such. Sure you can bolt a blower on anything and it will go like the devil, but for how long, and at what price?

I have run a blower on my car for over fifteen years. Thank goodness I don't have to drive it daily

The price of the supercharger kit is just the beginning, and I really don't see it being the ideal setup without spending nearly three times that price in other modifications.

Keep your daily driver simple, just say no to the supercharger.

Supercharger , Superchargers , Super charger , Speed

Everyone that gets one installed sells the truck, disappears or both. Even some of those who consider one ,sell the truck. So how much you asking for your truck?

Rusty Shackleford · Post by **Rusty Shackleford** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 5:47 am

Thanks HJ for the reality check...I will have to make due with what the CC puts out for a while. I cant really afford to buy another truck for quite some time so I guess I'll have to deal.

Oh, and its not for sale either

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:17 am

I am happy that you are taking the time to consider something else. I really don't think that the supercharger is the answer to the need for a fullsize.
What do you really need more power for?
If you are really dead set on a supercharger, we will be happy to help you on your way.
A good plan would be to add the modifications needed that would be a benefit to that end.

A supercharger is a big heat pump. Not only does it pound the aircharge, but the power generated by the engine also creates more heat.
Concentrate on modifications to improve the cooling system. Some upgrades to the transmission would probably be a good idea.
Try to avoid mods that would have to be removed later. For instance, a larger alternator might not fit with the supercharger since it needs to be relocated. A transmission cooler installation might interfere with the intercooler. Under drive pulleys might get replaced by the blower drive pulleys or be the wrong ratio.
You will need to have the PCM reprogrammed, so mods for that should be left until the install.

Actually if you add all the stuff that ends up needing to be done and the reduction in mileage, the fullsize may become an affordable option.

gocntry · Post by **gocntry** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:32 am

HenryJ wrote:Everyone that gets one installed sells the truck, disappears or both. Even some of those who consider one ,sell the truck. So how much you asking for your truck?

Oh No Say It Aint So Walt Scores A Supercharger

Rusty Shackleford · Post by **Rusty Shackleford** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:12 am

HenryJ wrote:I am happy that you are taking the time to consider something else. I really don't think that the supercharger is the answer to the need for a fullsize.
What do you really need more power for?
If you are really dead set on a supercharger, we will be happy to help you on your way.
A good plan would be to add the modifications needed that would be a benefit to that end.

A supercharger is a big heat pump. Not only does it pound the aircharge, but the power generated by the engine also creates more heat.
Concentrate on modifications to improve the cooling system. Some upgrades to the transmission would probably be a good idea.
Try to avoid mods that would have to be removed later. For instance, a larger alternator might not fit with the supercharger since it needs to be relocated. A transmission cooler installation might interfere with the intercooler. Under drive pulleys might get replaced by the blower drive pulleys or be the wrong ratio.
You will need to have the PCM reprogrammed, so mods for that should be left until the install.

Actually if you add all the stuff that ends up needing to be done and the reduction in mileage, the fullsize may become an affordable option.

Its not that I NEED more power...I just want more and I seem to have a problem leaving well enough alone. I plan on being in the CC for a long time as it is paid off and has few miles on it for an '02. I will look into the modifications that you have suggested, thanks for the advice.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:39 am

Rusty Shackleford wrote:... I will look into the modifications that you have suggested, thanks for the advice.

Look for mods that others suggest as well.
There are plenty of good mods , if you feel the need. Shocks, sway bar bushings, rear sway bar, third shock. For the engine there is exhaust, airbox mods, efan, alternator, plugs, ignition control. How about the interior? Some insulation, a trip computer, entertainment system, subwoofer, floor mats.

What would you enjoy the most?

2kwik4u · Post by **2kwik4u** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:48 am

Boost isn't a bad thing, Mis-using boost is.

I bet 95% of the people on the road don't use boost properly, and because of it, people have developed abd attitudes about it.

I've been around boosted engines for quite some time, and when implemented properly they are an effective way to get more power from a smaller displacement engine.

Some advantages:
More power
Bolt on Ability
Fuel consumption

Some Disadvantages:
Fuel consumption
Heat
Increased complexity

The above posts are correct in a few areas, and incorrect in a few IMO.

The heat is an issue, however with all the current mods that are required on a stock truck to keep the temps under control, I can't see this as a huge issue. Most guys already upgade the radiator, the fans, the tranny cooler, and thermostat. ALL of those mods that you have most likely already been done, should be more than adequate for the supercharged/Turbocharged application.

Fuel consumption is something else that is slightly askewed above. While I will be the first to admit that if you have the power you will use it. With that said, I can tell you that I know a number of properly setup trucks that are still getting in the lower 20's for milage on the highway. One of which is putting down low 12 second passes at the dragstrip. A HUGE HUGE part of this is tuning the PCM. Without that your milage will be crap, and you won't be happy with that. This is where most people drop the ball, throw an FMU on there, and call it good. While it provides the fueling you need, it simply can't work as well as the PCM tune can.

As said above I do agree that the setup needs to be done properly. Everything, and I mena EVERYTHING has to work in conjunction with each other piece. OEMS spends years of R&D to make thier forced induction vehicles work well. You should expect the same or more. There is a ton of info on the internet that can help guide you, however you are ultimately doing the R&D yourself at this point, and should realize the amount of work it takes to make this type of setup work well.

Just some thoughts, your milage may vary, and no warranties neither expressed nor implied.

Rusty Shackleford · Post by **Rusty Shackleford** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:50 am

The things that I would most like to add to the truck are tires, shocks, e-fan/alternator. I already have the airbox modded with a K&N drop in and a 2.50 inch stainless Magnaflow cat-back. It would be nice to get headers and a Y-pipe but it looks like headers are a PITA to install. As far as the interior is concerned, I am content with my Mossy Oak seat covers...and I am not at all in to the stereo stuff. I'm going to do some more searching on here and read up on the mods that I plan on doing in the near future.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:45 am

Maybe think about a GPS receiver?
I would move shocks to the top of the short list, as well as the urethane sway bar bushings. They will really add some driver satisfaction.

Our Y-pipe is really good, so I'd pass on that. Perhaps delete the precat, if you can get away with that. I agree that the headers may be more work and dollars than what they are worth for a stock engine in this case.
Save the efan an alternator for last. The jury is still out on the best upgrade for the alternator and the water is still a little muddy. There are two guys doing the upgrade right now and we will all know more after a little while. Same goes for the efan. I have my preference, but there are a couple other ways that may work as well.
Lowering the operating temperatures is not a bad idea in my book. A thermostat might be one worth considering.
Hows your lighting? Maybe some HIR bulbs? Back up lighting upgrades? Any kids around? I added a back-up alarm to mine.
Look to mods that add to reliability and long term preservation of the truck.

Rusty Shackleford · Post by **Rusty Shackleford** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 10:13 am

Shocks & tires are a priority and I really need those bushings as mine creak really bad anymore. My lighting situation is sub par at best, I have been looking at getting a pushbar and mounting fog lights to it. I have an old Garmin e-Trex GPS that does me no good. I cant download maps into it or anything...does me about as much good as the compass in the rearview mirror...so, yeah I would like to get a better GPS but not before shocks & tires.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 10:26 am

Sounds like your list of future mods is just fine.

If you really want to add a big power booster just for fun, what about progressive nitrous? The only time it feeds is when your finger is on the button

It really can be a "kick in the rear". Make sure there ia a supplier available to refill the bottles and that you feel comfortable about under going an FBI background check

If your avatar resembles your personality...you may be against the whole "black helicopters circling your house" thing

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 10:32 am

You will not believe the difference that the shocks will make over the OEM ones in handling. If you are going on a budget then get the front sway bar bushings first ($25.00 or there abouts) and then the shocks. There are about as many opinions on shocks as there are members here but, I prefer Bilstiens and feel that it's money well spent. They run around $250 for a set of four.

Rusty Shackleford · Post by **Rusty Shackleford** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:15 am

HenryJ wrote:Sounds like your list of future mods is just fine.

If you really want to add a big power booster just for fun, what about progressive nitrous? The only time it feeds is when your finger is on the button
It really can be a "kick in the rear". Make sure there ia a supplier available to refill the bottles and that you feel comfortable about under going an FBI background check If your avatar resembles your personality...you may be against the whole "black helicopters circling your house" thing

You mean to tell me that they do a background check if you try to buy nitrous!!? The man probably is already on to me as I am sure they monitor my online activity...
I dont think I want to put my truck on the bottle but thanks for the suggestions.

Rusty Shackleford · Post by **Rusty Shackleford** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:17 am

f9k9 wrote:You will not believe the difference that the shocks will make over the OEM ones in handling. If you are going on a budget then get the front sway bar bushings first ($25.00 or there abouts) and then the shocks. There are about as many opinions on shocks as there are members here but, I prefer Bilstiens and feel that it's money well spent. They run around $250 for a set of four.

I dont mean to be "that guy" but where should I look for urethane bushings? Anything has to be better than the stock shocks...my truck handles like a battleship and creaks and groans worse than bad..I've only got 30K miles on it too.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:18 am

Rusty Shackleford wrote:... they do a background check if you try to buy nitrous!!?

Not the kit, but Yes ...to fill the bottle. Too many people "huff'n" the stuff. Automotive nitrous will kill ya.

If you're in the neighborhood, stop by. I'll give you a ride around the block. You might want it after that

Rusty Shackleford · Post by **Rusty Shackleford** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:23 am

Well dammit, now you have peaked my interest in N20...but yeah, I dont want to go all out. A real conservative wet shot progressive like you said. How did you set yours up??

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 12:05 pm

I have not run the progressive system, nor have I run with fuel injection.
I know just enough to be dangerous

Mine is running on a V-8 Vega. A nice little driver, but push the button and unleash the devil. It is a 50-175 HP Cheater system. It runs wet with a purge.

I had thought about trying a progressive system on another vehicle, but sadly our only supplier left town and refilling is just too much trouble to add another system to the family.

Check out availability for refilling first. If it is possible to be done locally , we can look further into a small system.

Post by **Walt** » Sun Aug 20, 2006 8:52 pm

gocntry wrote:
HenryJ wrote:Everyone that gets one installed sells the truck, disappears or both. Even some of those who consider one ,sell the truck. So how much you asking for your truck?
Oh No Say It Aint So Walt Scores A Supercharger

That reminds me....my supercharger will be picked up Tuesday.