I would assume so as well Dan, given what they state (on their web site):

"With incredible reliability and fuel economy in mind, Whipple implemented a specially designed air-bypass system that allows the SC to only take approx. 1hp to operate under cruising conditions. This equates into incredible fuel mileage and unsurpassed reliability, simply years ahead of the competition. This is only possible because of Whipple’s revolutionary interface computer system that works with the stock CPU taking care of all the necessary engine functions to remain emissions legal and maintain proper operation in all conditions. The interface system constantly monitors the oxygen sensor and knock system outputs for OEM like reliability and safe operation. If a problem comes about, the “active boost control” system will decrease boost instantly (a Whipple exclusive) so the engine acts as if it were naturally aspirated, all but eliminating undue harm to the engine."

They also state:

"21st century fuel injection that has more processing power than the factory computer resulting in incredible drive-ability" and "Truly OBD-II and emissions compatible"

They also sell a flash programmer...



...but do not have the 2004 5.4L 3V Ford motor list as compatible with it. Dunno if they haven't updated that information on their web site yet, or they just can't engineer it to work with Ford engine management systems, although they do comment: "Works with Whipple Supercharger equipped engines". The flash programmer would be a handy thing to have, as it allows you recalibrate the spedo (for tire size changes), in addition to adjusting the stock engine control parameters.

If you are seriously entertaining the idea of adding a supercharger, I would not hesitate to call Whipple and find out if their product will work 100% for you. If you do talk to them, please post what they had to say about their package for the 5.4L 3V Ford.

 

What about tranny issues? Greater power eqauls greater stress, right? Does the tranny need tuned too? Same with things like engine mounts and other supporting parts.

 

Doesn't the new F-150 have a bigger tranny like the one on the Lighting's and Harley's?

 

You raise a perfectly valid point skiultr. More power does equall greater stress. Ford has certainly played with supercharged trucks, like the Lightning and Harley-Davidson Editions, but we are talking about adding 50% more horsepower to something that was not engineered with such parameters in mind. While I do know the new tranny is more robost than previous offerings, I don't know how similar this tranny is to the Lightning tranny, and IIRC, the Lightning is around 380 horse, so that is still about 70 horse shy of what I would expect out of the gains from supercharging the '04 5.4L 3V motor.

Your second point is equally valid. The other driveline components would be subject to greater stress, than would be a stock truck. Are the stock differential(s) up to taking the extra power? The honest answer is: I don't know for sure. It also seems this question is not addressed by the FAQ from Whipple, and the only answers I found at Kenne Bell (see:http://www.kennebell.net/) was about the tranny issue. Here is what they said:

"Does my automatic transmission need to be modified or upgraded?

When deemed necessary and depending on whether it's a Ford, GM or Chrysler kit, we include a Kenne Bell SWITCH CHIP®, OPTIMIZER™, OPTIMIZER ll™ or a re-calibrated stock computer (exchange) on '97 up vehicles."

On the thread I just started on the PWG modded truck, they used a Kenne Bell supercharger, but the article did not mention an "Optimizer" or "Switch Chip" being used. IMO, software alone is not a complete answer. If you are going to run a stock truck hard with 450 horses, when the factory designed it for 300 horses, then you run the risk of breaking something. Both Whipple and Bell talk about how their system don't decrease engine life (which I mostly agree with), but beyond the one sentence software answer from Bell on the tranny issue, neither choose to talk about what effect all that extra power will have from the flywheel back. Read in to that what you will.

 

While the above statement is “technically” correct, it is not how the real world operates. In other words if the dealer even “thinks” you’re modification caused a problem and then they deny warranty work it is YOU’RE responsibility to now hire a lawyer and experts to “hopefully” prove that you’re modification did NOT cause the problem.

See where I am going here? Ford has a lot more money then anyone of us, they have more lawyers etc.

Bottom line, if you modify your vehicle you are taking a risk of possible voiding “part” of the warranty on any effects the modification may have. Put a SC on there and break a rod and they will most likely void the “motor” part of the warranty, fry the transmission and they could void the “transmission” part of the warranty.

If you do not subscribe to the ”If you play you pay” analogy then your best bet is to leave your truck stock until the factory warranty has expired.

 

Or, if your are decent wrench and are so inclined... be willing to spend the time to take the supercharger off and restore your truck to dead stock -- before going in for warranty work-- in the event should you happen break a rod or fry the tranny.

Smart money would (of course) be better spent beefing the truck up, so that you minimize the possibility of breaking things in the first place. Smart money also might be well spent remembering you favorite dealer service writer this Christmas.

 

FoMoCoFoMe--As usual I find your posts/replies to be very informative and (seemingly) technically correct. Your professionalism and expetice is, I am sure, appreciated by all who gain from it. Are you Ford Motor Corporate "or just that good?" No bother, just respectfully curious.

 

That is funny you bring that up. Any time I bring my truck in for service (other then normal things like tire rotation etc.) I always insure that I meet the tech who will actually be working on it and put $20 in their hand and thank them…

It is amazing that ever since I began doing that I always get my truck back with no grease marks on it, no oily hand prints, and very quick service…

 

Since FoMoCoFoMe posted the SEMA introduction of the Whipple Supercharger for the 5.4L 3v Ford, I've been drooling for more details. I called Whipple this morning and was told that the product introduced at SEMA was a prototype and that they expect to release the final in the first quarter of 2004.

There are plans to introduce both the standard supercharger kit as well as and intercooled version. Pricing will be comparable to their other kits.

They are currently awaiting CARB approval and will be posting information on their website as it becomes available.

Until then, I'll wear a bib.

 

Thank you the kind words skiultr. I am definitely not connected with FMC, other than having a sister that works for a Ford dealer (D plan for me!). I dunno about being "that good"... likely more about my idea of forums being a place to share what you know, and learn what you don't.

Daneo2 -- Thanks for the Whipple update!