I would love to hear an stories/experiences? especially the 4.2 V-6 models(thats what I have).

Whats the best? roots, centrif, or screw?
Who makes the best?

any comments/questions are welcome.
thanks,
mearnh

 

The centrifugal supercharger is definitely the best "bang for your buck". Paxton, Vortec, Procharger, and even a few others have available packages for mustangs and for the f-150's. The roots type is a little expensive, but is very effective with a intercooler. The screw type is the most expensive, and is only used for extreme high performance applications such as drag racing.

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'98 F-150 XLT Reg. Cab Flareside 4x4, Black, 5.4l, 3.55LS, tow package, K&N, GTS headlight covers, Alpine changer w/FM mod, Clifford alarm system w/keyless entry & starter disable // Future considerations: 285/75/r16 Mud Terrain BFG's, bed mat, tonneau cover, suspension lift.

 

It might be cheaper to put in a used V8.

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99 XLT 5.4l reg cab
4 wheel disc/ABS
5 star larait style wheels
Toreador red 2tone
3.55 gears
255/70/16 OWL
Delta toolbox
Eclipse 5340 cd player
Memphis ARCS50 component speakers (excellent sound)
Sherwood amp
subwoofer coming soon
More mods as funds become avalible.

 

I wouldn't consider putting a blower on a family of engines 3.8/4.2 that has a history of blown head gaskets and weak cranks (3.8 for sure, not sure about 4.2)

 

mearnh, I don't think there is a blower available for the 4.2 V6.

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99 F150 XLT Silver 2WD S/C 4.2 5-speed, Superchip, Flowmaster muffler // Rear door switch guards - check them out at http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/show/5031

 

darin-
At this time I believe you are correct, I have not found one, at least not advertised. Although Vortec(I think, I have seen to many) makes one for the V-6 mustang, so I suspect one those could be used or one may be in development now, I hope so.

Bent6-
I have not heard of such problems, I will have to do some research into that. Thanks for the warning.

54regcab-
I would love to have my V-8 back, I got better mpg out of my V-8 than I am with the V-6, but it is still very new(under 3,000 miles) and I know its notbroke in yet, and from what I have read so far, It doesn't look like it will break in until about 10,000 miles. So we will see. I just don't know what the cost would be to drop a V-8 + computer in. I just don't think that is a cost effective option at this point in time, maybe if it were an older truck.

fordification (interesting name)-
Thanks for your opinion. I would love to have a screw type, very effecient. but I think I like the roots type over the centrif. The roots type has the ability to provide more power closer to the 2000 rpm range which would seem to be more drivable (usable). I also believe that it is more efficient than the centrif (less than the screw), and generates less heat build up. BUT, the centrif is cheaper, and that is a consideration.

all of your thoughts and comments are appriciated,
thanks,
mearnh

 

I would love to pick up one of those vortec supercharger kits for the 5.4l, and make a 4x4 lightning. Cornering isn't a high perogative (is that spelled right?). My truck already looks quite similiar to the lightning.

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'98 F-150 XLT Reg. Cab Flareside 4x4, Black, 5.4l, 3.55LS, tow package, K&N, GTS headlight covers, Alpine changer w/FM mod, Clifford alarm system w/keyless entry & starter disable // Future considerations: 285/75/r16 Mud Terrain BFG's, bed mat, tonneau cover, suspension lift.

 

I think it could be done.

although I'm not sure how to turn the timming down. I haven't got everything figured out yet. How would this be done?
I'm not a motor head yet but I'm working on it.

I think a whipple puffed 4.2 would be a blast to drive, imagine, pulling up to the light. On the right, a chuvit, playing his loud music and laughing at me, a poor city boy how cant afford a "real" truck. The light turns green...............as he pulls up to the next light, music turned down, hes looking the other way to hide his emabarisment(sp), because I'm already there........whooohooo to much fun.

 

Howdy,

I have contacts with a local company here in Phoenix who makes the supercharger from which I took my handle. They may be producing a number of kits to work with the Ford V6 but may be a couple of months before they are ready to street. Check my website if you want to see pics. There is also a short cut there to Wynjammer.com

I love mine! It has given me better mileage and an additional 90 HP! Looks good too..lot's of polished steel and aluminum

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1999 F250 LD 5.4 4x4 Lariat Supercab. White & Silver
Supercharger, Super chip, dual exhaust, K&N, Hidden Winch, F-1 Hood, Billet grill, Color GPS, Chrome Nerf & Flaps, clear tail & turn lenses, 9007 headlights, Inyati liner. http://www.mindspring.com/~aw_jones/index.html

 

Just a thought:
The 3.8 and the 4.2 are basically the same block, and both have the same 9.232 deck height. It should be possible to fit up the intake and blower kit (and heads??) from a T-Bird SC to a 4.2. It might or might not work with the stock bottom end, the SC had rod and piston upgrades and a different #4 main bearing. Fuel pressure and timing controls would take some development as well.
Not a project for beginners or for those whose trucks need to pass a smog check, but definitely doable. One of you 4.2 owners needs to check with BBK to see if they're developing a kit or if they see any insurmountable problems.

 

I have a question for anyone who might know. Who makes a roots type supercharger? All the ones I've seen are centrifugal. I would like to see how expensive they are compared to vortech, paxton, and eaton which are the centrifugal blowers which I am considering. Would appreciate any input.

 

Wolvrin704, the eaton supercharger, in the lightning, is a roots type supercharger. I haven't found any prices, but, eaton's website shows the advantage difference on a bar graph. Check it out. http://eaton.com/supercharger/repldisp.html#

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'98 F-150 XLT Reg. Cab Flareside 4x4, Black, 5.4l, 3.55LS, tow package, K&N, GTS headlight covers, Alpine changer w/FM mod, Clifford alarm system w/keyless entry & starter disable // Future considerations: 285/75/r16 Mud Terrain BFG's, bed mat, tonneau cover, suspension lift.




[This message has been edited by fordification (edited 09-03-1999).]

 

i am also searching for a s/c. right now, i am leaning towards a roots or twin screw blower. i have found the vortech centrifugal for around 3k and the whipple twin screw for just under 4k. i have been told that the centrifugal blower doesnt have much boost at 3k rpm, whereas the twin screw has the full 6lbs at 3k. the only downside to the whipple is the gear noise. i was told it is almost unbearable. waiting to see if there are any others out there. eaton doesnt show a price for the f150. maybe i should splurge on a lightning.
david

 

Check out Saleen, they have a Roots blower for a 4.6 for $2495 w/o intercooler, $2995 with. They probably have or are developing a truck specific package to complement the Mustang setup.

 

A coworker has a Mustang with a Kenne Bell Whipple charger. It is almost silent. My brother had a Vortech on his Z71. It was relatively quiet but bordered on obnoxious at times ( whinned like an alternator with a bad bearing). I have also heard that Vortechs tend to get louder with age. His was a 5-6 lbs kit. I am sure the noise is worse if you go with a higher boost kit.