I was curious if anyone has installed a Kenne Bell supercharger unit. If so how does the truck drive at lower rpms or at cruise. I understand these superchargers have a bypass valve and wanted to know how the power is at lower rpms or at cruise. Also what other type of superchargers have been installed and how do you like them?

 

Vortech is my first choice by far. There are now low rpm heat and detonation issues that are associated with it (Kenne Bell has these issues).

------------------
'99 5.4 XLT S/C, 3.55 LS, 4R100, 4X2 Styleside shortbed, 4 WHL ABS/4 WHL DB, Tow pkg, Oxford white, Lightning wheels/suspension, Vortech V-2 S-trim, Superchip, Flowmaster cat-back, aftercooler to come soon....

 

I think the low end torque of a roots type blower is hard to beat, however they are typically less efficient with a peak eff of 65%. This is a major source of heat and detonation in non intercooled app's. It seems that the fav supercharger is the centrifugal type, possibly due to it's higher efficiency (often better than 75%) and resulting less heat, allowing more boost. The down side to the roots type seems to be limited boost capability on non intercoled apps. The up side is the flat torque curve provided, it feels like a bigger engine.
Keep in mind I have not installed one on a F150 engine and my experience is limited to driving supercharged cars such as t-bird supercharged 3.8, super mustang 5.0 and a few vintage race cars with roots blowers.

Chris

------------------
98 SC 4.6L stepside, Gibson headers, Gibson single exhaust, superchip, Intake mods, Piaa's, high end audio stuff.

 

You may want to check out the Magnacharger. It uses a Eaton supercharger, which is what is used on the Lightning.
There web page is http://www.magnacharger.com/about.htm

 

I have owned Vortec, Paxton, and Kenne Bell Chargers. I currently am running a Paxton on my V10 (530hp) Vortec and Paxton both have great chargers but if you are looking for a charger that is a lot easier to install, looks better, is quieter, and one that you don't have to wait for high RPM's to get full boost....Get a Kenne Bell. It will be well worth the extra few hundred bucks.

------------------
Ryan Marselis
Owner
Superliner...and more!
Your SuperDuty parts source.

480-633-2624

 

The Kenne Bell setups generally let the boost hit about to hit at about 1800 - 2100 to soften the bottom end "blow" a little. For addition grunt they are a great way to go.
Other than that, and a bit less expensive another player not mentioned is Powerdyne, they start producing boost down around 2000 - 2200 and continue as all centifigal's do 'til l redline. They are silent as well and very easy to install.

But for sheer low end torque, hard to beat positive displacement, i.e. Kenne Bell or Eaton setup.



------------------
Ryan Vowell
Owner
Performance Injection

 

Personally, I want people to hear that whine when I am in my truck.

I will probably go with the procharger. It seems to be the best choice to me for the centrifucal units because it also has an aftercooler.


------------------
Chris Thomas
1998 F-150XLT Flareside STX Sport Package, 4.6L Auto 3.55 Oxford White/Gray interior, Factory Anti-theft system
Picture: http://216.147.104.171/Y2K/members/ChrisT/christ1a.jpg
Homepage: Chris & Brandi's Universe
Mods: A.R.E. Decklid/Oxford White with gray fabric liner, K&N filter with Airbox Mod (removed silencer), Tinted Windows, GTS sloted taillight covers (painted Oxford white to match), Removed STX stickers
Audio: Kenwood Truck speakers with 10" woofers, Rockford Fosgate and Alpine Amps, Ford 10 disk CD changer
Future Mods: 3/4 Lowering Kit (Maybe 4/6 if I don't have to change tires at the same time), 20" rims and tires, True duals with Supertrap tunable mufflers, Superchip, Supercharger, Jacobs Ignition, NOS, and whatever else I can think of!!!

 

The Kenne Bell uses the stock intake.

I feel while you are at it, you may as well get the instant boost of the roots type AND move the power band up in the RPM range by using an aftermarket intake like the Allen or Magnacharger units.

I have seen a Vortech supercharged 5.4L extended cab only run a 14.89 @ 91.25mph in the 1/4.

We are all aware of how well the Lightning performs. The power is ON right off the line!


------------------
'98 4.6 5-sp F-150
We've come for your Tundra.

Where we started.
http://www.mcmullenargus.com/gallery...ge=1165&pub=12
After a facelift.
http://www.zing.com/picture/ff/e9/b5...d.jpg.orig.jpg
trixters-playground@excite.com
www.truckinweb.com


[This message has been edited by crash1 (edited 02-08-2000).]

[This message has been edited by crash1 (edited 02-08-2000).]

 

Crash, ya know Cableguy? His extended cab 5.4l runs 14.9@ 90.2 mph w/no supercharger or NOS! Thats amazing! Well, not really, its how a 5.4l should perform.

 

I'm just now (after making many mods) looking into what a supercharger can do, and what the costs are. I've seen the Paxton NOVI 2000 Supercharger Kit in a catalog for around $3,600--but am wondering if this is typical of the others mentioned here. Is there a website for the Kenne Bell unit that seems to be highly recommended here?

Also, how hard are they to install--is this a shop-only install, or a do-it-yourself job? I've so far got a superchip, Airaid and Gibson exhaust... all 3 of which have provided an incredible boost, especially when going up-hill. Am interested to see what else can be done!

One more question: Do they typically come with their own air intake parts, thus forcing me to remove my Airaid?

Thanks in advance!

------------------
2000 F-150 Lariat, 4x2, 4.6L automatic Supercab, Styleside, Blue with gold two-tone, 3.55 slip axle, class III towing package, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, leather interior, in dash CD, Ford/Duraliner bedliner, Ford chrome nerf bars, Ford bug deflector, Steel Horse billet grille, Leer hard tonneau cover, Superchip, Airaid, Billet door sills & antennae, Gibson split rear exit with 3" slash tips, chrome differential cover. My How-To Articles

[This message has been edited by Duke (edited 02-15-2000).]