Hey everyone,

Just wanted to get some opinions on supercharging my '04 FX4. Well I started off checking out procharger's p1sc until I came across an article on the web disproving some of its claims. I really do not care what the tests say just as long as people who have them can give me some positive feedback on them. I definately like the setup and would still consider it.
I am also open to other manufacturers. Just curious how fast the stock 5.4 4X4 supercrew would be in comparison with having a supercharger on it. I am just looking at the cost to the performance value. Be honest and tell me what you like about the setup you may be running and what you don't like. I value everyones opinion, just trying to figure out what setup will be the most effiecient with the best power gains. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!!!

P.S. So far I have put a flowmaster cat back exhaust on. If you have any other suggestions as far as mods in the mean time that I could be putting on to build up to the supercharger would also be appreciated.

Looking forward to being a part of this forum!!!

 

Look into a Lightning (Harley) conversion. Good power, good dependability since it's all OE parts and the least expensive.

 

^ He has an 04 Mad, the L swap will not work. Procharger, vortech, trillogy, whipple, and powerworks are all good set-ups. I like the look of the trilogy the best, but that is just personal opinion.

 

I am guessing it's a 3V then? You can do alot of research here. That is your best friend. Do you want low end grunt (roots/twinscrew) or do you want high end pull (Cent), or do you want a custom Turbo?

I for one think these trucks benefit most from the extra torque down low given by the roots/twinscrews.

There are several options YOU will have to research best for what fits your usage and budget. Don't dive it to fast and don't believe everything you read or people tell you. I question some people's claims.

Is your truck lifted, DD, what are your plans, goals?

 

Great advice Brahmus

As stated take your time and look at all the information. I think the #1 problem is just looking at numbers but not examining how that person got there.

 

I am definately not rushing into one, I want to do my research and get the best SC for the money and fits my driving style. Here are a few things about my driving habits. I am a spirited driver that likes to accelerate to just above the speed limit and like cuttin the curves up. I also tow an 18 foot trailer every once awhile and haul anything from cars and tractors. Even though it is an FX4 I am not planning on lifting it. If anything I might either leave it stock ride height or put the rousch springs and shocks on it, not sure yet. The truck does have a 5.4 3V engine. I am also taking into consideration if the kit comes complete with everything needed, (definately would like to have an intercooler also). With the information that I have provided, which style SC would be the best fit? I am thinking the roots style, if so what brand is recommeded?

 

Trilogy, magnacharger/powerworks, Whipple, Roush, I know there are others. I'd suggest researching. Price, Customer service, limits, updates, fit and function etc...

 

Ditto.

Some kits come with new injectors, some don't.

All kits need to be custom tuned.

 

Hello. I am very new to this site and I have to tell you, I love the info. Lots of knowledgeable people. I am halfway through writing a book on supercharging vintage MG race cars and this particular subject intrigues me. My 2 cents is that when it comes to supercharging, boosts of less than 7 pounds is about an even swap between what the s/cer takes to turn and what it delivers. This can usuallly be accomplished with the addition of a plenum. Therefore, I think one has to look at boost pressures and heat dissipation. Does anyone know the boost pressures of these various brands?

 

I believe that most of the kits that have been mentioned are above 7 PSI. Someone please correct me if I am wrong on this assumption. The only one that I have not checked out yet is the Trilogy SC.

As far as dissipation of heat, I am definately planning on using an intercooler.

 

Love those cars, had a 59' AH Sprite decades ago and loved to race the MG Midgets.

By plenum, I assume that you mean the intake manifold. They are pretty much non-existant in the truck aftermarket, and you can probably buy a nice s/c kit for less than a custom sheet metal intake.

 

Sorry, Had to run earlier and left this post short.

Towing would be better if you had a positive displacement supercharger as opposed to a centrifugal.

Both types of superchargers make awesome power, its just where the power curve is. Cents pull harder through the upper RPMs as compared to positive displacement superchargers (ie. Whipple, Roush, Powerworks) make more power in the lower RPMs and more torque in the lower RPMs. Torque is what really gets these heavy trucks (and their payload/trailers) moving.

Some kits come with new injectors and some don't.

My personal opinion is that all the kits should come with new injectors because it will make it easier to tune your truck on the dyno because it will ensure plenty of fuel deliverly. The supercharger takes care of the extra air, biger/ higher flowing injectors will take care of the fuel. Air+fuel= More power.

Also, just cause it gets more air doesn't mean its "good" air. You want nice, cool air for the supercharger because cooler air has more oxygen molecules in it.. its more dense.

To my knowledge, all the supercharger kits for our truck (Cents and Positive Displacement) have "Air to Water" intercoolers... EXCEPT ProChargers. ProCharger uses an "Air to Air" intercooler. Go to their website and they explain why "Air to Air" is better... I think that is just their opinion... anyways..

Do some math about different intercoolers. With all the kits out there, you can always upgrade the intercooler. Remember, cooler denser air has more power "potential" in it.

I liked the trillogy kit. It was basically an intercooled rousch kit. But I havent seen him around in a long time here on this board.

Good Luck on your decision... no matter what you get, I'm sure you will like it. Unnless its a PowerDyne...

 

[QUOTE=dogedoc]My 2 cents is that when it comes to supercharging, boosts of less than 7 pounds is about an even swap between what the s/cer takes to turn and what it delivers.QUOTE]

This may be true for MG's but on these trucks 7psi will easily get you an extra 100hp, Most of the kits bast run 5-7psi, but you can up the presure with a smaller drive pulley. I am running 12psi on my 03 from a procharger and picked up over 150hp at the wheels and a crap load of torque.
I know the PD blowers give better low end but I can spin my tires from a stop for a god 30-50 feet so more lowend would be sort of useless at full throttle. I can concede that I would enjoy the part throttle lowend of the PD blowers, the procharger is only crazy when you put it to the floor.
Best of luck with your choice, like I said earlier, the Trillogy kit is hot, have seen it in person, looks factory.

 

I think my Powerworks looks factory except that it is polished.

 

Are you saying anything less than 7 psi is loosing power?? If so you are far off my friend. If when you aren't boost, say 0psi or 0 in vacum you are helping the motor suck air as that is still feeding the cylinders just enough air. At the low boost and low rpm these blowers are sucking up less hp to turn, more boost=faster rpms= more parasitic loose. But I still say that 7psi is way off. a Stock Lightning is 8psi and the Harley is 6psi. As a stock Harley guy if his truck moves better than N/A!!