Next question: Exhaust. Probably might ask in that section but in keeping with my conversion questions I'll go here too. I am gonna build the bottom end of the engine to take the boost (basically a stock rebuild with good parts) and maybe trick flow heads or just new cams but for sure Long tube headers. Behind that I was planning on a custom y-pipe, 2.5" with hi-flows going into a single 3" catback, SI/SO JBA system. Do you think that's ok, or is it basically needed to be a true dual setup. That or go 3" from the headers back still merging into a single 3" pipe.

Basically from supercharger experiences, how much exhaust is needed realistically?

 

I remembered another question, the idler pulleys for the supercharger, would this kit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-04...Q5fAccessories be what I'd need? Usually I don't get a clear pic, as in this case but the description is alright. Anybody have these Metco setups in theirs?

 

That kit is overpriced!!!!!
http://www.lightningforceperformance...roducts_id=293

Phil

 

No that is not a stand alone idler system, it augments the factory system. So if you go that rought you would need to have the factory systme first. And unless your running high boost applications, its not needed. As far as exhaust. I would go duals all the way. OBX makes a nice front half system and for the rear there are a lot of options. I'm currently changing over. I will remove y pipe from long tube headers and go dual pipes back to rear with a Magnaflow X pipe and 2 Magnaflow 18x4x9 mufflers. All 2.5in. Some like 3in for sound. 2.5in probably more than enough to exhaust exhaust gases and not restrict power. my 2 cents.

 

I keep trying to save my existing exhaust because it has been a sweet system but nothing compares to duals. I got an exhaust guy who can do the mid section with hi-flows but thinking I need that done because I have the transfer case etc. I want the Lightning muffler setup with Bassani's.

So Phil, that kit looks like it is everything I need or like cobrakit says it is a bit of extra adding to the idler pulley bracket which my purchase didn't have included. No big deal, mad enterprises has it and the other things I'll need.

 

Like Cobrakit said you don't even need that kit(it's an extra) if you needed better belt wrap.Like if you put a smaller pulley up top you might need it.
Other then that it's a wast of money.

Phil

 

do some more research, the answer is NO besides trick flow heads will work just fine for a 2 valve

 

I had a stock y-pipe feeding a 3" SI/SO Flowmaster after I supercharged my truck, I was seeing 14+lbs of boost. I wanted to be around 12, so I had to switch out to an x-pipe and dual stingers, still 3". No problem now, and dual exhaust sounds sweet

 

Alright, you guys convinced me, twisted my arm, true duals it is. So, next question I have is concerning fuel rails. Mine on my truck now, stock 5.4, is this the same as a stock Lightning one or are there differences? Reason I ask is that there is a used one I found, low miles for cheap but do I need a Lightning specific fuel rail, mine now looks and works fine. Any differences or would it be worth 25 bux to put a newer one on?

As a side note, I took the blower apart last night from the lower intake, looks very clean so I was happy.

 

your fuel rails will be fine

 

Got some more minor questions:

1) I notice on some, the idler pulley's on the front cover, mine now has only 1, do I need both? The pulley to the right if you stand in front. Reason I ask is does the belt come close to the idler bracket for the blower thus needing the added pulley?

2) Heat exchanger. I've looked at different ones, from those who have done this to a skid plated 4x4, do the kits use stock L brackets or do they come with their own? Hard to tell because they all just say bolt in to stock location.

3) Is a single blade throttle body worth it? This is to say I have a built JLP block, stock heads w/ stage 2 cams, 90mm maf, 42 lbs inj, and a CAI.

4) What's a good start as far as a crank pulley goes? I was looking for a 12 psi range, maybe 14, or is this overkill for my daily driven truck?

Just a few questions I had- Searching got me alot of pieceing info, always something missing of what I wanted to know about. Slowly I'm pieceing this conversion together, trying to get the nickel and dime stuff out of the way.

 

If its the blower belt your referring to you need both pulleys. If its the accessory belt, should DO NOT need the pulley on the drivers side of the engine. Mine did not come with one and when I installed it I had problems.

I think the aftermarket uses the stock L bumper brackets, just not he perimeter HE bracket.

Some people have had problems with single blades. For daily driver, spend the money elsewhere.

I'm, running pulleys for 16lb on a daily driver. However my tune for +6 (14lbs with stock L upper) had a little more timing and overall probably was more optimal for Eaton. Interesting to hear what others have to say.

 

Who is going to tune your truck? I would consult with your tuner for questions about boost. I had my PCM tuned for 12psi but if ever I step back to 9 psi my 12psi tune will still be able to handle it. The PCM can also add timing if required. Mine is a daily driver and I hardly see boost driving normally.

.

 

Your tune for 12lb was optimized for that combo. Yes it would work for 9lbs, but it is not all it could be at 9lbs if your tuner tuned for 12lbs. Obviously it would be safe. Going the other way is another story. If we had a boost signal in the NA ECM then you could handle well, otherwise most tuners will pull out timing which isn't optimal. My SCTIII allows me to do so tuning on the fly by adjusting timing in rpm increments, but this still isn't optimizing the tune.

 

No tuner yet, my brother actually might. He's going to some school for tuning soon and has done the Megasquirt system on his 95 Mustang. He learned alot just doing that himself. At any rate, it will be a bit before this comes to fruition, just wanted to get as much knowledge/parts etc so that when the time comes, I'm prepared. Gotta get the small stuff figured out before the spendy block/heads!!! That Trick-flow/ Ford Motorsport head kit looks good and really not bad priced.