I really like what I've been reading about superchargers. Eventhough they are pricey, they really seem to give alot in return. What I am wondering, though, is what are the hazards of owning a supercharged engine. Does it shorten the engine's lifespan? Is the average engine able to handle the extra hp and compression? If I had a Ford dealership install a 6lb charger, would it be under warranty still? These questions are for a 2001 F250 4x4 that is used for work everyday and a little toying around after hours. It's going to have a tough life being a work truck so I need to know if a supercharger is practical for this application. I want a dependable truck that is going to get me from point A to point B for (hopefully) the next 6 to 8yrs. But that doesn't meen it has to be boring!
Also, what type of charger would be best for me. I've installed a K&N FIPK (not so impressed) and a Superchip (overwhelmingly impressed) and next will be a muffler. I feel really good mid to upper range power, but I'm still looking for that treestump pulling power that usually only comes from a bigblock. And I know, some of you are thinking "Well why didn't he just get the V10 or diesel?" I like a V8, always have. Just my preferance.
Thanks for any advice you can give me. It is greatly appreciated.

 

Unfortunately, your going to be disappointed in your limited selection of superchargers for a F250 SD with the 5.4L V8. I know, I've looked. If you've done any reading on this board, you'll already have heard/read the pro's and con's of the different types of SC's. For what your looking for "more low-end", the Magnacharger is the best bet. However, they don't make a model that will fit the 250SD/V8 - at least they didn't a few months ago. It's the same story with the Whipple SC... :^( Sure, I guess you could "make" one of these units fit, but the greatest benefit is the "bolt-on" nature of the right SC. The only other alternative is one of the centrifugal SC's, which would be OK for mid to high-end HP, but not so good for low RPM work. I keep hearing Magnacharger and Whipple are making kits for the F250SD/V8, but nothing has happend, yet.

Good luck.

 

Thanks dtyo for the info. Maybe it's a good thing they don't make one yet, otherwise, I'd be debating shelling out the bucks for one. Maybe by the time my warranty is up, there will be one.
BTW, I noticed you have the Gibson cat-back. From what I've read, our exhausts already have a 3" pipe. So I was going to get just a good muffler. What are your thoughts on this? What benefits come from doing the entire cat-back vs. the muffler?
Also, how do you like the K&N FIPK? I installed mine at 9000mi and didn't feel much of a change. When I did the same to my old truck, '95 F150 4.9L in-line 6, there was a much greater increase.
Thanks for the help.

 

Hi... Our trucks have a mandrel bent 2.5 inch exhaust system. Not a 3 inch. Go wihth true duels, but only use a 3 chamber muffler. If you use 2 chamber mufflers on a true duel exhaust set-up, you will lose bottom end torque and H.P.

 

thewhiteford,

Well, since you asked, I didn't feel that much difference after installing the Gibson. My feeling is that the stock exhaust on the F250 SD/5.4L was fairly well matched to the motor. Not to mention that the Gibson wasn't even that much louder than the stock muffler. If anything, I'd say it helped at higher RPMs. The same goes for the FIPK - although it did make a big difference in the way the engine sounded (louder), which probably adds to the impression that it's making more power.... However, with all the pieces put together the truck is much more responsive. I had experienced some serious hesitation before the FIPK, but never afterwards. I think a supercharger is in my future, at least that is, if one, or more, of the manufacturers (positive displacement)think the F250SD/5.4 is worthy....

Dan