Recently I read the discussions on the Eaton supercharger systems, and found it very interesting. I too have been looking into a system for my truck, Vortech is looking pretty good. Or are they? It sounds like I could stand to learn a thing or two about superchargers from those of you with more experience. I have several questions:
1) Who can I rely on to install a system like this, are their certified techs for this sort of thing?
2) What additional add-ons will be required to make the system work properly.
3) What should I be looking for in a supercharger package? When Vortech claims "ready to run out of the box" is that true?
Please help, I have more questions now than I did 2hrs ago, thats good, thanks for making me look at some other options.

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99 F-150 4x4 sport 5.4, K&N Filter charger, Gibson cat-back, Tubular nerf bars, "Ford" Bra. Bigger Tires and supercharger on the horizon.

 

One afternoon, while at a stop light, I heard a strange whining noise.
Of course I had that, hmmmm dog look, ya know the one with ears up and head turned to the side.
I quickly looked at my dash looking at the dummy gauges and remembered I was being pulled to the shop. ( lesson learned- explain later.)

As I looked up I was 4.6stang that was slowly starting to undulate. The rear was swaying and smoke was begining to fill the air. The words VORTECH was written across the windshield. The light turned green and I watched and listened to spinning tires across the whole intercection and this was through 2 gear changes. The tires stopped spinning after 3rd and a bit down the street.
That's the only "experience" i have w/ them.

I've talked to a few folks and a complaint was that the Vortechs require the use of a oil line off the motor. The thought complaint was if the head unit went, any schrapnel would end up right on top of the valves on the drain end.

The paxtons were touted as being good, and even better w/ the NOVI systems BUT those to use the same type of oil-lube system.

If money wasn't an issue for me, I'd go w/ a D1B Procharger unit. THat set up is close to 4 grand, but it'll put almost 400hp to the ground on a 5.4L. ( ready for the rebutals ) It's about a 12lb intercooled unit, that'll put about 9lbs at the intake-post cooler.
I called ATI and they told me that they have designed a unit for the 5.4 and they already have pricing but they won't be ready for a few more weeks. That was about a month ago.
http://www.procharger.com/procharger3.html

I've thought of powerdyne due to $$$$ and that I'm not looking for massive amounts of power gains. A grand saved at least.
Good luck in your decision.


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Dr.(wife says i'm spoiled) Jones.
2000 F-150 5.4L(whatpowerawaitsthee)
AUTO,SC-sb 4x4-XLT, 3.55LS, 8.8 front- 9.75 rear, sidesteps, sprayed in liner, 17"wheels ORP, trailer-tow pkg, CD, Cpt chairs, 4whl ABS, Keyless Entry, Airbox silencer removed/K&N, Amsoil(transfercase, motor, rearend), 3" custom dynomax ultra flow catback, as an anniversary gift. PSD coming for christmas!
djones01@elp.rr.com

 

Runningmule1


I had a vortech installed on my Expedition about 11 months ago and have about 10k on the blower. The reason I went with the vortech is due to it reputation and talking to fokes that had 70 to 90k on the blower or engine with no issues. Vortech backs the blower with a 3 year unlimited mileage warrantee as well. I also like the ideal of the oil line using the existing motor oil for 2 reasons. It gets changed with the motor oil and the second is you have 6 quart so you don’t have to worry about heat up. NOW to set the record strait the oil return goes in the oil pan not the valve cover. You have an oil screen on the pump and an oil filter to stop the parts. Vortech warrantees that as well. On the reality side if the blower self-destructs I think you will know when the belt squeals and smoke from the belt etc. The kit is complete all you need is a chip. The choice is more difficult today because of all the other players. You will find positives and negatives with all systems. Do your homework.

 

The biggest thing to consider is the type of blower. The positive displacement units (Eaton, Kenne Bell) add constant boost and therefore increased performance throughout the RPM range. Your 5.4 would run more or less like a 428.

The centrifugals (Vortech, Paxton, et al.) increase boost as engine RPM increases. In "normal" driving (whatever that is) they do very little. When you put your foot down they respond as they build revs.

since you're running a 4X4, you may not want to consider a gear change when you go to oversized tires simply because of the doubled cost. With stock gears and tall tires, you'd probably never get a centrifugal into it's power range, so you'd be better off with a positive displacement. If you're willing to add big gears then a centrifugal would work at least as well. "You pays your money and you takes your choice"

 

I apparently stand corrected. That was from what I had read and been told by reps.

As stated different blowers will make different #'s at varing rpms.

Also another thing to consider it that each blower company has different "trims".
Vortech has several different models as does ATI and paxton. Each one will produce more or less boost at certain rpms.
As in my post, I was saying that the ATI I looked into made about 4lbs of boost between 1800-2000. The power increases I would have at that range would put me at a almost 280 TRUE rear wheel hp. At 5200 rpms I was told to expect just about 400hp at 11-12lbs of pre-intercooled boost. Actual boost at intake was suppose to be roughly 9lbs after intercooler. I was told that with that system it would be suggested a bigger fuel pump and they'd have a custom chip burnt to meet fuel demand, but I could still run full timing. The 9lb unit they'd suggest the fuel pump and nothing more.
I'm going to try and contact them (ATI) again and if I do i'll get updated #'s.

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Dr.(wife says i'm spoiled) Jones.
2000 F-150 5.4L(whatpowerawaitsthee)
AUTO,SC-sb 4x4-XLT, 3.55LS, 8.8 front- 9.75 rear, sidesteps, sprayed in liner, 17"wheels ORP, trailer-tow pkg, CD, Cpt chairs, 4whl ABS, Keyless Entry, Airbox silencer removed/K&N, Amsoil(transfercase, motor, rearend), 3" custom dynomax ultra flow catback, as an anniversary gift. PSD coming for christmas!
djones01@elp.rr.com

 

Stangeranger & Doc I appreciate your help. It sound like a positive displacement blower is more of what I'm looking for. The Eaton web site is full of info, but I had trouble finding a system for my application...any suggestions? The ATI system sounds like it does provide boost through most of the range, I don't like to push the motor over 3500 rpms (just don't feel good about it, I love my truck!). There is the occassion however when a point to the chev guys needs to be made!

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99 F-150 4x4 sport 5.4, K&N Filter charger, Gibson cat-back, Tubular nerf bars, "Ford" Bra. Bigger Tires and supercharger on the horizon.

 

Two ideas:
1) find a wrecked Lightning and buy the engine, trans and computer.
2) the new Holley "Thunder" supercharger for the 5.4 plus some major tranny upgrades.

Neither of these ideas is going to be cost competitive with the Roots blower kits for the 4.6, the demand from the 'Stang Bangers has put them into mass production.

 

[This message has been edited by Tundra (edited 07-09-2000).]

 

I hear you can buy a crate Lightning motor for approx $4k, $6k with a tranny,wiring, and a computer. Thats what I would do, but I already did...

The price might have gone up, but so has the HP, up to 375 for the 01 Lightnings

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99 Black Lightning
created 8/17/99, bought 9/25/99
#3681/4000
factory tonneau cover
100k mile warrantee, bed/under liner, paint protected
W:L:T ratio
5:2:1