Roots vs Centrifugal supercharger; What are my options

PennylessZ28 · 06-19-2003

It seems every Mustang owner has gone happy with slapping a supercharger on the 4.6L to turn some numbers. But if you aren't careful enough, you'll end up with a broken piston and ring or two. I only see a small number actually building up their motors.

Before I got my GT I came from a Chevy back ground and I have worked on building up a few engines. So I have a lot of internal experience, and for the broad spectrum it is generally all the same when it comes to engine mechanics with slight differences across the board.

For my goals, and what I want to achieve, I do not believe that I want to build/forge my internals. I am not looking to produce more than 365rwhp. I'd be happy with something in the safe ballpark area of 330rwhp-350rwhp.

From some of my research it seems the centrifugal superchargers can be more damaging on the life span of the engine. And cause serious engine stress and wear if too much boost is applied, however if done correctly and properly you can have a safe engine life span and enjoy that supercharger without hassle. However, the power produced by the centrifugal is not as consistent as a roots style.

I am looking for something with OEM quality to meet my needs and the Eaton M90 seems to be the standard of OEM use. Saleen and Roush both use this, along with just about every major car company. Most using an Eaton model.

Roots blowers produce more torque across the entire powerband and rpm range, are more streetable and reliable in the long run, which is why they are generally used in OEM applications.

So my question is, if I want to install a roots style blower what are my choices and options? Is it possible to fit the 03 Cobra, someone here locally is selling that blower. If not, what companies should I research?

I have looked into Kenne Bell, who still hasn't finished theirs, and Allen Engine Development. What other choices do I have for roots?

Ideas, recommendations, considerations. Any info is appreciated in my considerations for this step towards a charger.

Thanks

GTRaptor · 06-19-2003

Go with a Saleen Roots, but not the M90, you need the newer M112 which has the appropiate capacity. The M90 is smallish, more geared towards 4 liters or smaller engine (original equip in the 3.8 Tbird SC and Grand Prix GTP)

The M112 is also used in the Lighning and 03Cobra.

1998GT · 06-19-2003

ahh i love the bichin sound of a roots supercharger.. lol sorry, i just had to comment.

SMOKE · 06-20-2003

You've listed all the companies that I know of making S/C units for 99+ 4.6L motors.
The SALEEN is proven and can be made to meet your horsepower requirement and is fairly popluar and available. I'm a fan of the smallish roots blower myself but the centri S/Cs are very tuneable.

StaticTool · 06-21-2003

Where cann the M112 be bought at? I just looked on saleen.com and all they have is the series 2, which I'm guessin is the M90

CrunchMaster · 06-22-2003

Saleen has the Series IV Supercharger Kit w/Intercooler 02-03GT. I don't know if this is the M112.

I'm not sure why, but EVERYTHING costs more for the 2003.

PennylessZ28 · 06-23-2003

The series IV is not a roots blower, it looks the same but its actually a twin screw.