[sum_weirdo]

Been toying with getting a supercharger for my 2006 4.0 and was just looking at the manual for a Vortech. At the top of the page there's a warning about starting the car in weather below 25 DEG F without a block heater. If that's accurate the car would be plugged in pretty much from now until Easter....are superchargers actually that fragile or is Vortech just playing it safe?

[nilrak]

Hi,
I just finished an install of a vortech super charger with after cooler. I purchased the new V3 model that is self lubricating. I live in the northeast and had the same concerns. The cold weather cold start issues only apply to the older model that is lubricated with enging oil. They are concerned that in very cold weather the oil will be so thick that the supercharger will not get oil until the motor warms up and the super charger will burn out by then. If you decide to go ahead just make sure you get a V3 and you will have no worries! I a very happy with the system. Runs great. My only issue is that the install directions could be written better. I suggest reading them 10 or twenty times to make sure you thoroughly understand them before beggining. Although there tech support is pretty good. Happy to answer any other questions you may have.

[sum_weirdo]

Dang I already ordered the V2 :P Hmm. Well hopefully Royal Purple can stand up to the cold well enough...plugging in the block heater would be a nuisance since I generally park accross the street. Maybe I can find something else to help keep it warm...

[gt91]

I have a vortech V1 on my 91 GT which only gets occassional summertime use. I'm originally from Calgary, I was raised and lived there for thirty years, so I can sympathize with your worries about cold winter starts.

I also have a neighbour here in Ontario that has a 2004 F150 4X4 that has a V2 on it. He has had that truck since new and the blower has been on it since he got the truck. He owns his own construction business, and that truck now has over 200,000km on it. He uses it year round in -25 celsius weather with no problem what so ever. He does use synthetic oil, which you should be using anyway.

I would not worry about cold starts in freezing weather.