"The Itch"

systronic · 04-19-2006

Hey guys. I'm new to all this power adding business, so try not to rip me a new one. I'm feeling the itch for some horsepower, im looking for about a 40-50% gain from a stock motor. entirely stock. 88 302 (forged thank god) and I want to add a S/C. i was considering a new crate motor, but i've decided that a good factory rebuild and a power adder will yield the same results for a little less dough (until i blow the motor up and buy my new 347)

so here comes the big question. what do you guys feel is the best make on a charger. procharger? paxton? vortech?

i have heard alot of good things about paxton, and was leaning in the direction. but i would like to gather some opinions, as well as FACTUAL information before i make my decision. keep in mind this is a project for next winter, as my stang IS my daily driver right now.

a new art carr AOD extreme will be putting the power on the ground, and I am 80% certain my car has a gear ratio other than stock, i just have to lift it and twist it to find out (im lazy.)

anyway, all input is greatly appreciated.

JPS51830 · 04-19-2006

I just put a Vortech on mine with 3.73 gears and am real happy with it. The 05 3V engines are fairly weak so you have to becareful how much you push it. I'm putting down 406 RWHP with 418 RWTQ. This baby pulls like an animal now and still has real good street manners. I plan to stay with this until the engine goes pop. Then I'll go forged and add an inter-cooler. Here's a couple of pic's. I went Satin finished cause I didn't want something else to clean all the time...LOL.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...51830/sc_1.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...51830/sc_2.jpg

truuble · 04-20-2006

All three are decent. I ended up going with a Vortech V2 SQ, and was rewarded with pretty sick power. Keep in mind, I don't run the stock pulleys and I'm spraying water/methanol/nitromethane through a Snow Performance Boost Cooler (which I would suggest using (without the nitro) no matter what centrifigul blower you end up with).

The main reason that I did the Vortech was that they are the easiest kit for 94/95 cars. On a fox body, it's a bit easier. I also like that the SQ is quiet (but you can hear it if you know what to listen for).

I have seen some comparisons between self contained oil units and those that use a bung in the oil pan (like Vortech does) and it doesn't seem to make much difference. Some may disagree with me on that note.

All of that said, you need to understand that once you get boost in the car, you will be hopelessly addicted and want more. So, keep an eye on how fast you can spin the blower without catastrophic failure. Vortechs are better in that category than the others. And, believe me, you WILL want to push the boost as far as you can.

You also need to think about how you plan to cool your intake charge. Chemically or with an aftercooler? Personally, I like the chemical route. It's cheaper and there is less clutter. But, I do have to buy methanol (and nitro) every few months and mix my magic potion in the garage. It would be ideal to have both. But, a good cooler costs about as much as the blower.

Bottom line . . . I would go Vortech. You won't be disappointed. Just be sure to put in bigger injectors (I have some 36s for sale) and a bigger fuel pump.

JPS51830 · 04-21-2006

Quote:

All of that said, you need to understand that once you get boost in the car, you will be hopelessly addicted and want more.

Ain't that truth....

as for cooling, if you can keep yourself to just the stock pulley and 8 psi of boost then with no cooler mechanical/additives you will be fine. It's when you get addicted and want more you really should add it. Mine is a daily driver so I'm fighting the urge but holding it to the stock pulley for now

systronic · 04-21-2006

well after doing some research, im actually leaning toward a kenne bell twin screw type charger. as an automatic driver, i think its powerband is more in my range.

truuble · 04-21-2006

That would definitely give you more torque in the lower rpm ranges (it makes boost quicker). You won't do as well at high rpm, though.

systronic · 04-23-2006

truthfully im not that into drag racing, i just like having power
basically im looking for whatever is going to get me to 60mph the quickest.
we shall see what happens though.
im starting to think about the crate motor again too.... i love this hobby:thumbsup

truuble · 04-24-2006

Well . . . I just got my new DSS 331 shortblock . . . I'll let you know how it runs when I get it going.

systronic · 04-24-2006

damn thats like an orgasm in a box.
sweet.

truuble · 04-24-2006

Wait til you see it topped off with Stiegemeier cnc ported heads, A vortech S-Trim, an ASP custom crank pulley, and a custom power pipe!! (not to mention the water/methanol/nitromethane injection).

WITELITENIN · 04-24-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by truuble

Wait til you see it topped off with Stiegemeier cnc ported heads, A vortech S-Trim, an ASP custom crank pulley, and a custom power pipe!! (not to mention the water/methanol/nitromethane injection).

When do you think you are gonna be done?

truuble · 04-24-2006

Hopefully by Friday. I should have the cam back from Isky tomorrow, and its all easy from there. I should have new dyno numbers Friday night.

krankieone · 04-25-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by truuble

Wait til you see it topped off with Stiegemeier cnc ported heads, A vortech S-Trim, an ASP custom crank pulley, and a custom power pipe!! (not to mention the water/methanol/nitromethane injection).

what percentage water ,methanol ,nitromethane are you running?

truuble · 04-25-2006

I mix 16 ounces of nitromethane with 56 ounces of water and 56 ounces of methanol.