Hello all,

I am considering a supercharger for my Stang when it is paid off. I've settled on an intercooled KB 2.6L, but I was wondering if some of you rich guys could answer some questions about owning a supercharged car. Of course, if there's a really good thread that already does this please point to it.

Okay here goes:

1. What type of recurring maintenance has to be done (changing plugs, retuning, filters) and how often

2. Do you have to replace the intercooler oil or is it a closed system like brakes?

3. Do you have to breakdown the engine more frequently to do maintenance (replace pistons or inspect block)?

4. I noticed someone mentioned they used 91 octane, is this possible? Obviously it decreases performance, but is that harmful?

5. Does the added stress on the fuel system require more maintenance? Do the injectors need to be replaced more often?

These are just some things I have thought about and would like your input. Thanks

-Darth

 

Can anybody answer this

 

KC, not an expert on this but here are some of the answers I got from Roush when I asked them similar questions.

1. What type of recurring maintenance has to be done (changing plugs, retuning, filters) and how often: Standard maintenance on normal schedule

2. Do you have to replace the intercooler oil or is it a closed system like brakes? Was told the intercooler oil was good for life of the charger (having a hard time believing this one)

3. Do you have to breakdown the engine more frequently to do maintenance (replace pistons or inspect block)? No, charger is meant to be a bolt on mod to a stock motor without shortening the life of the engine. Bare in mind this was the answer for the Roushcharger which is tuned at a conservative level. It can be tuned to output more then it does but that increases the chance of failure. You will hear it a lot on here, it's all about the tune. Most recommend once you start getting around the 400+ RWHP mark you should start adding forged internals due to the stress.

4. I noticed someone mentioned they used 91 octane, is this possible? Obviously it decreases performance, but is that harmful? Not sure here. I have always used 93 however a freind of mines wife put 89 gas in his car that has a Magnason on it and the thing didn't want to run. Not sure what 91 will do. If it is tuned for it maybe it would work?

5. Does the added stress on the fuel system require more maintenance? Do the injectors need to be replaced more often? Same as #3, designed to last the life of the engine with no added maintenance.

Remember these answers are for a Roushcharger that I got from Roush. Not sure on other S/C's but I assume if the tune is conservative it would be the same.

Hope this helps.

 

Thank's Gary

 

I just talked to a guy at stmotorsports and he said the only maintence you have to do is change the oil about every.......I think it was 1,400 he said.

 

The intercooler oil every 1,400 miles?

 

First off, if you heard it from ST Motorsports, take it as gospel! They installed and tuned my Kenne Bell 2.6L back in August, and I am loving it!

As far as maintenance, change the Air Filter when dirty, change the Motor Oil every 3K miles, keep an eye on your plugs for blow out and replace when needed (corroded), and everything else is pretty much the same.

This is assuming you'll be staying between 8-10 psi.

You are definitely running a risk with any blower, but a good tune and a thorough install will insure that you will never have to worry about it.

I am running 423.8 rwhp and 394.0 rwtq from 8 psi, while others usually are in the 430-440 range. My Stang has always been at the low end of the spectrum as far as power goes. I was at 279 rwhp with all of my bolt ons!

I prefer the Twin Screws for a daily driver application.

You will not believe the low end grunt this KB makes! Can you violently swing the back end out just by shifting into 2nd gear? I can!

If you are breaking down the motor, you better be building it up....That is not maintenance.

I am running 8 psi with 91 octane, and I have no issues with detonation or pinging. As long as the tune is fit for it, you'll be fine with 91 octane.

The stock KB tune hits 25* of timing IIRC, so I'd get a dyno tune if you'll be running 91 octane.

That's pretty much it. Quit spending $500 here $1000 there for bolt ons, and just dig deep into your pockets and get blown!

 

Nice writ up. I was talking to Adam at ST for a while and i'm deciding on the KB or the whipple. They are both about the same price, but the whipple has that loud whine that I love. I might just be cheap and get an intercooled vortech How is your gas milage?