Need Advice on Supercharging

[zachow3]

you can get e85 in Portland and you wont have to drive to longview, but it is the same price as 87.

I did some research on E85 and other than the high octane rating, the conversion kit is rather spendy and worse mileage than I,m already getting just doesnt appeal to me. At least not right now. It may be something I look at again in the future, but I dont want to start altering my game plan at this point. I didnt see any stations in the Portland/Vancouver area that offered E85 to the public. They all seemed to be for government vehicles. But then again I could be wrong. Thats not uncommon for me.

 

[zachow3]

What happened to all my pictures? Their all thumbnails now. Was this due to the recent site upgrade? Just curious, I actually like it. I,ve been posting a lot of pictures and thats why this thread is so long.

Well here is a couple more for another forum member installing the PD BD-11A.

 

[zachow3]

I,m looking for a thicker water pump pulley to fan clutch attaching nut. I need to move the fan about 1/2" closer to the radiator to make room for a centrifugal supercharger drive belt. Does anyone know where to find these?
All i found was a water pump pulley spacer here, http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/51190/10002/-1 but that would throw the serpentine belt alignment out of wack creating a whole other can of worms.

 

[rwenzing]

I,m looking for a thicker water pump pulley to fan clutch attaching nut. I need to move the fan about 1/2" closer to the radiator to make room for a centrifugal supercharger drive belt.

I assume that you'll be using the fan spacer supplied in the PD kit. If you need 1/2" of additional clearance, a 4.0L fan and clutch should help but you will need to watch the fan to radiator clearance. There would likely be interference if using the original 2" radiator + PD adapter + 4.0L clutch and fan.

Don't forget to allow adequate space for motor mount, body and frame flex. I wouldn't be happy will much less than 1" static clearance from the fan/clutch to the rad. If it's too tight, substituting the redesigned 1" core replacement radiator from Ford (claimed to be of equal efficiency) may be necessary. Hopefully that would be enough.

 

[zachow3]

I assume that you'll be using the fan spacer supplied in the PD kit. If you need 1/2" of additional clearance, a 4.0L fan and clutch should help but you will need to watch the fan to radiator clearance. There would likely be interference if using the original 2" radiator + PD adapter + 4.0L clutch and fan.

Don't forget to allow adequate space for motor mount, body and frame flex. I wouldn't be happy will much less than 1" static clearance from the fan/clutch to the rad. If it's too tight, substituting the redesigned 1" core replacement radiator from Ford (claimed to be of equal efficiency) may be necessary. Hopefully that would be enough.

Actually, I was asking this question for a friend who purchased a head unit off E-bay but doesnt have all the parts normally included with a kit.

I have the spacer for my application. I was trying to find just that spacer nut from some other vendor, but perhaps it's a Powerdyne part. As much as I hate to deal with Powerdyne, perhaps they still make this spacer nut for their Mustang applications.

So how do other centri supercharger manufacturers, like Vortech or Paxton, handle this? If they use a similiar setup, perhaps one could get a spacer from them? Just trying to help out a friend without them having to do extensive mods.

Perhaps an e-fan might be a good option. Any suggestions on this? I may even consider this myself.

 

[rwenzing]

I'm guessing that the fan spacer in the PD kit is an in-house part. Checking with Vortech and others may get you a substitute.

A quality e-fan is OK if it flows enough and better if you can incorporate a shroud with a powerful fan. If possible, try to find one that is both strong and reasonably quiet.

The best thing about the factory FEAD driven fan is that the failure mode is usually a stuck clutch giving full fan all the time. The common failure mode for an electric fan is no fan operation at all.

 

[zachow3]

I'm guessing that the fan spacer in the PD kit is an in-house part. Checking with Vortech and others may get you a substitute.

A quality e-fan is OK if it flows enough and better if you can incorporate a shroud with a powerful fan. If possible, try to find one that is both strong and reasonably quiet.

The best thing about the factory FEAD driven fan is that the failure mode is usually a stuck clutch giving full fan all the time. The common failure mode for an electric fan is no fan operation at all.

Would you even hear an e-fan over a supercharger?
And, I have to ask since I've been playing dumb on this...What does FEAD stand for?

I'll touch bases with Vortech and see if they can help. Their customer service has to be better the PD.

Also I noticed your in Michigan ( yes I'm a damn rocket scientist). Have you heard of Springport? About 30 or so miles south of Lansing. My ex lived on the shore of Narrow Lake. Beautiful there in the summer, but those winters were to rough for me.

 

[tmsoko]

It is a powerdyne part and it is available in at least two sizes. I know this, as I ordered one from them (~$50!) and they sent me the wrong size the first time.

It is not really that common to space the fan this way, so I doubt Vortech or Paxton would make these. Reason is, most other vehicles have more space between FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) and the fan (longer water pump). Due to the tight engine bay in the explorer there is little to no room between the factory belt and fan.

Putting something much larger than the supplied Powerdyne part is asking for trouble with rad clearance. Remember, everything moves and flexes, including the blades.

 

[zachow3]

It is a powerdyne part and it is available in at least two sizes. I know this, as I ordered one from them (~$50!) and they sent me the wrong size the first time.

It is not really that common to space the fan this way, so I doubt Vortech or Paxton would make these. Reason is, most other vehicles have more space between FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) and the fan (longer water pump). Due to the tight engine bay in the explorer there is little to no room between the factory belt and fan.

Putting something much larger than the supplied Powerdyne part is asking for trouble with rad clearance. Remember, everything moves and flexes, including the blades.

Yeah, I called Vortech and you are right. Their setup doesnt require moving the fan.

How long ago did you order your spacer? Since these kits are no longer made, IF i can get hold of powerdyne, they have been of no help what so ever. I have the spacer. I was enquiring for some one else who doesnt have it.

And thank you for letting me know what FEAD means. I felt like a dumb a$$ for asking but sometimes I get abbreviated responses and have no idea what they mean.

 

[Turdle]

It is a powerdyne part and it is available in at least two sizes. I know this, as I ordered one from them (~$50!) and they sent me the wrong size the first time.

It is not really that common to space the fan this way, so I doubt Vortech or Paxton would make these. Reason is, most other vehicles have more space between FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) and the fan (longer water pump). Due to the tight engine bay in the explorer there is little to no room between the factory belt and fan.

Putting something much larger than the supplied Powerdyne part is asking for trouble with rad clearance. Remember, everything moves and flexes, including the blades.

Whoa!
Todd! How have you been?

 

[tmsoko]

Been good, just haven't spent any time in my garage or on my projects in over a year now

One day I will get back to it!

As for Powerdyne, I can't remember who I spoke with, but they were very helpful and friendly. On both the initial order and the replacement. I am sure they have stock replacement parts. I found my receipt - Powerdyne part number D10516-005. I paid $75 plus shipping for it (WOW - back when I had extra cash I guess).

 

[zachow3]

I got a moderator hijacking my thread!!!

Thank you for the info Todd on the spacer. I will pass it on.

 

[zachow3]

I have a question about datalogging. I dont know how to do it. I have a Livewire device and it has datalogging capability but I am unsure how to use it. I dont have a laptop and dont plan on getting one soon, but am I able to datalog using only the Livewire and tranfer the information to my home computer? I realize the Livewire has limited memory capacity, but if I could get some data that I could transfer to the Livelink software, perhaps I could get a grasp on whats going on. I have tried to get familiar with the Livelink software but I am lost. Im no computer expert.

My instruction manual is to vague for me. Can somone help and put it into simpler terms for someone like me?

Also, I apparently have the option to "tweak" a tune, but I'm afraid of doing more damage than good. So I probably will leave that alone. I'm just trying to figure out all the capabilties the Livewire has.

 

[tmsoko]

Should be able to get some help at www.sctflash.com

 

[zachow3]

Should be able to get some help at www.sctflash.com

Those technical tutorials on there only tell you how to update the firmware and software. I've already done that. Unless I'm missing something, I cant find anything that tells specifically how to use it.

It's not a big deal at this point. I just wanted to know if it was possible to datalog on the Livewire and transfer to my home PC. I have a slow learning curve. I wasnt born in the computer age. It takes me longer to figure these things out.

 

[rocket 5979]

Those technical tutorials on there only tell you how to update the firmware and software. I've already done that. Unless I'm missing something, I cant find anything that tells specifically how to use it.

It's not a big deal at this point. I just wanted to know if it was possible to datalog on the Livewire and transfer to my home PC. I have a slow learning curve. I wasnt born in the computer age. It takes me longer to figure these things out.

Go http://www.sctflash.com/forum/ here and read up on the livewire and livelink subforums. Learning how to do this stuff will require some effort on your part. These things are hard to explain via posting back and forth a few times on the net. If you look around the information is already there. I know between James and I we have a few posts and threads on EF.com here that talk about how to log and a little about how custom tuning works. Still, you will get a better concentration of info at the SCT site on their forums. You will have to become a member to see the forums. Their forums are shut down for posting but you can still view the posts already made and do searches for info.

 

[zachow3]

Since my build is on hold I thought I would ask this.
I was not familiar with the Saleen Explorers until a forum member responded to my thread. He has a '99 XP8 n/a and is in the process of installing a powerdyne XB-11A supercharger like mine. We have had numerous conversations via e-mail ( I have never seen his truck) about the installation process. I've tried to give him advice even though I am still in a learnig curve myself.
These trucks are a rare animal and I know they put out more power than a stock Explorer of the same year, but what are the differences enginewise? I did find that the compression ratio was 8.5:1 versus the 9:1 on the typical Explorer. But I was curious as to what other engine mods the 5.0L Saleen has.

 

[CDW6212R]

The XP8's all started as stock trucks, with the many options added. The supercharger option was rare, and nothing is different about those engines. That Eaton supercharger is available from EE still, and is far overpriced for the little power gain. They advertise 275hp, versus the stock 225hp, and the blower size is best for a V6 engine.

Compression figures usually run between 8.8 and 9.0:1, I don't think that they ever were as low as a 8.5:1 ratio. Contact Explorer Express if you want more details about what those kits($3800) came with.

BTW, see if you can get the front bumper from the friend's truck, that's the other XP8 part I want. Visit the *********...com site for a lot of pictures if you are curious about the Saleens. Regards,

 

[zachow3]

The XP8's all started as stock trucks, with the many options added. The supercharger option was rare, and nothing is different about those engines. That Eaton supercharger is available from EE still, and is far overpriced for the little power gain. They advertise 275hp, versus the stock 225hp, and the blower size is best for a V6 engine.

Compression figures usually run between 8.8 and 9.0:1, I don't think that they ever were as low as a 8.5:1 ratio. Contact Explorer Express if you want more details about what those kits($3800) came with.

BTW, see if you can get the front bumper from the friend's truck, that's the other XP8 part I want. Visit the *********...com site for a lot of pictures if you are curious about the Saleens. Regards,

I'm not sure I understand the question about the front bumper.

There is actually a website just for the Saleens and the very last one made is up for sale, but I dont have specifics on it. Here is the site..http://www.explorerxp8.com/
I have checked several websites and all state the Saleens are 8.5:1 compression ratio but the bore and stroke isnt any different from a stock 5.0. That would lead me to believe the heads were altered but I cant find any real evidence of that. All I know is the modified exhaust system probably gives it increased HP and TQ numbers. Nothing earth shattering and probably not as good as my torquemonster headers ( I would hope).

I,m just ranting here. I dont have a Saleen anyway, I was just curious.

 

[CDW6212R]

I know for a fact that there is no difference in an XP8 engine and every 302 Explorer made. I am a member of the largest forum which is the largest Saleen Explorer forum. I gave the link to it above with two extra "dots" because Rick here does not like to have competition with that site.

The entire 302 engine in an XP8 is identical to the same 302 of the same year of Explorer. The mufflers and tail pipes are different, the rest of the exhaust is identical. There is no tuning done to those PCM's, the optional supercharger did come with some alteration of the fuel/timing. The cranks, rods, pistons, and the heads are identical, no changes or alterations. They are identical, they came from Ford to the Saleen dealer as a complete Explorer V8 AWD XLT. The only exceptions were the one XP6(V6), one 2WD truck, and one Eddie Bauer truck that a customer took to Saleen for the XP8 conversion.

Check out the *********...com website, there is a very large section devoted to the Saleen XP8's. There is a registry there as well to track the existing trucks. eBay auctions very often reference the site to help them sell their truck. The wing below is for sale by a good member who is parting out the truck to sell. Night,