Need help deciding to Super charge

[double_take]

I'm concidering adding a supercharger to my 00' EB V8. I was wondering if anyone who had one had any advice.

Is it really worth the money for the performance gains?

Also are there any drawbacks or major issues to be encountered?

 

[double_take]

Anyone? Any Advice at all?

 

[james t]

is it worth it? yes, the 5liter responds very well to boost. there are only 2 choices, you can either get an Eaton from www.explorerexpress.com or a Powerdyne from anywere that deals with Powerdyne.

 

[double_take]

Are they hard to install. I'm not a mechanic but I have done my share of repairs.

 

[james t]

eh, it depends. personally, i think both are fairly easy to install. others may think its a big project. the Eaton is the easier of the two to install.

 

[tmsoko]

I was about to give option #3, then saw you said you were not a mechanic, so a custom Kenne Bell setup is not an option

Between the eaton and the powerdyne, the biggest decision is ultimate goals. Once you get the powerdyne, you could increase boost, add intercooler, etc.. Withthe Eaton, you are not going to be able to increase boost much more than 6psi, before detonation. So, with the eaton, the listed gain is about all you will get.

Now, the eaton is nice, as it provide boost at lower RPM than a centrifugal, so daily driving may be a little more fun.

As for should you do it? Hell yes. I have been running at 5psi with my Kenne Bell and LOVE it! I can't wait until I crank up the boost in the next few weeks.

Jump in!

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

I am also considering doing the SuperCharger thing. So I am watching this thread closely. What about after the install? Are they pretty much maintenance free? Are they hard to keep up, aka adjusted?

HotDogs

 

[tmsoko]

My Kenne Bell is "similar" to an Eaton. I change the blower oil everytime I change the engine oil and forget about it - well that is until I tip into the throttle

NOt sure about centrifugals, but I assume similar. there really isn't anything to adjust.

 

[james t]

the powerdyne is maintanance free, no oil to change. if it ever needs rebuilt (it wont), you can completely rebuild one for around $100 on your kitchen table. very, very simple to do.

 

[racebronco2]

i have a 00 x .... i have had the eaton on for about a year..... no problems in 15,000 miles and i tow a b2 on a car trailer about once or twice a year... total weight of trailer is about 4500 lbs ... it has instant response .... plenty off power for towing can maintain 70 mph up hills now .... can even pass big rigs uphill .... when i was looking for a blower last year the only smog legal one was the one from ee .... i didn't know kenne bell had a blower for the 5.0, is it smog legal ... if it is i would go with the kenne belle .... on the eaton you get about 4 pounds off boost as low as 1800 rpms .... most stock explorers run t high 17's in the quarter and my awd with exhaust runs 15.7 in the quarter mile

 

[james t]

no kenne bell kit...... tmsoko made his own. much work (machine shop stuff, etc. )

 

[CobraXP]

I've had my Eaton for about a year or so now. If I would have had the later 5.0 like most do, I owuld have easily had it on in a weekend, but I have the earlier style, so I ha to make a few 'adjustments' that took me a couple of days to get right. Plus, I added a few other things while I had it apart.

I tow a couple of trailers and boats and have been extremely happy with mine. I just bought a smaller pulley for it (need to get it put on), so I can bring the boost up to about 7.5 - but I also have the fuel mods for the boost also.

It comes down to what the purpose will be for getting the s/c. If you want more of a race setup - go with the Powerdyne. If you want everyday power, get the Eaton.

 

[section525]

What exactly did you have to do to work with the internal egr?

 

[CobraXP]

Nothing all that hard. The worst part was I had to play around with different belt sizes and idler pullies to get them to match up for a good fit. I ended up having to get a Gates 120" belt and some 100mm pullies. The belt that comes with the kit was putting too much pressure on the tensioner, and I didn't want to burn out any bearings. With this different pulley I have now, I think I can drop a belt size and idler pully sizes to get it closer to the normal setup.

Seems like that, and some differnent bolts to get the intake elbow to bolt up - and I think that was about all. The EGR stays where it is, and since there is not a DPFE sensor, you don't nee dthe relocation stuff taht comes with the kit.

I think those are the right sizes on the belts and pullies - I would have to measure them to make sure...

Section - how is the E303 holding up? Any problems? I have one sitting in the garage with some 1.7's to put in...

 

[double_take]

ok so it sounds like the eaton is right for me as my main goal would be to get a little boost when driving around town.

Are there any long term engine issues, such as shortened life or need for a rebuild sooner.

I have also heard that you shouldn't add one to an engine with miles on it. I have 55k is that too high?

Thanks for all the responses

 

[ipozestu]

55,000... Hell your motor is just getting broken in. I put a Vortech on my 4.0 OHV last year it had ~80,000 miles. As long your motor is in good operating order it should be fine.

 

[james t]

the 5 liter is well known for its longevity, even under boost. with 55k on it, yours isnt even seasoned in yet.

lets put it this way, i have 115k on mine and i would put a blower on it tommorrow and not think twice about it.

 

[CobraXP]

I wish I had 55K again! My Eaton was puton at 130K, and I didn't doubt the engine one bit. I have 168K now, and it still runs as strong as ever. No oil pressure loss, nothing.

 

[racebronco2]

i put my blower on at about 74,000 miles .... and just had it smogged checked today and passed with no problems

 

[tmsoko]

The 302 will run for a long time with boost, as long as you have a proper tune. The stock kits are relatively low boost, so not an issue. I know of more than one 400HP+ 302s with stock shortblocks well over 100K.

Agreed, the eaton kit will be best for everyday driving and towing.