Supercharger Installed!!!!!!!

[Alec]

The boost control is set pretty high. I'll be able to set it a bit higher after I get the new fuel pump, but you can see it's pretty close to maxed. I don't know the specific specs, 'cause the installer did all the settings. The switches in the console: The black rocker is the amp, and the two red switches above that are the fog and driving lights. The top plunger used to be the air horns, but that switch broke and is a dummy. The plunger to the side is now the horns. The red toggle controls the backup lights.

 

[SteveVB]

Alec thought this site may be a help to you. This section has some trouble shooting ideas. Some sound like what your dealing with. Also if you go to the main page and check sizing they have a page that has formulas for injector sizing. Take a look. The table is for v-8s but you can use the Formula for our v-6. The site has a decent amount of information on the MAF system and MAFs.

Dead Link Removed

Have Fun

 

[F'in Bob]

Throttle body?

Alec, did you go with the bigger (66mm) tb from BBK too?

 

[Alec]

Yup, I've had the BBK 66mm TB since August.

Steve, thanks for the link. I'm going to see what happens once I get the new fuel pump in. If I still have problems, I'll try messing with the MAS and TB sensors.

 

[Tom Wilk]

Alec,

I don't know how I missed this thread for so long. Too much to read, I guess.

The BBK looks great!!! Now if I can find one for the SOHC engine....

I don't know if I mentioned it in the chat room the other night but good job!

 

[Alec]

I found the primary engine problem. I have a vacuum leak. The gasket between the new upper intake manifold plate and the blower is being pushed out by the boost pressure. The plates are not machined perfectly, and the inperfections are causing the gasket to unseat. We temporarily fixed the problem and I'm going to take it very easy on the truck the next few days. He's going to reseat the gasket next week and fix the problem. I'm also getting my new fuel pump next week.

So all you Splat fans in Houston, we'll get together some other time. I'm basically driving in this weekend, parking Splat, then driving home. No showing off for me!

 

[wpurple]

Instacharger

Alec,
I am glad to hear someone got somewhere with the BBK Instacharger. I have been interested in it since it was vaporware last spring. I tow a camper with my Explorer Sport and would like better towing capabilities.
I am interested in your opinion on whether the instacharger will fit my needs IYO.
(How was the install? Anything you would want to add to someone attempting to install it?)

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[Alec]

Kurt,

I tried to email you back, but hotmail doesn't like me right now. IMO, have a professional install it. Each application has it's ideosyncracies, and undoubtedly there will be problems. Already plan on replacing your fuel pump with a higher flow unit. Also, make sure the new upper manifold gasket gets seated properly. I haven't tested the blower with a trailer yet, but it performes equally well with one person in the truck vs. 6. Power is increased across the board. If you have $4000, this is definately a possibility for you.

Good luck! Don't have much time now, but feel free to ask more questions.

 

[wpurple]

Questions

Hi Alec,
Congrads on your SC install. I am pondering the same install but have lots of questions.
-Do you feel the gain was worth the money spent?
-What "other" parts should be on hand to complete the job?
you stated that one of the plug wires wouldn't reach..
-Is the boost variable?
-Is there any "gotcha's in the install?
-What is that cylinder thingy to the right of the SC
in your picture?
-Any problems obtaining a "stock" idle?
I want to use the SC to give me better towing ability, your comments to that?
Also, I will be using it on a 5 speed manual which is weak by itself. Trying to find someone who did a install on truck with the Mazda 5 speed.

Thanks,
Kurt

97 Sport

 

[wpurple]

Sorry Alec for the double post, didn't look before I posted again. I must have scanned quickly and didn't notice my earlier one took.
Thanks for your comments, Please keep the board posted on progress

Kurt
97 Sport OHV

 

[Alec]

Kurt, no problem.

1) yes, the money was well spent. the power is awesome! the s/c whine alone is worth some bucks.
2) the stock fuel pump needs to be replaced, some fittings for the intake tube, a set of longer plug wires for the driver's side, misc hardware, a way to mount the computer and controller, and plenty of zip ties.
3) the boost is kind of variable by changing the timing with that under dash controller. It's not really changing the boost, but changing the amount of air that gets into the cylinders b4 they fire. The power is highly variable with the accelerator, though. It's not like the stock engine, which is basically idling, or at WOT.
4) gotchas: needed parts, the need to fully seal the new upper intake gasket, the need for a new cruise control computer mount, rerouting lines, cables, and wires
5) i think you're referring to the new fuel pressure regulator that's mounted on top of the ac compressor
6) idle is fine now that the vacuum leak is sealed. The computer will take a few weeks to fully learn about the new blower. even with the very rough idle due to the vacuum leak, the truck was still managable.
7) hp and torque are both greatly increased, should be great for towing. however, since rpms might be higher when towing, the sc whine might get to you on long trips.
8) my tranny seems very smooth. I'm not going to get shift or tranny kit. if you treat your tranny well, you should be fine. don't hit into the s/c in fifth gear.

hope this helps!

 

[wpurple]

Thanks for the info,
A few more questions (if you don't mind)
-Is it recommended that you replace the stock fuel pump?
I would be using the stock air box and throttle body.
-Is that a new regulator that is supplied in the kit or is
it one that you wanted to upgrade to?
-Has your gas mileage changed that much, given what done
done? (I would expect a drop but it shouldn't be night and day)
-Do you know if it voids the factory warranty? (not that if something major went wrong I could just remove it but if I'm in the middle of East Timbuktu..)
-Are all these "gotcha's" (longer wires, cruise control, ect..) documented in the BBK instructions? and how is the instructions?
-Has there been any problem with detonation?
-Is the advance/retard part of the kit?


On another topic, I think you mentioned you were using a performance chip before hand, do they really give any noticeable gains for the $$$

Again, thanks tremendously for the help. Forgive me if I seem to forward but I am looking at a large investment to my investment and want to be sure this is how I want to approach gaining a better tow vehicle as opposed to a more conventional methods (headers, TB, exhaust ect...)
Because I am already over the manual transmission limits on tow weight I need to choose my mod’s wisely.

Kurt

 

[Alec]

Kurt, your questions don't bother me at all. You know how many people I annoyed to death before I ordered the blower? LOTS!

1) the fuel pump replacement was recommended by all the mechanics I talked to, not BBK. The stocker is supposed to be capable of about 85lph deadhead pressure, and around 70lph avg flow rate. Right now, its set for about a 75deadhead and 70 flow. It's plainly dying. The demands on it are slightly more on my truck because of my other mods, but I highly recommend swapping it out.
2) I'd also recommend doing the other performance mods along with the blower. For the blower to work effectively, the engine needs to be able to breathe in and out well. I recommend at least the KKM kit and catback exhaust. BBK highly recommends getting the 66mm TB and headers. The stock MAS is fine. I'm not going to say these other mods are manditory, but I am going to say that you and your motor are going to be much happier with them. If you don't do these other mods, it's my opinion that the blower will only be half as effective.
3) The new regulator, piggyback computer, and timing control all came with the kit.
4) Mileage dropped from 23/28 with K&N, TB, chip, headers, catback to 21/24 with K&N, TB, blower, headers, catback. I'm expecting it to go up after the project is completely finished and Splat gets back on a diet of summer gas.
5) As for the warranty, every dealer is different. One will still fix stuff unrelated to the engine and powertrain under warrantly while another will not touch my truck. Ford's a bunch of crooks anyway, my mechanic ends up being cheaper even with the Ford warranty. It also takes my mechanic 1/5 of the time to fix stuff. One dealer wouldn't even honor my warranty with the K&N filter!
6) The instructions are pretty good, and some of the gotchas are mentioned. However, you need an experienced mechanic to do the install
7) No detonation. If there is detonation, you dial up the retard to get rid of it. That's why the controller is there.
8) My chip was great. It gave me about 15 hp and 5 mpg. But you have to remove it to install the S/C

 

[wpurple]

Alec,
The reason why I ask about the mods is becouse I WOULD want the blower to be in a "tuned down" state as because of the manual transmission and the amount I am towing. (the truck is rated for 1850# and I tow 3400# if it were an automatic I would be in spec)
I think I would cause clutch slippage climbing steep grades, plus I don't want to fry the transmission and/or clutch too prematurly.
-How is overall drivability, cold starts, hot starts, ect..?


The reason why I asked about the chip is I am still considering going the more conventional way, my limitation here is there isn't as much for the OHV 2dr Explorer as there is for the OHC 2dr or the OHV 4dr.

Thanks much,
Kurt

 

[Alec]

Kurt, I think you're confused about engines. The 91-2000 4.0L V6 is the OHV. It's the same engine through all years. 97-2000, this was the V6 offered with manuals. The 97+ Automatic V6 is the SOHC. It's a different engine. I have the OHV, and that's the engine this kit is for. There are many more performance parts for the OHV than the SOHC. As for your tranny, maybe you should think about getting an aftermarket clutch or a new shifter. Both these would help your tranny last longer.

Cold starts with the blower take a little care. I let the engine warm up for about 3-5 minutes, at least until it's on the very cold end of normal. The main thing is making sure the O2 sensors are warmed up. This is why I'm getting an exhaust temp gauge soon. The blower creates a lot of heat, so keeping warming the engine up after I get going is no problem.

From what you're telling me, you'd probably be better off going the conventional route. It'll cost less and give you a more reliable truck. IMO, putting the blower on without the other "lung" mods is not an effective use of money. Also, it's not good for the engine because 1) it will be starved for air and 2) it will have enormous amounts of backpressure.
Start off with the KKM and catback. Then add a chip and a TB. I think you'll be very happy with performance at that point, and you've spent less than $1000. Performance of the blower on a totally stock truck should equal a truck with intake, TB, chip, headers, and catback; or be a little better. But the "conventional" truck will run much better, be more reliable, and last longer.

Good luck!

BTW, I'm going out of town for the weekend, you don't get your knickers in a wad if I don't reply 'til Sunday.

 

[wpurple]

Alec,
As far as the OHC/OHV, mine is the OHV, manual transmissions came with them all their life. In 97 when the OHC came out it was only available with the automatic until 2001 when they finally mated it with the manual.
As far as tow ratings, Ford rates the capability at least a third from the auto specs (given the same engine, axle, cooling, ect..) for the Ranger, Explorer, and F150* (*with the v6) I don't know if the weak link is the transmission and/or the clutch. I have had no problems so far with the transmission, I just am careful feathering the clutch on starts up and backing.

Thank you for all yor help, I am now able to make a better determination of my needs.

Kurt

Good Luck with your projects, Looks great so far!

 

[Brian Ward]

WE WANT INFO!!!LOL

Alec, did you ever do up a thread about the S/C install itself and what it entails? Just curious.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[AaronE19]

first, I'd like to thank you Alec. I think I can safely speak on behalf of everyone on the board when I say that your patience and receptiveness to questions about the SC, its install, performance, etc., have been a lot of help to many people considering this mod... not to mention those of us who just think it's cool as H*ll and want to know more.

I've been wondering since way back when this thread started: how would BBK's unit work with a motor that's already had pretty extensive internal mods (i.e., ported, polished heads, lumpy cam, overbored, stroked... )? I know it really performs well with the common bolt-on, "more air in, more air out" sort of mods, but I'm wondering how it'd like the "fill the biggest hole with the most air and gas you can and blow it up" mods. anyone have any ideas? the cost would be astronomical, for certain, but lay all that aside because for right now I'm in my little testosterone-filled, gas-fume stinking, exhaust-roaring, tire-smoking world... far, far from reality

thanks
Aaron

 

[Alec]

Most internal engine mods aim to increase the displacement and/or the compression ratio. It's my understanding that blowers work better with lower compression ratios and milder cams. There are many racing blowers that are made or can be adapted to huge bore, high compression engines. This kit is not one of them. A port/polish/and light bore job would probably help the blower, as long as it didn't raise the compression ratio. A modified cam and stroker kit would most probably hurt the blower's performance.

Splat's going into the shop this week to complete the install. The vacuum leak is getting fixed, the new fuel pump installed, and the boost dialed up to full. Gauges will probably be in by spring break.

 

[wpurple]

A continued thank you....

Alec,
I thought Aaron hit the nail right on the head, and would like to take that one step further and thank you for sharing all your SC info with us, the board, and a particular thank you from me for the individual help you have provided me with the SC info.

Right now I am on hold/watch fot the sc install, I am going to order the Superchip from Smartyparts tomorrow and go from there. I may do a few conventional mods like the chip, bigger throttle body and better exhaust and if I am not satisfied than the sc as the previous mods will only help out in the end. (except for the superchip)

..and speaking of superchip, what does BBK provide to alter factory electronics? Is it a replacement of the EEC-V or a add on chip of their own?

Thanks,
Kurt

97 Sport 4X4 OHV