X-Charger From Explorer Express

[JOHN V.]

As you all know, we have installed one of our 4.0 SOHC superchargers on a vehicle and have done some initial testing. We are happy with the function and installation of the kit. It fits and works well. The first dyno test on a stock Ranger 4x4 with stock exhaust and intake proved an additional sixty horsepower at the rear wheels. We did this initial test on a stock vehicle so we could have a base line from which to work. We did'nt really expect to bolt on the supercharger and start shipping out kits. We knew that testing and tuning would be required. We learned a lot from the test. We now know the M62 Eaton blower is good for 7PSI of boost. Our goal for a stock engine is 5.5-6 PSI. There is a limit to the amount of boost this engine will take. We're building this kit for all comers, but we also want to satisfy those who want the ultimate in torque and power. The sixty horsepower increase is just the beginning. We also learned that an intake upgrade is good for about fifteen horsepower. My brother, Dave, is busy working on our own intake upgrade that will be part of the kit. We also know that the exhaust is worth a significant amount of power. The exhaust will be changed before the next test date. We did the testing at the JBA Racing facility in San Diego with Pete Campbell from www.fordchip.com supervising. JBA also has tweeked out Mustangs and other modern muscle cars sitting around (cool place). They use a DynoMax dyno which is said give more conservative numbers (20% less) than the other commonly used dyno (Dynojet). The DynoMax tests differently than the DynoJet. It is different, not inferior. Pete Campbell likes the Dyno Max because it works better for tuning. He recommends running it on a DynoJet when all of the tuning is complete. We trust this guy. His knowledge is invaluable. He does tuning for supercharger companies like Kenny Bell and Allen Engineering. He knows how to dial in computer chips for supercharged applications. We believe that testing the intake and exhaust on a DynoJet will give us more realistic numbers. This should complete the supercharger kit. We want this kit to make a significant difference and still be affordable. We do not want to have to add alcohol injection, replace the hood, or have to build an engine that would handle 9 psi of boost. None of those are options at this point. Horsepower numbers are a big part of our goal. This is why we are taking the time and energy to get it right. The numbers are only part of the picture. This kit offers great drivability and the low end power the SOHC needs, and will only get better. I drove the test vehicle down to San Diego from Northern Ca. It begs for a different exhaust system! I can't wait to try it with one! What exhaust system do you guys prefer for the best power? I can only imagine what the headers will do for it. I motored up the Grapevine (a steep mountain pass outside of L.A.) passing cars at 70-80 mph with no problem. The next level is larger MAF and injectors with a different computer chip specific to those upgrades. We want to keep the price down on the upgrade. It depends on the need for a different fuel pump. We can get more fuel pressure from the chip, but there is a limit. We'll do more testing while we're waiting for the final production pieces to arrive. We are looking for your feedback. Once we figure out what the upgrade will be, and how much it will cost, we'll let you know. The upgrade will leave nothing to your imagination. No experimenting or "trial and error" will be required on your part. We will take care of the testing. We want you to tell us if you think it's worth the extra expense. We will want your opinion. We know that some of you have spent some serious money trying to get real power. This web site is a valuable resource for us to tap into. We value your opinion. We have another test date with Pete Campbell at the end of the month. We plan on using the information we've gained to make the necessary changes and then test it again. We are walking a fine line between cost/performance/reliability. It's a tough road but we are dedicated to it. With your help we can get the results we all want.

John Vanek,
Explorer Express

 

[Mike]

*cough* group discount? *cough*

 

[99explorer5.0]

I wouldnt mind one for my 5.0L but cant find anything at a price i am willing to pay.

*cough* group buy would be nice *cough* I seem to have caught a cold.

 

[Alec]

This is what I'm running with the BBK s/c kit on the OHV with great results, FYI:

KN FIPK
BBK 66mm TB
stock MAS, stock injectors, will change with motor rebuild
Ford Lightning fuel pump
JBA ceramic headers
Custom exhaust: 3" bore high flow cat, 3" Magnaflow muffler, 2 3" inline resonators to keep from sounding like a lawnmower, and 2.5" tailpipe running close to the stock location.

I also have a few other minor mods, but hopefully this helps y'all out with your tuning. I have about 230 rwhp (Dynojet) and around 270-280 rwtq. Both curves are very flat on the dyno with my powerband about 2300-4300 (40-80% of peak hp). 1/4 mile times are mid 15s with 33" tires and no weight reduction.

Good luck with your tuning!

 

[Black Magic]

I have a 2001 Sport and am very interested in your kit. I don't want to have to try and "fix-up" or make something "work." I would like a kit that I can have arrive in a box and take down to the shop and install. With EVERYTHING that makes the kit complete. That would include the S/C, intake, all fuel system upgrades, ECU, ect... Everything that is needed would come in the box and ready to go.

Now with that being said. The cost is a very big issue here too. Your projected cost of $3,599.00 is basically too much. I understand this is a "kit" and as long as is comes with "Everything" needed. Like I stated above. I would want to be able to bolt it on, swap out what is needed reconnect everything turn the key and run down the road enjoying 75-100 more horses at the tires! Any tuning needed would be taken care of by the new programed ECU and nothing else needs to be "custom" or "fabed" for my truck. Like you listed a fit under the stock hood is a good thing. I like my mods to be very clean and would want the kit to look dang near factory. As long an all those criteria are met, I could see the price tag you have set Do-able. I could see spending that for everything ready to go. Seeing as how I still have to have it installed and the downtime involved. The cost is very important to me. I don't mind spending money but I can't, just like everyone else, see wasting it!

I have made several mods to my truck and the S/C is one that has been on the top of my ToDo list since I bought the truck. I did not want make a custom install so it has been pushed off and off. I am highly anticipating your Kit and hope it is what I am looking for. I take my truck very seriously and would love to have this kind of power from my V6.

Please take a few minutes to check out my Explorer and see the quality of time money I have already invested in her.

Sincerely & looking forward to your kit!
Matt Gerling

Dead Link Removed

 

[Magicfan25]

Wow man, paragraphs please.

Second, on a truck like this, TORQUE is what matters!!! Please give us some TORQUE NUMBERS!!!! This type of blower on an OHC engine doesnt always give great HP numbers, but Torque tends to go through the roof

 

[DesertSpive]

John,

Thanks for the great info. As you mentioned above, our SOHC motors do not even compare with the OHV motors in low end performance. I had a '94 Ranger which was great off-road and while crawling. Now I have a 2002 FX4 and I love the truck...except for the lack of low end power. When my truck was stock with 31s, I found my self in first gear feathering the clutch, while off-roading, when I wanted to be in second gear.

Now I have 33s (4.10s), and you can imagine what the low end is like. Adding a K&N FIPK, Superchip, Exhaust (and very soon, JBA headers) has helped, but mostly in the mid range. Many of us who use our SOHC in the dirt are less concerned with hp (although, I know that is what sells the kit) and more concerned with good old torque.

I am glad to see that you are working in the areas of reliability, torque and only moderate boost. I am very anxious to see your final numbers and have been following along with your progress. I work for one of the magazines as a freelancer and I know you guys have been in contact with the editor about doing an install article. Hopefully I'll get to cover it since I have been following along with you guys and am really excited about your product.

Just remember, most of us can get our hp fix with bolt-ons...if you can get us torque, I know I'll be the first guy in line.

--Sean

 

[tmsoko]

For $4K, you could swap out the 4L and swap in a 5.0L from an Explorer (96-01). You would have plently of low end torque, a much better trans (in terms of reliability and strength), and a better platform from which to build even more power.

Just my $0.02

 

[JOHN V.]

Hey Todd, you are right, a 5.0 is a better platform to gain ultimate power. I guess that makes you a canidate for a 5.0 X-Charger! A group buy is possible.

John V.@ Explorer Express