Supercharge my daily driver?
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Supercharge my daily driver?
A friend said, "To supercharge is to celebrate" Another friend says that turbocharging gives his life meaning.
I already have 460 horses, and I wanted to go NA because I love the dual personality of the stingray - I want to do long drives and it's fun, to me, to pull 30mpg on the freeway and 12 seconds in the quarter.
But now I'm just having fun and living in one of the most populated communist countries in the world, California, I need my mods to be CARB approved. There's not a lot of options, but there are a number of superchargers that are CARB OK: Hennesey, Callaway and A&A (which is very similar to the ECS).
I would appreciate some input on why going forced induction for a daily driver is shortsighted. What's the drawback with having it? Yes, googling says things like 'heat problems' and greater complexity and added weight, but these problems all seem minor except heat.
My only concern is traction. In Theta's install write up, he couldn't get any traction in 1st gear. The Z06 has a number of attributes to help it with traction that the stingray doesn't have. Is this something you just live with? You learn how to modulate the throttle during launches?
Thanks!
I already have 460 horses, and I wanted to go NA because I love the dual personality of the stingray - I want to do long drives and it's fun, to me, to pull 30mpg on the freeway and 12 seconds in the quarter.
But now I'm just having fun and living in one of the most populated communist countries in the world, California, I need my mods to be CARB approved. There's not a lot of options, but there are a number of superchargers that are CARB OK: Hennesey, Callaway and A&A (which is very similar to the ECS).
I would appreciate some input on why going forced induction for a daily driver is shortsighted. What's the drawback with having it? Yes, googling says things like 'heat problems' and greater complexity and added weight, but these problems all seem minor except heat.
My only concern is traction. In Theta's install write up, he couldn't get any traction in 1st gear. The Z06 has a number of attributes to help it with traction that the stingray doesn't have. Is this something you just live with? You learn how to modulate the throttle during launches?
Thanks!
Last edited by BenCasey; 02-04-2016 at 04:31 PM.
#2
Pro
There are a lot of threads were someone has SC their c7 hopefully some of them will pop in and share. The z51 motor has the same oil system as a Z06 I believe, so that oil pump is not starving for oil. But that could be for turning tracks and not hard city/suburban driving. I think I would investigate wisdom of blowing a non dry oil sump motor tho I am sure it can be done. However be aware that if your DD babby is under warranty likely you will void any warranty remaining.
Me my Z51 gives me all the thrill I need ..... (for now or until the 2017 Zora mid engine comes out. )
Me my Z51 gives me all the thrill I need ..... (for now or until the 2017 Zora mid engine comes out. )
#3
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Thanks Dave, fair point. But fun isn't always rational I guess.
This thread is sorta awkward, aint it? Clearly not click bait.
I called A&A right after this post, had most of my concerns discussed. I suppose this thread can die a slow quiet death
This thread is sorta awkward, aint it? Clearly not click bait.
I called A&A right after this post, had most of my concerns discussed. I suppose this thread can die a slow quiet death
#4
only drawbacks.
-warranty problems. dealerships can deny fixing your car. you will also be at the mercy of your local shop in terms of repairs, and tuning. If you car breaks its on you to pay and get it to your local shop. doesnt matter if you are 1 mile away or 100 miles away.
-traction and more tires bought.
-more stress on drive train
-warranty problems. dealerships can deny fixing your car. you will also be at the mercy of your local shop in terms of repairs, and tuning. If you car breaks its on you to pay and get it to your local shop. doesnt matter if you are 1 mile away or 100 miles away.
-traction and more tires bought.
-more stress on drive train
Last edited by MikeLsx; 02-05-2016 at 12:46 AM.
#6
Safety Car
I've done it and it's amazing. That said, I would not S/C my C7 if it was my daily driver. My main reasons are:
1) Loss of GM PT warranty
2) Less gas mileage (typically no AFM)
3) I would get too many tickets
4) Fans typically run all the time so a bit noisy.
5) My BOV is LOUD. Fun as a weekend cruiser but not something I want to hear everyday.
Then again, I don't live in sunny CA.
1) Loss of GM PT warranty
2) Less gas mileage (typically no AFM)
3) I would get too many tickets
4) Fans typically run all the time so a bit noisy.
5) My BOV is LOUD. Fun as a weekend cruiser but not something I want to hear everyday.
Then again, I don't live in sunny CA.
Last edited by C7-Beast; 02-05-2016 at 07:48 AM.
#7
Drifting
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Just from many of your comments in a multitude of threads ******* those that burn extra fuel in their cars that have been modified or purchased Z06 models, why? You will be contradicting your rants with adding hp and hurting fuel economy. You've really got me confused.......
Do what ever floats your boat. I would turbocharge a base C7 if it was mine. Hellion has brought out a nice system.
Do what ever floats your boat. I would turbocharge a base C7 if it was mine. Hellion has brought out a nice system.
Last edited by Jus Cruisin; 02-05-2016 at 09:29 AM.
#8
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Only real downsides are just the cost, and loss of warranty (if you care about that).
Otherwise a supercharger system, especially like an A&A, with a small amount of boost (so as to not be constantly combating heat, belt slip, etc) is a LOT of fun on a daily driver. If you are not flooring it every where you go you likely won't notice a big hit in gas mileage either.
Otherwise a supercharger system, especially like an A&A, with a small amount of boost (so as to not be constantly combating heat, belt slip, etc) is a LOT of fun on a daily driver. If you are not flooring it every where you go you likely won't notice a big hit in gas mileage either.
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Last edited by Alvin@PCMofNC; 02-05-2016 at 08:55 AM.
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BenCasey (02-06-2016)
#9
Le Mans Master
I have supercharged Corvettes but not the C7. But I will through in my 2 cents anyway.
Have you considered trading in for a Z06? If you add the cost of adding the SC, tuning, curing the heating issues, belt slippage, the value of the warranty you will loose, the limited options you have because of the Libitards in the Gooberment out there, it might be cheaper and easier than dealing with all that.
If not and you gots to tinker - I agree with the above poster, I would go turbo.
Have you considered trading in for a Z06? If you add the cost of adding the SC, tuning, curing the heating issues, belt slippage, the value of the warranty you will loose, the limited options you have because of the Libitards in the Gooberment out there, it might be cheaper and easier than dealing with all that.
If not and you gots to tinker - I agree with the above poster, I would go turbo.
Last edited by Flame Red; 02-05-2016 at 08:58 AM.
#10
Le Mans Master
only drawbacks.
-warranty problems. dealerships can deny fixing your car. you will also be at the mercy of your local shop in terms of repairs, and tuning. If you car breaks its on you to pay and get it to your local shop. doesnt matter if you are 1 mile away or 100 miles away.
-traction and more tires bought.
-more stress on drive train
-warranty problems. dealerships can deny fixing your car. you will also be at the mercy of your local shop in terms of repairs, and tuning. If you car breaks its on you to pay and get it to your local shop. doesnt matter if you are 1 mile away or 100 miles away.
-traction and more tires bought.
-more stress on drive train
My C7 is bone stock but my C6 I daily and it's supercharged and rides on drag radials. Do it!!!!
Just picture acceleration like this...
#11
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St. Jude Donor '11
Supercharging a Vette is the ONLY way to go IMO. You retain great drivability, MPGs, and get GREAT HP!
Since you live in CA and if you care about passing smog.. a Supercharger is the ONLY way to go.
As far as losing your warranty... Edelbrock gives you a drivetrain warranty when an Eforce is installed on your Stingray
If your interested in a supercharger please let me know and I'll take care of you. I'm also located in San Jose, CA
Since you live in CA and if you care about passing smog.. a Supercharger is the ONLY way to go.
As far as losing your warranty... Edelbrock gives you a drivetrain warranty when an Eforce is installed on your Stingray
If your interested in a supercharger please let me know and I'll take care of you. I'm also located in San Jose, CA
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BenCasey (02-06-2016)
#12
Le Mans Master
My opinion is based upon on my AA C5Z, I'll use that as a disclaimer but...the system reliability isn't really a question. The AA setup is proven, as is the vortech head unit it uses.
For me, the issue you have to focus on is mpg for a daily. Make sure your part throttle maps and mid ranges are well tuned, so there isn't a lot of compensation occurring which leads to terrible mpg's. There is also the concern of warranty for some people.
Aside from that, having the power on tap, with the reduced footprint of stingray vs z06, the "usefullness" of your gears is really based upon your ability to modulate the throttle and make it do work.
Personally, I think basic mods I/H/E/tune, in your case, is probably the better route. If you can get a stingray up to C6Z whp territory, across the rev range, you've got plenty of car and you aren't battling for traction or really having to manage the car as much. With CA and the smog situation though, going supercharger may be the only reliable and reasonable route.
Last edited by RC000E; 02-05-2016 at 01:09 PM.
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BenCasey (02-06-2016)
#13
Melting Slicks
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A friend said, "To supercharge is to celebrate" Another friend says that turbocharging gives his life meaning.
I already have 460 horses, and I wanted to go NA because I love the dual personality of the stingray - I want to do long drives and it's fun, to me, to pull 30mpg on the freeway and 12 seconds in the quarter.
But now I'm just having fun and living in one of the most populated communist countries in the world, California, I need my mods to be CARB approved. There's not a lot of options, but there are a number of superchargers that are CARB OK: Hennesey, Callaway and A&A (which is very similar to the ECS).
I would appreciate some input on why going forced induction for a daily driver is shortsighted. What's the drawback with having it? Yes, googling says things like 'heat problems' and greater complexity and added weight, but these problems all seem minor except heat.
My only concern is traction. In Theta's install write up, he couldn't get any traction in 1st gear. The Z06 has a number of attributes to help it with traction that the stingray doesn't have. Is this something you just live with? You learn how to modulate the throttle during launches?
Thanks!
I already have 460 horses, and I wanted to go NA because I love the dual personality of the stingray - I want to do long drives and it's fun, to me, to pull 30mpg on the freeway and 12 seconds in the quarter.
But now I'm just having fun and living in one of the most populated communist countries in the world, California, I need my mods to be CARB approved. There's not a lot of options, but there are a number of superchargers that are CARB OK: Hennesey, Callaway and A&A (which is very similar to the ECS).
I would appreciate some input on why going forced induction for a daily driver is shortsighted. What's the drawback with having it? Yes, googling says things like 'heat problems' and greater complexity and added weight, but these problems all seem minor except heat.
My only concern is traction. In Theta's install write up, he couldn't get any traction in 1st gear. The Z06 has a number of attributes to help it with traction that the stingray doesn't have. Is this something you just live with? You learn how to modulate the throttle during launches?
Thanks!
Last edited by Glenmcp; 02-05-2016 at 03:05 PM.
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ddrag1 (02-06-2016)
#14
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I love my Supercharged car. Drives like stock until I hit the gas. No issues at all. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
#15
Heel & Toe
I love mine. It made my Z51 a lot more fun to drive.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-on-a-z51.html
#16
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St. Jude Donor '15
Do eet. You know you want to.
#17
Melting Slicks
I have a supercharged vehicle and a stock C7 Z51. The supercharged vehicle is a lot more fun as a daily driver and small open road course vehicle - and nothing beats the sound of those screws. That being said, the C7 takes the win in looks and everything else. For me? I plan on going the eForce route.
#18
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
My blow off valve wouldn't be too bad at 7PSI or so, would it? Supposedly the A&A doesn't start to spin up to right around 3000 RPMs, so commuting should go untouched and mileage should stay about the same.
A&A said 7 grand installed. Interesting. I know someone said to go intake, exhaust and tune. But not in CA, that might be possible. Someday.
But, also, what does that cost? I think right around 4 grand, but 5 grand doesn't seem ridiculous. It just doesn't seem like a lot more money to supercharge the car. Funny thing too, you don't actually have to change anything on the car... It's bone stock except for a mild blower.
Anyway, thanks everyone for the responses.
Rooster... I'm happy to test it for you before you do it
A&A said 7 grand installed. Interesting. I know someone said to go intake, exhaust and tune. But not in CA, that might be possible. Someday.
But, also, what does that cost? I think right around 4 grand, but 5 grand doesn't seem ridiculous. It just doesn't seem like a lot more money to supercharge the car. Funny thing too, you don't actually have to change anything on the car... It's bone stock except for a mild blower.
Anyway, thanks everyone for the responses.
Rooster... I'm happy to test it for you before you do it
#19
Drifting
There are different blow off valves available. For example a Tial50 is pretty loud, but there are others that are much quieter.
When I put a supercharger on my C7 back in early 2014, I went with a ECS and I believe the 8psi restrictor plate. When getting a SC you have to change the tune. I wouldn't waste my money on a intake but I would get a nice axle back system like Corsa, Borla, etc. It will totally change the sound of the car.
As far as gas mileage is concerned, you can still keep 4 cylinder mode and gas mileage should not see much of a decrease as long as you are not in boost. You can drive all day long without hitting boost.
When I put a supercharger on my C7 back in early 2014, I went with a ECS and I believe the 8psi restrictor plate. When getting a SC you have to change the tune. I wouldn't waste my money on a intake but I would get a nice axle back system like Corsa, Borla, etc. It will totally change the sound of the car.
As far as gas mileage is concerned, you can still keep 4 cylinder mode and gas mileage should not see much of a decrease as long as you are not in boost. You can drive all day long without hitting boost.