Need some help/advice on supercharging
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: New City New York
Need some help/advice on supercharging
I have been searching this forum for days now for information on supercharging a stock l98.
Most of the stuff i found was for people who supercharged custom built engines or have done serious work to the engine internally.
I have a 1985 with auto transmission, car is bone stock. 33,000 miles original miles. I at first wanted to keep the car stock but ive changed my mind and definitley would like more power.
The kit ive looked at the most is the Procharger intercooled system. I wouldnt want anything more than 8-10psi, 8 being safe. Would the 700r4 be strong enough with the added power? The engine itself?
I have had other supercharged cars that worked out great for me, stayed just as reliable, kept good mpg when not really using the boost.
So basically, is it a safe/good idea to supercharge a stock l98.
If i do this i want to do it right, which means having someone install it who is very familiar with vettes, and i want to know what else might need upgrading if i go with this or a similar setup.
I look forward to hearing your guys opinions and knowledge on this,.
Most of the stuff i found was for people who supercharged custom built engines or have done serious work to the engine internally.
I have a 1985 with auto transmission, car is bone stock. 33,000 miles original miles. I at first wanted to keep the car stock but ive changed my mind and definitley would like more power.
The kit ive looked at the most is the Procharger intercooled system. I wouldnt want anything more than 8-10psi, 8 being safe. Would the 700r4 be strong enough with the added power? The engine itself?
I have had other supercharged cars that worked out great for me, stayed just as reliable, kept good mpg when not really using the boost.
So basically, is it a safe/good idea to supercharge a stock l98.
If i do this i want to do it right, which means having someone install it who is very familiar with vettes, and i want to know what else might need upgrading if i go with this or a similar setup.
I look forward to hearing your guys opinions and knowledge on this,.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 99
From: Seattle WA
Provided it's tuned right, your motor should be fine at 8-10psi. I heard the '85's still had forged pistons which eliminates the major weakness of the later L98's, cast pistons, when it comes to forced induction. You're also running a lower static CR at 9:1, which gives you a little more safety margin.
I'm not sure about the transmission, though. I don't know how stout the 700r4's were in their day. I believe their torque capacity is right about what your stock '85 is putting out. Even with only 33k miles, it's got 22 years on it, and I think it will prove to be your weak point. Just enjoy it 'til it goes, and then you can get it rebuilt to a much higher spec.
I'm not sure about the transmission, though. I don't know how stout the 700r4's were in their day. I believe their torque capacity is right about what your stock '85 is putting out. Even with only 33k miles, it's got 22 years on it, and I think it will prove to be your weak point. Just enjoy it 'til it goes, and then you can get it rebuilt to a much higher spec.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,525
Likes: 2
From: Houston TX
The ATI ProCharger package will work well on the '85 vette. If you get the HO system, 10 psi should be no issue on a factory TPI intake package, provided the proper pulley is used.
The stock 700R4 auto in the '85 is a weaker unit than those used in the later (late '88 forward) cars, but will last for a bit if the tranny is properly maintained, and not slipping currently. And as stated above, drive it, enjoy it and when it dies, then you can upgrade the trans to the better pump and some other changes that will allow it to handle the increased power.
Aaron
The stock 700R4 auto in the '85 is a weaker unit than those used in the later (late '88 forward) cars, but will last for a bit if the tranny is properly maintained, and not slipping currently. And as stated above, drive it, enjoy it and when it dies, then you can upgrade the trans to the better pump and some other changes that will allow it to handle the increased power.
Aaron
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 1
From: providence ut
years ago I installed the p600b system from procharger on my 85..........now the only thing stock is the ac unit........anyway were are you located?.......the intercooler was killing me with hot engine temps. procharger just had you run the fan all the time..........even on the hyway, if i turned it off the temps would rise..........the draw from the fan, ac, radiio and what ever was killing alternators......I stilll carry a spare.....for years using cowling , drilling holes, taking out the licence plate for ducting, high flow pumps,high flow thermistat.........what ever...that intercooler killed me.........no ac in the summer heat with that dam thing...........don't waste your money on prochargers intercooler unit............or better yet buy mine
Last edited by lead foot 85 vet; Apr 5, 2007 at 10:49 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Riverside CA
I would agree with all above but I would change your exhaust first.
TPI's are torque monsters and make peek power at like 4500 RPM.
I would use 1-5/8 Long tubes to 2-1/2, or 3" Out. Loose the cat or go to a High flow.
Add the S.C kit @ 7+ bls boost. with Water/ Alki injection. Change to 2700 stall converter. 3.50, or 3.70 gears and you should have a reliable 11 second car.
TPI's are torque monsters and make peek power at like 4500 RPM.
I would use 1-5/8 Long tubes to 2-1/2, or 3" Out. Loose the cat or go to a High flow.
Add the S.C kit @ 7+ bls boost. with Water/ Alki injection. Change to 2700 stall converter. 3.50, or 3.70 gears and you should have a reliable 11 second car.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: New City New York
Thanks again for all the help from people here. Another question i couldnt seem to find from searching.
Do people here have any opinions or experience with the Blowerworks kits. I spent a good hour reading all the stuff greg carrol has on his site and seems to really know his stuff. But does anyone here have his kits or know how they compare to the Procharger one?
Do people here have any opinions or experience with the Blowerworks kits. I spent a good hour reading all the stuff greg carrol has on his site and seems to really know his stuff. But does anyone here have his kits or know how they compare to the Procharger one?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 60
From: Fremont Oh
I run both his Gaseous intercooling kit and his 8 rib kit. They are very good quaility. Greg at Blowerworks is a great resource, everything you get from him is complete. His products were the best investments i have made. 
Best regards,
MO
Best regards,
MO
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Göteborg
I´ve got his L98 kit with a S-trim and water injection system for a stock L98 -89. Very complete and well functioning blower system. Greg´s customer service is outstanding. Sold the -89 and now installing the system on my -90 with a 381"-my only regret is that I didn´t order a T-trim from the very beginning. I didn´t experience any problem until I tried it on my -90 with slightly modded (bolt-on) L98 and accidently put to much rpm´s on it a couple of times (netted me about 10 psi boost, ET12.3s/114mph and one broken piston).
Last edited by bogor; Apr 16, 2007 at 04:36 PM.