I apologize for this if it's a repost, but no topic has seemed to put this all together for me. Talk to me about the various supercharger options out there and rate a couple as to:

-Power
-Noise (no whine is good :) )
-Price
-"user friendly installation"

The only one I know anything about is the RK sport one.

 

I would be happy to discuss the different options available with you. Feel free to give me a call.. :seeya :seeya

 

Call a few of the CF Tuners who do great things with the available blowers on the market for the C5. I think you will get some good opinions specific to your personal power needs and what will work for you.

Andy @ A&A Corvette Specialties
MMS
LPE
Chris @ East Coast

...and a few more that I just can't think of right now. Do a SEARCH for SUPERCHARGERS and you will get quite an education!

Good luck. :cheers: :cheers:

 

:iagree: :cheers: By the way, I do like that color of your car! :D


[Modified by Dave00C5, 12:29 PM 2/26/2003]

 

:iagree: Contact info for all of these and others can be found by clicking on the various Tuners that have icons in the left column here. Also, some of them (and others) are shown near the bottom of that column under "Parts." Off the top of my head, the superchargers right now that get most of the press here are:
1. ATI
2. Magnuson (or "Magnacharger")
3. Vortech

I'm not sure what the RK Sport is you're referring to.

 

I've had the Magnusen kit (from Lingenfelter) on my 02 ZO6 since May and am very satisfied.

I think the Procharger and ATi SCs, which are both centrifugal type units, offer more raw power -- about 520 - 540 flywheel on an LS-1 versus about 500 for the magnusen. They also have the advantage that they fit under a stock hood, so you save money on a new hood and the paint shop work.

I went with the magnusen because I was interested in around town driving and as a "semi roots type" blower, it supposedly has much much better low end torque. Since I haven't driven the others I can't comment on them, but my car has gobs of torque from 2000 on -- in first or second gear on dry pathment it can break the tires lose at any rpm over 2250 just by stabbing the throttle even half way -- no dropping the clutch requiring. I have seen dyno sheets, and my car has a much fatter torque curve but a bit less absolute power then the centrifugal units.

I also like the fact that the magnusen looks cooler (to me) -- a big blower sitting on top of the engine, where it should be, not something that looks like a big turbochrager off to the side. And I like the hood, with the bulge, etc.. But you do have to get a new hood, paint, etc. which uses up money that could go for performance, and takes time, etc.

In choosing, I'd think about :
low end torque (magnusen) versus absolute top end power (the others)
hood, no hood
lubrication -- the magnusen, and one of the centrifugal types are self lburicating. The others require you to tap into the oilpan and run a line, etc., to lubricate the SC -- sounds messy and prone to leaks/failures.
sound - my blower makes a banshee wail that is louder than the exhaust (from inside the car) at full throttle. I've been told it is as loud as the exhaust from alongside the car, although no one has so far stayed alongside long enough to listen to it for long. You cannot hear it from behind. I like the sound - some people don't.

 

I think that Rhino's expanation sounds pretty accurate.

Few corrections/additions:

ATI or Vortech are your other two options. The ATI is intercooled whereas the Magnusson is not. The ATI does not require you to tap the oil pan whereas Vortech does.

I purchased the ATI, but I am not qualified to give advice on any of them since I haven't had mine installed yet! :D Installation begins next week. :thumbs:

 

I agree with this but do your own research as well. Understand that tuners (No Flames Intended giys) can be partial to the item(s) they sell - that's just a fact.

In additon to your research, make sure you get a couple of rides so you will feel where and whenthe boost kicks in and where it might fall off. You'll also here whines and whatever other noises that you want (or don't want) to hear.

Anyway, here are your options:


1. Carrol Centrifugal Superecharger (I believe it is now Intercooled/Aftercooled)

2. PTC Centrifugal Supercharger

(The above 2 have been on the market for a few years now)

3. ATI Intercooled Centrifugal Supercharger - Been on the market about 8-10 months now. Makes real good HP. Problems in the begining (Belt slippage, overheating) most of them have been solved.

4. VORTECH Centrifugal Supercharger - Just came out. Looks nice!

5. Magnuson Non-Intercooled Roots Type Supercharger - Quicker boost than centrifugal, hence more hp early in power band but not as much HP (later in the power band) as some of the others. Looks real sweet! The Polished Unit, $1000 more, looks even sweeter! Drawback is its not Intercooled, mainly because of not enough room. You will also need a new hood. Benefit is, as stated, boost kicks in early due to roots-type design. Another benefit is a 3 yr warranty - thats tough to beat. But it won't t cover engine components. Of course, nor will any of the others.

The most important thing about any of these packages is the programming and the Tuner/Installer one chooses. BE CAREFUL! Do your Homework and be patient.




[Modified by MarkFLC5, 10:59 PM 2/26/2003]

 

All of these are good responses.

It's definetely up to what the person wants.

ATI/Vortech
Pros:
Intercooled/higher boost levels/more HP and TQ
No hood mod
Louder whine

Cons:
More Maintanence
Tap Oil Pan - Vortech Only
Power is mid to upper range

.

Magnuson/Eaton
Pros:
Low Maintanence
Cool Factor - blower on the manifold
Low to Midrange Power

Cons:
Hood Mod req'd
Not Intercooled/Lower Boost Levels

This is what I've gathered from talking to people and doing some research. I've had a centrifigul supercharger on a 95 T/A, and didn't like the torque curve, especially since it was an auto. This is why I went with the Eaton S/C for my C5 auto.

If I had the 6-spd manual, my choice may have been different.

 

Here are a couple of observations about the Vortech.

It is very quiet. Mine is the SC that comes in the Z06 kit. You can hear it a little bit at idle. After that you can just barely hear a whine when it starts making boost. During normal driving you don’t even know that it is there.

Drilling and tapping the oil pan is no big deal. I was hesitant to do it having never done it before. I even stalled doing the installation because of it. Once I actually did the deed it was quite easy.

 

Good point but we are a dealer for all of them and are pretty bias on helping a customer decide whats best for what they want out of their package. :seeya :seeya

 

Well since you opened the door, your point is considered except for the fact that "some" vendors, when their sales are down with a specific product it may be in their best interest to light a fire for that particular product, as long as its not a toal bomb that is.

I hold little value when it comes to an impartial response from vendors - sorry. The way I shop is I do my own research from impartial sources, inqure from owners who own the product, get a ride or test drive it myself if its a mod, then go to the vendors for competetive pricing or a top tuner if it requires an install. Thats just the way I shop anyway.

 

actually the ATI has much better HP and TQ from 3000 up. I posted the numbers months ago....the ATI blows away the Magnuson in the rpm range where races take place. Here's a reprint of the data...its even more with the D-1 ATI.
Magnuson Compared to ATI P-1SC

RPM Delta HP Delta Torque
2600 5 20
3000 0 2
3500 -7 -17
4000 -30 -42
4300 -23 -45
4500 -50 -65
5000 -67 -72
5225 -78 -73
5500 -70 -68
6000 -88 -73
6200 -93 -71