I'm interested in learning more about supercharger options for the C5. I'de appreciate any input/advice/answers you all can give me. Here are my specific questions:

1) In general, to what degree do superchargers decrease engine life. I assume they will increase wear substantially, but is this true, and to what degree ?
2) What are the best superchargers for the LS1 ?
3) What additional modifications are necessary after supercharging ? New wheels, tires, transmission ?

Thanks,


:flag

 

Just so that you know, there is a C5 Forced Induction section here also. You may get more responses there.

First, a supercharger should not reduce engine life since at moderate boost levels a blower is simply making an engine more efficient.

Second, there are really three C5 SC choices:
a. ATI Procharger (7psi - 535hp on stock C5)
b. Vortech (7psi - 535hp on stock C5)
c. Magnusun (5psi - 490hp on stock C5)

Third, with the ATI or Vortech you wouldn't have to make any additional changes. Both of these kits are complete. The Magnussun SC requires a high-rise hood. Oops, I forgot. . .you should plan to have the car dyno tuned at a reputable tuner regardless of your choice.

I chose the ATI. It is twin-intercooled. . .Vortech is aftercooled and Mag. is not cooled! However, all systems are very nice. I don't think you could make a wrong choice. :cheers: :cheers:

 

First, welcome to the dark side. :jester You'll find lots of information here, but I'm betting you won't find a unanimous answer for any of your questions. So, I'll get you started, and if you just watch the threads here for a few weeks, you'll see a whole lot more.

No one knows, and there's too many variables, including: (1) how often you drive it in boost; (2) your maximum boost; (3) oil system; and (4) heat, which presumably is greater if your boost is high and/or you do not have intercooling.


Look at the threads and you'll even see a couple of threads on this very subject; you'll also see no agreement. Here's a typical example: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=474926.

The ones that seem to be getting the most press right now are the ATI and the Magnacharger. The former is a centrifugal one that can be coupled with an intercooler, whereas the latter is a roots type and presently, on the C5, is not intercooled -- it also requires an aftermarket hood due to its height, whereas the ATI does not. Each has pros and cons, but the ATI will permit higher peak boost and, hence, more HP/tq, whereas the Magna seems to produce greater #s in the lower RPM band. Also, at some point, and also under debate, is that if your HP/tq is too high, it considerably raises the chance of killing a stock bottom end. Also, the ATI initially went thru some real bumps as far as the kit goes, whereas there have been far fewer reported problems with the Magna. Most of the ATI problems, however, appear to be resolved.

Depends in part on how much HP/tq you add. At a minimum, in your car you're ultimately looking at a new clutch. Also, traction seems to be an issue for all, so that raises issues of wheel, tires, and even minitubs.


Hope that's a start for ya. :seeya

 

Thanks for the detailed and informative responses.

1) Can you please provide a link for an ATI vendor ?
2) What exactly does intercooling mean ?

Thanks,

:seeya

 

There are some guys in Jersey that may be able to help, some place called ECS, I think it means like E. Coli Services or something.:D:D:D:D
They just sent me a whole bunch of shiny parts that are going to make my car faster.:D
Look under supporting vendors for "East Coast Supercharging".




[Modified by Fastguy, 10:13 PM 2/16/2003]

 

Call or E Mail me. I can answer most of your questions about supercharging. I have five supercharged C5 s at my shop right now. I have sold and installed quite a few ATI Prochargers as well as the Vortech units. Both are great in their own way. If you ever drove a blown C5, you'd be totally spoiled. They're a blast.

 

I could sit here and write pages about blowers.. If you get a chance and want to chat, feel free to give me a buzz :seeya :seeya :seeya

 

I want one so bad !! I'm still a little worried about engine wear and life span, but I guess you have to take some risk to get some gain.

The ATI procharger is what interests me most, I definitely don't want to get a new hood. How much is the ATI bought and installed ? I checked out the links above, and prices were difficult to assess.

Thanks for the tip of the forced induction section, there is a lot a good info there. After beating around this place for so long, some places you just don't see until they are pointed out.

I would really love to check out the ATI system if anyone here has one in the Memphis area ? I don't like getting passed over by 911 Turbos (actually happened once), this seems to be the solution.

:flag :yesnod:


[Modified by Spiral Bri, 1:13 PM 2/17/2003]

 

If you don't find one in the area, you may want to try hitting some of the Corvette Shows. . .Bowlinggreen is sure to have a few supercharged 'Vettes. . .I know because I will be there! :cool: