Vortech V3 noises
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Lanesville IN
Vortech V3 noises
Just trying to see if there is any other similar stories out there. I put my Vortech self-oiled V3 on my C6 last year. When I first started the car up, the supercharger sounded like it had a thrown bearing or something, but was told that it was normal. It worked fine, so I never questioned it.
I usually do my own work, until I was going to do a radiator flush. I had no way of properly disposing of the fluid, so I took it down the street for a local mechanic to do the flush. At that point, he told me that the supercharger was shot. Said that is is supposed to be quiet until you get on it.
It sounds like it did the day I put it on the car, and the local mechanic has no experience with the V3 so that is why I am asking. What does your V3 sound like at idle?
Thanks!
I usually do my own work, until I was going to do a radiator flush. I had no way of properly disposing of the fluid, so I took it down the street for a local mechanic to do the flush. At that point, he told me that the supercharger was shot. Said that is is supposed to be quiet until you get on it.
It sounds like it did the day I put it on the car, and the local mechanic has no experience with the V3 so that is why I am asking. What does your V3 sound like at idle?
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 296
Likes: 4
From: Plainfield Indiana
Typical sound of the V3si. I spoke with several people including Vortech. The noise you are hearing is gear lash. Once you bring up the rpm that will smooth out. At idle the flow is not steady through the supercharger due to pulsations through the intake. The slop in the gears causes it to rattle. Dont worry about it unless it makes the rattle noise up in the rpm band. To be on the safe side it is very easy to check the oil level. Don't confuse this sound with the gear whine it will also make. If you have any more concerns I recommend you call Vortech csutomer service. They were very helpful.
Clay
Clay
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,136
Likes: 212
From: Long Island New York
My V2 T-trim is kinda noisy at idle as well. Not as bad as a Procharger but quite a bit louder than I thought it would be. As RPM's pick up a bit it smooths out to a nice smooth whistle that we all love to hear. Tell the 'mech' not to worry about the sound and just concentrate on a good flush and make sure he gets all the air out of the system.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 22
From: Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania
LOL, this post made me chuckle. I thought mine was shot too after one particularly noisey cold start up, especially when I popped the hood and there was oil on the brackets. Turns out the oil was from my breather and that noise you are hearing is 100% normal.
I even called A&A when I thought a bearing was shot, and they genuinely seemed pretty shocked, saying they have not had a single V3 come back due to bearing failure.
Remember to change your oil every 7,000 miles.
I even called A&A when I thought a bearing was shot, and they genuinely seemed pretty shocked, saying they have not had a single V3 come back due to bearing failure.
Remember to change your oil every 7,000 miles.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
I concur... I have the self-lubed v3, SI trim on my 2008 coupe. It sounds great at RPM...and even smooth at idle... I have about 10k miles on it since new and installed. It sounds SO WICKED when i get into it...and at idle it just purrs !!! like a cat. a little whistle...but, not gear noises though.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Chesapeake VA
Here's a V-3 on a Mustang. Should sound the same on any car. Blower sound starts at :45 mark. Rest of the video is kinda 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8w87A1cupw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8w87A1cupw
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Typical sound of the V3si. I spoke with several people including Vortech. The noise you are hearing is gear lash. Once you bring up the rpm that will smooth out. At idle the flow is not steady through the supercharger due to pulsations through the intake. The slop in the gears causes it to rattle. Dont worry about it unless it makes the rattle noise up in the rpm band. To be on the safe side it is very easy to check the oil level. Don't confuse this sound with the gear whine it will also make. If you have any more concerns I recommend you call Vortech csutomer service. They were very helpful.
Clay
Clay
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Tomball Texas
Wow -Blast from the past thread!
NE way, I mentioned mine had chatter at idle, I replaced the harmonic balancer on that car to an SFI rated piece and all that noise went away. I am guessing a new OE balancer would have netted same results. That car is gone now. I would not install a new SC without replacing the balancer at the same time, unless the car is almost new.
NE way, I mentioned mine had chatter at idle, I replaced the harmonic balancer on that car to an SFI rated piece and all that noise went away. I am guessing a new OE balancer would have netted same results. That car is gone now. I would not install a new SC without replacing the balancer at the same time, unless the car is almost new.
