That's a matter of opinion.
A8 supercharged
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,582
Likes: 496
From: Hudson, NH
A8
As I guessed from your original post, sounds like since you've already taken the original hit on depreciation, you just want a relatively cheap supercharger install, rather than spring for the big hit on a new Z06. If it were me in this case with your possible goals, I'd just go ECS, which isn't far from you, and have them install their ECS 1500 kit or an Edelbrock PD, depending on whether you want to go centrifical or PD. Both good choices that will take your vette fun up a huge level.
Our cars seem to hold their value in relation to the overall depreciation of the base vehicle. In other words, what some dealers have said, is if the car deprecated 30% over a period of time, they apply the same 30% to the Callaway content. It seems to work for all, including the banks which write loans on those pre-owned examples. I am sure that other superchargers don't see the same from what I hear. But with anything, there can always be variables on all sides.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,582
Likes: 496
From: Hudson, NH
A8
After all this banter and what I feel is good and very considerate advice from many of you I'd say a moderate boost SC system 6.5-7 lbs. is my ticket. I'd also say after my great run yesterday with 2015vette that he has a great pro charger system for moderate cost. Plus a beautiful car period. Chris from Callaway also speaks the truth and with wisdom. In fact you'd always get some money back in your investment in a Callaway. It's always nice to see the Callaway name on a vette. Is that worth 14k more?
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 42
From: Dallas / Ft. Worth The Republic of TEXAS
They are hands down better, and if they were the same price no one would even be doing an SC because the market would be flooded with turbo kits. All you have to do is drive a turbo V8 and you realize that there is simply nothing like it 
Even at 650rwhp turbos are an absolute blast on the street
Even at 650rwhp turbos are an absolute blast on the street
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 7,474
Likes: 116
From: Over there
They are hands down better, and if they were the same price no one would even be doing an SC because the market would be flooded with turbo kits. All you have to do is drive a turbo V8 and you realize that there is simply nothing like it
Even at 650rwhp turbos are an absolute blast on the street
Even at 650rwhp turbos are an absolute blast on the street
Some turbo drawbacks include lag, higher operating temperatures, install difficulty and complexity.
Some supercharger drawbacks include less efficiency so you can get less power out of the SC as opposed to the turbo, less fuel efficiency.
Depending on your application and what you want out of your forced induction car, the answer changes. Turbos are not hands down better. They are just different. To say that one is just better than the other, regardless of application or desires is just incorrect.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 8,478
Likes: 910
From: Alaska
$14K? Not for me. There are a lot of good installers and tuners out there and you can expect to spend from $6,500 to 8,000 for the A&A kit and tune. I added 200 hp to the rear wheels on my C6 so on a C7 you might pick up 210-220 (just guessing)
I researched kits for a year and IMO there is no sense spending the extra money just so you can get a warranty. If you feel you must have the warranty then try to seek out some members who had warranty issues and find out how they were handled.
I researched kits for a year and IMO there is no sense spending the extra money just so you can get a warranty. If you feel you must have the warranty then try to seek out some members who had warranty issues and find out how they were handled.
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 6,125
Likes: 739
From: Callaway Cars - Old Lyme, Connecticut
After all this banter and what I feel is good and very considerate advice from many of you I'd say a moderate boost SC system 6.5-7 lbs. is my ticket. I'd also say after my great run yesterday with 2015vette that he has a great pro charger system for moderate cost. Plus a beautiful car period. Chris from Callaway also speaks the truth and with wisdom. In fact you'd always get some money back in your investment in a Callaway. It's always nice to see the Callaway name on a vette. Is that worth 14k more?
Our supercharger was a clean sheet of paper, and it works. Plain and simple, it is the best technical solution, bar none.
Of course the warranty does add value too, and sure, it adds some cost, but the real work is in the level of fit, finish, and system integration of the Callaway supercharger system.
Again, thanks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,582
Likes: 496
From: Hudson, NH
A8 supercharger
Thanks - but it isn't really fair to say it's $14k more, unless some superchargers are now $3,995 installed, which if they are, best of luck with the results. The reality is they are not, so it's not a fair comparison.
Our supercharger was a clean sheet of paper, and it works. Plain and simple, it is the best technical solution, bar none.
Of course the warranty does add value too, and sure, it adds some cost, but the real work is in the level of fit, finish, and system integration of the Callaway supercharger system.
Again, thanks
Our supercharger was a clean sheet of paper, and it works. Plain and simple, it is the best technical solution, bar none.
Of course the warranty does add value too, and sure, it adds some cost, but the real work is in the level of fit, finish, and system integration of the Callaway supercharger system.
Again, thanks
Like most things on the forum things got away from my intended topic which was the driveability of a supercharger. Oh well that's because we all have something to say and add to the conversation. I've never driven a supercharged car so I was curious as to the everyday driveability. Thank you for finding the time to add your input. I can't say that I disagree with you either. Your comments are noteworthy. I had a ride today in a Callawsy vette and it was smooth as silk with no abnormal noises or vibrations. The ride was smooth as silk. Well it's a matter of money sometimes and although I'd rather Callaway it would place me that much closer to the cost of a ZO6 and all of the benefits that come along with the upgrade from a Z51. I am so grateful for your input. Yes I'd love to say let's move forward with Callaway however this one needs more thought.
Thanks everyone for your opinions.
Last edited by Corvette03051; Apr 13, 2015 at 07:45 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 8,478
Likes: 910
From: Alaska
Before I ever paid more than what most of the kits cost I would ask a lot of hard questions about the warranty. Like who will do the warranty service? Any chevy dealer? If not, and you have to take it to someone the installer requires who pays to get the car there if it is broke down? Or what happens if the installer says it is GM's fault and not his, but GM states it was caused by the install?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,384
Likes: 137
From: Ahead of You :)
St. Jude Donor '14
I'm not reading everyone's response it's too much for me to care...
I have an ECS (centrifugal) supercharger on my C6 with methanol. Get the joys of instant on power and cool IATs (as methanol (like nitrous) will cool the charge temps significantly below ambient). Methanol allowed me to constantly make the same power without worries of heat soak when trying to put the power down.
I daily drive mine but as others said, the more stuff you change, the more risks you have with the car long term. Go drive one with a blower and see what you think. I love mine. It has the huge power hit and just keeps building to red line. Puts a grin on my face every time I drive it.
Want to know how quick it can be? Here's my 640 RWHP Mustang dyno car *** raping my stock C7 Z51 after giving it the jump.
I'm sure a C7 with similar power will yield similar results
Motivated???
I have an ECS (centrifugal) supercharger on my C6 with methanol. Get the joys of instant on power and cool IATs (as methanol (like nitrous) will cool the charge temps significantly below ambient). Methanol allowed me to constantly make the same power without worries of heat soak when trying to put the power down.
I daily drive mine but as others said, the more stuff you change, the more risks you have with the car long term. Go drive one with a blower and see what you think. I love mine. It has the huge power hit and just keeps building to red line. Puts a grin on my face every time I drive it.
Want to know how quick it can be? Here's my 640 RWHP Mustang dyno car *** raping my stock C7 Z51 after giving it the jump.
I'm sure a C7 with similar power will yield similar resultsMotivated???
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 296
Likes: 8
From: Los Angeles Ca
One of the most informative supercharger threads I've read in awhile. Thanks everyone for staying on topic. I learned a lot from reading everyone's input.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,756
Likes: 173
From: Ventura CA
You will be quicker than the new C7 Z06 imo.