Chris,
Here are my thoughts on the subject. I am a firm believer in supercharging.
It is the cheapest easiest way to gain gobs of power. The power is usually
made in the lower RPM ranges so it has the potential to be reliable on a
properly prepared engine. In order for the supercharger to work correctly,
the supporting components need to be matched and well thought out. If the
kit or installation is well thought out, then the engine and the
supercharger will live a happy life. Unfortunately a lot of the kits we see
today are not well thought out. With the kit I installed on my 95 I was very
disappointed. I purchased the kit thinking that CARB approval meant a well
thought out kit (not so). I really never expected the problems that I
experienced. Sort of like buying a car and after the sale, someone says "oh
you want to drive it???". After installation, I had serous detonation. I
called Vortech and asked about it and they said, "oh ya, we have had a few
people complain". On went the Crane Hi-6 TR boost retard ignition ($450
bucks lighter). After driving for a while, I just didn't feel the power was
where it should be (lower RPM ranges). Started checking on the dyno and
found that the ignition map wasn't suited for boosted conditions. Worked
with Superchips to get the computer taken care of ($400 bucks lighter). And
by the way, Superchips tells me that my injectors are too small to do the
job ( $400 bucks lighter). This went on and on and the $2,500 dollar install
finally became a $7,000 install. If someone sells me a kit that is supposed
to be complete, then it should be complete. If you are contemplating one,
make sure that it is CARB & EPA approved and in the case of the Dodge, be
prepared to go down uncharted territory. In addition to all the problems and
frustrations, the thing is very noisy. If I were to do it all over again, I
would seriously consider and I am considering the Kenne Bell setup. Still
not EPA approved, but very close.
He is the only one who has addressed the computer which is absolutely
essential in a supercharged world. In regards to the Vortech kits, 95 and
older, 50 state legal, 96, 49 stage legal (not CARB approved), nothing for
the newer trucks the last time I checked, and it may have changed by now. My
thoughts.....
Frank
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chris Foote [SMTP:darkangel@map.com]
> Sent: Monday, November 23, 1998 5:10 PM
> To: Holloway, Frank T
> Subject: Blowers
>
> Hi Frank,
>
> I've seen quite a few of your posts on the Dakota List and it sounds like
> you are very knowledgeable in superchargers. I'm somewhat confused by the
> latest posts concerning OBD-II. I have a '96 Grand Cherokee with the 318
> that I would like to have a little fun with. Your TBs are on my list too
> <g>.
>
> I was basically wondering what the scoop was with Superchargers and
> OBD-II.
> I know Vortech did a demo vehicle with a 1996 GC however I wasn't sure
> what
> kind of modifications they did to the computer, if any....
>
> Can a supercharger be put on without any difficulties with OBD-II? I know
> there has been someone on the list who has had performance troubles, but I
> wasn't sure whether he was really trying to 'tweak' his setup or whether
> he
> was really stuck in the hole.
>
> Thanks for your help. This is a lot of money so I need all the info I can
> get :-)
>
> -Chris
> darkangel@map.com
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