Jackson Racing Rotrex Supercharger System Info and Discussion

[sklimo]

In the sc vs sc thread I think it shows what you're looking for

[mad_sb]

Originally Posted by sklimo

In the sc vs sc thread I think it shows what you're looking for

I don't think my question was covered in the SC vs SC thread, then again i did not read every page of it.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by mad_sb

So, i was under the impression that the benefit of a rotrex unit would be that you could spin up the compressor earlier than with say a Vortech to get boost down low and then limit the boost up top by using inlet restrictors.... I'm not seeing that in this application though... it seems the rotrex units are not making any more boost down low than the vortech units.... this is based on the dyno plots (power output) i have seen, not actual boost plots...

Is it possible that with a larger impeller and a smaller inlet we could get the best of both worlds with more boost and torque down low without "over" boosting up top?

I am asking as a prospective customer of one of the rotrex kits, not as a fanboi of one of the other options.

Yes, you can via restrictor, but it has not been engineered in this application, since it's not necessary, and the Rotrex is already being spun up to about 90% capacity.

[DJCarbine]

Originally Posted by mad_sb

I don't think my question was covered in the SC vs SC thread, then again i did not read every page of it.

The traction drive gearbox is what makes it possible, the rotrex units have a non-newtonian fluid (as far as I know) which allows greater "traction" of the fluid and enhances low RPM/High load operation so the speed of the impeller is quicker than it SHOULD be than if the fluid was not under so much load.
This means instead of a impeller RPM plot that has a constant state of rise, you actually get a speed plot that is a bit "fatter" in the lower speed range and performs better than traditional helical/straight gear direct drive. This is also why the rotrex has oil reservoirs, I believe the nature of the friction drive generates heat.


This is how I understand it, I could be completely wrong... its very interesting operation

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by DJCarbine

The traction drive gearbox is what makes it possible, the rotrex units have a non-newtonian fluid (as far as I know) which allows greater "traction" of the fluid and enhances low RPM/High load operation so the speed of the impeller is quicker than it SHOULD be than if the fluid was not under so much load.
This means instead of a impeller RPM plot that has a constant state of rise, you actually get a speed plot that is a bit "fatter" in the lower speed range and performs better than traditional helical/straight gear direct drive. This is also why the rotrex has oil reservoirs, I believe the nature of the friction drive generates heat.


This is how I understand it, I could be completely wrong... its very interesting operation

"the Rotrex traction drive uses a special traction fluid. These fluids are a new family of synthetic hydrocarbon oils and greases offering a series of unique performance advantages. Developed specially for its use in Rotrex superchargers, the traction fluid momentarily increases viscosity under high surface pressure, enhancing the traction drive performance by securing the optimum friction between rolling elements while cooling and protecting the system."

Sounds non-newtonian to me.

[Sellout]

Originally Posted by DJCarbine

The traction drive gearbox is what makes it possible, the rotrex units have a non-newtonian fluid (as far as I know) which allows greater "traction" of the fluid and enhances low RPM/High load operation so the speed of the impeller is quicker than it SHOULD be than if the fluid was not under so much load.
This means instead of a impeller RPM plot that has a constant state of rise, you actually get a speed plot that is a bit "fatter" in the lower speed range and performs better than traditional helical/straight gear direct drive. This is also why the rotrex has oil reservoirs, I believe the nature of the friction drive generates heat.


This is how I understand it, I could be completely wrong... its very interesting operation

Sounds a whole lot like the clever wording I referred to in another thread on the subject of Rotrex units. That "fatter midrange", that the Rotrex customers-to-be always reference when discussing their reasoning, amounts to what? 3 ft lbs?

If the Vortech kit was limited to the same amount of airflow that the Rotrex kits are, I suspect that the boost curves and midrange power would be identical. It damn near is now.

[Calum]

It's a planetary gear system, not a fluid coupling. I'm pretty sure Mike hit the nail on the head, non-newtonian.

[DJCarbine]

Originally Posted by Calum

It's a planetary gear system, not a fluid coupling. I'm pretty sure Mike hit the nail on the head, non-newtonian.

I think they use a planetary traction drive, which has no gears

[lfuentes92]

Noob question here and probably ignorant can a aftermarket bov be put into this setup I know it uses a recirculating valve but for my personal joy I would like a louder bov would this be possible again I apologize for my lack of knowledge

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by lfuentes92

Noob question here and probably ignorant can a aftermarket bov be put into this setup I know it uses a recirculating valve but for my personal joy I would like a louder bov would this be possible again I apologize for my lack of knowledge

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

Yup. Make sure your tuner is aware of the BOV.

[shaunsweeney]

It has to be placed before the MAF as well correct?

[Calum]

Originally Posted by DJCarbine

I think they use a planetary traction drive, which has no gears

I stand corrected. I thought it was just marketing hype, but they actually did make a new design.

[Sellout]

Originally Posted by Calum

I stand corrected. I thought it was just marketing hype, but they actually did make a new design.

Yeah their drive system is cool. The only problem with it is that it's not really explained well to the people on internet forums...

[Calum]

Originally Posted by Sellout

Yeah their drive system is cool. The only problem with it is that it's not really explained well to the people on internet forums...

Care to expand on it then? I'd love to know more about what they're doing and how it works. I thought about searching for the patent, but laziness took hold. Well, that and the hangover.