Vortech SC - Leak & Loud Whine after Track (<6k)

[DJCarbine]

Hmmm. This is convincing me to go with the V2 unit.....

[SonnyBRZ]

Originally Posted by MyRx

I had better tech results from Rick. I'd go directly to Rick.

As for the OP, my V3 did the same. 3rd day at the track did it. Limped the car home on I5 from BW to NorCal. Working with Rick, he advised simple fixes - none worked, it continued to spew/leak oil and shaft-bearing kept protruding. In the end, I've upgraded to V2 oil-fed unit. V3 inspection resulted in a damaged gearcase. Either it was caused by too much oil or too little oil, it was a repair I had to pay before I can receive the V2 upgrade.

With my experience OP, when you send it to Vortech, stay on top of it. Mine was finally shipped and arrived but missed having the drain portion included.

Sucks that you have to pay for it. I did check my level few weeks ago and have only drove it twice. One was to an alignment shop close by. Oil level should be just fine.

This concerns me because the car was ran for atleast a few minutes (semi hard at track) with the leaks and have probably cause some wear on the helical gears, but thats due to the bearing failure at first. Im not sure if Vortech will make me pay to repair this.

Thanks for the tip on staying on top.

Originally Posted by AZFA20

Yes, my experience I am referring to in this case is all in relation directly to the 86 platform. I personally no longer run the Vortech as I have since gone turbo. My personal Vortech setup was a wastegate regulated system that I made and is still running strong on one of my customers cars that purchased it. I have built and installed several of these systems for other customers as well with fantastic results both in standard V-3 H67B and the HD V-2 H67B compressors. I run the 2.87" on most of them. Track days between mine and my customers is a lot haha. They are all NASA and Pro Autosports events so the heats are 20 minutes and 4 heats per day unless its a special event where we have more than 4 or even multi-day.

The only reason I sold my Vortech is because I am a turbo guy at heart and I switch things up often on my toys just to have good well rounded suggestions for customers based on a wide spectrum of personal experience in each platform I work with. It helps avoid bias. I admit there are times I miss my Vortech on this particular car. Love the turbo but Vortech still has a place in my heart especially when wastegated. It's just a really good fit for this car imo.

Dont feel like pulling the valve cover to get the return port grr but i guess the V3 just wont work for me and have to go with oil fed, v2s. Your experience convinces me that V2 is the only way to go.

Originally Posted by Dezoris

Pm me I will get you Brians email should be able to get you inside help. Did you have winter miles on the unit?

A basic track day should not kill bearings.

No winter mileage at all, car is stored during winter and only start up on warmer days. In fact, the car have only seen rain twice when i was caught in a storm on the highway. I'm fairly anal about this car

Originally Posted by pearsor1

Hey @SonnyBRZ
Looks like I'm having the same problem as you. I immediately contacted Vortech and I'm sending it back to them tomorrow. He said the turn-around time is 10-15 days. I only have 3500 miles on mine. I'm hoping this is not going to be a recurring issue. Did you send yours back?

I haven't, been busy with work all day after month-end. Just checked their website and they closes at 330. Will try again tomorrow!


Again, thanks everyone on your input, good to know i'm not alone because this down time is gonna suck!

[Dezoris]

I dont see anyone at Vortech making you pay for that repair. Given their press here talking about the kits durability even for track as long as you change the oil and keep level mid way up stick. With the competition last thing they need and we need is failures like this with little or no mileage.

[SonnyBRZ]

Called them today and got a RA number. Planning on removing the SC this weekend and ship to Vortech early next week.

[pearsor1]

@SonnyBRZ I shipped mine back today. I'll let you know if there are any issues with mine.

[SonnyBRZ]

Originally Posted by pearsor1

@SonnyBRZ I shipped mine back today. I'll let you know if there are any issues with mine.

Thanks, will also keep my status updated here. The turn around is 10-15 days as you guys have suggested, so an update will follow by end of month.

[SonnyBRZ]

Shipped out the SC, hopefully it will reach CA in about 5 work days.

[pearsor1]

Got an email today. Had a bearing going bad so they are replacing all the bearings and seals. Everything is covered under warranty. I'll have mine back next week.

[SonnyBRZ]

Originally Posted by pearsor1

Got an email today. Had a bearing going bad so they are replacing all the bearings and seals. Everything is covered under warranty. I'll have mine back next week.

Dude that's awesome they covered it.

[MyRx]

Originally Posted by pearsor1

Got an email today. Had a bearing going bad so they are replacing all the bearings and seals. Everything is covered under warranty. I'll have mine back next week.

Are you staying with the v2 unit and will continue to track the car?

[pearsor1]

I'm staying with the V2 but I don't track mine. I talked with FT86 SPEED FACTORY at a meet last weekend and their race car runs the vortech kit and they haven't had bearing issues but they have had belt issues. We'll see how the new bearings act.

[AJPG]

Originally Posted by pearsor1

I'm staying with the V2 but I don't track mine. I talked with FT86 SPEED FACTORY at a meet last weekend and their race car runs the vortech kit and they haven't had bearing issues but they have had belt issues. We'll see how the new bearings act.

down shifting eat belts
I love aggressive down shifting, specially in close turns...
Not even with the 3.125" pulley and blue belt could I enjoy the turn as I like
All other things about the kit are great

[SonnyBRZ]

Looks like it is now at Vortech's facility. Should get a call anytime late this week.

[pearsor1]

Hopefully mine will be shipped back to me sometime this week. I also went ahead and ordered the 3.125 pulley kit.