Questions and Discussion on Vortech Supercharging Systems

[Vonsamhain]

Originally Posted by Brian@Vortech

The guys over at Drifting.com made this cool video from the installation of our supercharger kit onto Robert from StayCrushing's Rocket Bunny FR-S at Jordan Innovations. They did a pretty excellent job, and Jeff Jordan does a wonderful job of narration. They made this 9 minute edited version, and they also have a full coverage, hour long version as well.

Take a few minutes to check it out, and jump over to Drifting.com also...they have lots of cool videos they have done.

I was considering making my own install youtube video for the vortech on the FR-S since it's relatively simple. But this looks really well done. I may use it as a guide for my own install.

[Brian@Vortech]

Originally Posted by Calum

@Brian@Vortech , you mentioned earlier in the thread that some other superchargers offered my Vortech have the same gear chamber size, or something to the effect. Will the other V3 SC's fit as a direct replacement with this kit?

The Vortech site lists 725hp for the V3SCi, with a max speed of 53000 rpm, and a flow rate of 1050 cfm. How does the V-3 H67BC compare to these numbers?

You are correct. Basically any and all V-1, V-2, V-3, or V-7 compressor all share the exact same gearcase dimensions, and therefore should drop right into the same bracket (barring other clearance issues on the volute side of course). For proper compressor matching on a more custom or high-output situation, please contact our sales department directly for more information.

Originally Posted by AZFA20

I had the pleasure to see StayCrushings FR-S yesterday at KSport and I have to say the Vortech kit is super clean looking under the hood. It blends in quite well and the fit/finish looks to be well done. The airbox that I see a lot of people disliking actually looks pretty factory in all honesty (Good IMO).

Something I did notice was that the charge pipe post intercooler and pre throttle body is the same diameter throughout on his. From all the pics I had seen of the Vortech it appears that there is a sort of tapered charge pipe up top leading into the throttle body. Is this not the case on the production kit? I am curious because I sorta liked the idea and the looks of it.

Thanks for the kind words! We are extremely excited about these systems, and pulled out all the stops to make sure that it was everything enthusiasts have come to expect from Vortech, and then some!

We did change the configuration of Tube "C" and Tube "D" subsequent to the debut at SEMA. The MAF location was moved, and we also changed Tube "D" to improve clearance for the HID headlights in the BRZ.

Originally Posted by Sonolin

Thanks much for the advice. Glad there's a good legal option for those of us who live in the wonderful state of California.

No problem! Vortech is known for our safe, reliable, CARB legal supercharging systems, so we intend to continue that tradition with the FT86.

[Brian@Vortech]

For everyone asking about purchasing the windshield washer reservoir separately, I have pricing now for you.

4TF155-021 Windshield Washer Assembly MSRP = $143.95

Comes with everything you see here:

[ATL BRZ]

Originally Posted by Brian@Vortech

4TF155-021 Windshield Washer Assembly MSRP = $143.95

Not bad!

pics installed??

[Vonsamhain]

I plan on purchasing this directly from Vortech before release, but I was wondering if Vortech will be offering multiple tuning solutions, or when they may become available. Like 10psi and E85? Also what is the "fueling management" mentioned in the "complete kit" going to include. Its not really clear. Sorry if these were already answered.

[WWEVOX]

Will the final CARB legal production kit come with all install parts and tools?
I watched the install video posted above and it seemed like there was a little bit of modification and parts needed (wire extension, belt cover cutting, side panel hole, K&N filter on the bypass valve).
I understand the side panel needs to be modified and maybe the belt cover tossed aside but I want to understand two things.
1. Do I need to buy any additional parts to make the system run correctly and reliably?
2. Will I be able to install the kit myself? (I don't trust myself to make nice cuts or clear solder joints etc).
Or will I need to find a shop that I trust to make such custom modifications? (I don't know how much I trust shops to cut much of anything on my car)
Or will things like filters and plug-in wire extensions be included?

To clarify, I think Vortech is doing great work and I'm excited to get my kit when the CARB production version is released. I just want to know what I'm getting myself into.

[JordanInnovations]

Originally Posted by WWEVOX

Will the final CARB legal production kit come with all install parts and tools?
I watched the install video posted above and it seemed like there was a little bit of modification and parts needed (wire extension, belt cover cutting, side panel hole, K&N filter on the bypass valve).
I understand the side panel needs to be modified and maybe the belt cover tossed aside but I want to understand two things.
1. Do I need to buy any additional parts to make the system run correctly and reliably?
2. Will I be able to install the kit myself? (I don't trust myself to make nice cuts or clear solder joints etc).
Or will I need to find a shop that I trust to make such custom modifications? (I don't know how much I trust shops to cut much of anything on my car)
Or will things like filters and plug-in wire extensions be included?

To clarify, I think Vortech is doing great work and I'm excited to get my kit when the CARB production version is released. I just want to know what I'm getting myself into.

The complete kit is designed to be as such - you won't need to buy any other parts. As far as installing kits, Vortech's kits set the industry standard for inclusion of ALL parts needed and intuitive design, but you still have to know what you're doing to guarantee succes, as I think our video shows.

If you're not comfortable making cuts on your own car or extending a harness, you could do the majority of the work yourself and take it to a shop to finish, or just find a shop that you're comfortable with that will give you a special deal on the kit/install (like ours).

[Brian@Vortech]

Originally Posted by Vonsamhain

I plan on purchasing this directly from Vortech before release, but I was wondering if Vortech will be offering multiple tuning solutions, or when they may become available. Like 10psi and E85? Also what is the "fueling management" mentioned in the "complete kit" going to include. Its not really clear. Sorry if these were already answered.

Our complete System will be a 6psi, 91 Octane setup. This is the same as what we will be submitting to CARB. Higher boost setups, other fueling options, etc. will all require custom tuning. No fuel management pieces are required for the complete system, only tuning. In some of our early literature or posts we may have made mention of other fuel items possibly being required, but that turned out to be unnecessary. The only difference between the Tuner Kit (4TF218-114L) and the complete system (4TF218-014L) is a 2.5 BAR MAP sensor, Ecutek cable & license, and the Vortech tune.

Originally Posted by WWEVOX

Will the final CARB legal production kit come with all install parts and tools?
I watched the install video posted above and it seemed like there was a little bit of modification and parts needed (wire extension, belt cover cutting, side panel hole, K&N filter on the bypass valve).
I understand the side panel needs to be modified and maybe the belt cover tossed aside but I want to understand two things.
1. Do I need to buy any additional parts to make the system run correctly and reliably?
2. Will I be able to install the kit myself? (I don't trust myself to make nice cuts or clear solder joints etc).
Or will I need to find a shop that I trust to make such custom modifications? (I don't know how much I trust shops to cut much of anything on my car)
Or will things like filters and plug-in wire extensions be included?

To clarify, I think Vortech is doing great work and I'm excited to get my kit when the CARB production version is released. I just want to know what I'm getting myself into.

1. If you purchase the complete system, everything you need will be included. No additional parts will be required. Wire for the wire extension and K&N bypass filter are both included. Covers and side panels do need trimming, but the manual does either give you a template or guidance on doing so.
2. This is one of the quickest and easiest installing systems we have ever designed, but it is still something that requires the correct tools, attention to detail, and certain abilities. I would not suggest that someone not comfortable enough to change their own oil or brakes possibly not tackle this, or any other forced induction install. There are some great shops that can do it for you, and not break the bank either.

Originally Posted by JordanInnovations

The complete kit is designed to be as such - you won't need to buy any other parts. As far as installing kits, Vortech's kits set the industry standard for inclusion of ALL parts needed and intuitive design, but you still have to know what you're doing to guarantee succes, as I think our video shows.

If you're not comfortable making cuts on your own car or extending a harness, you could do the majority of the work yourself and take it to a shop to finish, or just find a shop that you're comfortable with that will give you a special deal on the kit/install (like ours).

Thanks Jeff! Your silky smooth voice on the install video made it that much better!

In all seriousness though to everyone reading this thread, if you have seen the Drifting.com install video, it is very obvious that Jeff and Jordan Innovations did a great job on Robert's FR-S, and could do the same for your Vortech FR-S or BRZ system install...so if you are in the Southern California area look them up!

[Mobius357]

Originally Posted by Tradewind

Ever looked up the NuVinci drive for superchargers. If you twist Vortech's arm hard enough they might add it into their kit, then you get full boost from idle everytime!

Originally Posted by SubieNate

I was actually looking at that today. Procharger has a CVT setup as well but the NuVinci looks much more elegant. I'm curious what kind of drive efficiency it can get and what kind of weight penalty it carries.

Was just looking at the NuVinci unit. The concept sounds great, that would give an amazing level of control over the blower and boost pressure. Also looked at the procharger setup, and I agree, NuVinci does look like a nicer package.

@Brian@Vortech I don't suppose there's any potential for something like this in the future?

[SubieNate]

I'm an engineer by trade, I'd be willing to do R&D on such a product at quite a reasonable rate.

[jdzumwalt]

I have a question in regards to the installation of the kit. I have started installing my kit and I'm on the second page it calls for trimming the wiring harness holder(behind the headlight). The picture is pretty bad is there any more clarification on this.

I suppose I could wait until I try to route the pipe to see what needs trimming. I'm just trying to follow your install direction step by step.


Ok just realized the PDF file is interactive with large picture use Vortechs website well played.

[cmss2000]

I'm a little disappointed at how much trimming and cutting is needed for this kit. Not that it's hard to do, but I especially don't like cutting the MAF wires. Couldn't there have been a plug-in supplied to extend them?

[Gen]

Originally Posted by cmss2000

I'm a little disappointed at how much trimming and cutting is needed for this kit. Not that it's hard to do, but I especially don't like cutting the MAF wires. Couldn't there have been a plug-in supplied to extend them?

That would be nice, wouldn't it? One of the major draws of the kit to me that can help offset the lower power provided is the ease of install and ability to go back to stock. Hacking up a harness kind of defeats that.

[jdzumwalt]

Originally Posted by Gen

That would be nice, wouldn't it? One of the major draws of the kit to me that can help offset the lower power provided is the ease of install and ability to go back to stock. Hacking up a harness kind of defeats that.

I don't really see a problem with the harness. is what it is. Adapter would add 50 bucks to the kits and everybody would be whining about the cost increase.