Vortech super charger first drive

[Coheed]

Ah, to see what this car can do with a nice SC setup...

I'm in for more reviews and thoughts on the system.

[Tradewind]

First drive impressions. It's ok. I have owned turbo cars for the latter part of my years. This is a whole different thing. The motor feels somewhat restricted somehow. Almost feels like a turbo car with a very Small exhaust housing. It make power but it's not that thrilling. The problem with this is I found my self hauling ass like 90 down a 40 mph street. There is really no surge of power typically associated with a turbo car

That sums it up pretty good, you are going a LOT faster in far shorter time than you think, its just the shove up the bum you get at a given rpm point with a turbo that isnt in this experience.

Seems like a good package for the technical drivers

[Do Boy]

Sounds like I'm glad I went the Turbo route!

Thanks for the review.

[Subaruwrxfan]

This this is centrifugal, boost should go up with rpm. Was the rush to redline any more intense? I find accelerating up to redline in the stock motor to still be exciting, but with increasing boost as you go to redline I would think this would add to the excitement.

[Opposed]

^^^Agree

[Coheed]

Also agree. I built a torque monster turbo setup, then went with a larger turbo with less boost. It made just slightly less power on the big turbo, but the rush to redline (especially with higher rev limit) was so addictive that I don't ever plan on building a torque monster again. But that's just my preference.

I would love a 14psi setup on this supercharger that is properly setup with around 8k to 8.5k rev limit. But I'm sure even the stock setup is pretty fun.

I've been building cars for hp targets for several years. I don't want to ruin this car's personality by adding too much power.

I was perfectly happy driving this car on the street on 10-12psi. 300whp is plenty for this car.

[Visconti]

Shoot me over a log when you get a chance.

Wanna see how she's running

-John

[Brian@Vortech]

Hi Gregg,

Thank you for your honest initial feelings on your Vortech System.

Originally Posted by jdzumwalt

I installed my kit this week. Install was fairly easy for the most part.

Couple of issues
A) Bracket for new Alternator mount need to be clearance'd I used a file.
B) Claps for intercooler piping are the smallest they can be, I had to substitute a couple from my own stock pile.
C) kit didn't come with the require 1/2 coupler I went and bought new hose that fit the length I needed.

All of these are very minor issues.

Other that that the kit was complete in fact it came with extra silicon coupler, clamps and small hardware.

In your opinion, is the portion of the installation manual on the removal of the flashing on the alternator mount described sufficiently and accurately, or could it use refining? Also, when you say the clamps seem small, is it that they were not long enough (i.e. the wrong size clamps were in the box), or was it something else?

Originally Posted by jdzumwalt

First drive impressions. It's ok. I have owned turbo cars for the latter part of my years. This is a whole different thing. The motor feels somewhat restricted somehow. Almost feels like a turbo car with a very Small exhaust housing. It make power but it's not that thrilling. The problem with this is I found my self hauling ass like 90 down a 40 mph street. There is really no surge of power typically associated with a turbo car.

Although it sounds like the system is doing its job, it also sounds like it was not what you were expecting. I am sorry you feel disappointed, however that linear curve is actually the beauty of a Vortech. Finding yourself all of a sudden doing 90mph doesn't sound like a problem at all! No sudden "hit" at a given rpm means smooth pull all the way to redline. Admittedly, I am biased...but that is sweet, sweet power delivery in my book.

Originally Posted by jdzumwalt

Now on with the good. I use this car for daily driving and some track days. I don't feel that the car is going to be handful or get me into trouble on the track. My original goal was for something like the stock motor with more power this gets me really close. I do think the car needs a header it's still very quiet.


I will also add the car is not slow it's just different. There is no crazy torque rush, just constant power as it revs out. If your looking for the rush that a turbo car gives this kit is not for you. But if you want very linear power and easy to drive at the track and events this may be right up your alley.


This is just my opinion.

I would like to add this is my first super charged setup.

Gregg

Again, thank you for your impressions. Honestly, I totally understand the difference in what you were expecting vs. what you now have. However, even your description of the negatives had positives in them, so there is a very good chance you will probably find yourself preferring the way a centrifugal supercharger feels once you get more seat time and that wanting of the turbo "hit" wears off. As other people have stated in this thread, if you do need more power, the supercharger can certainly deliver whenever you are ready...even if that time is right away!

[sw20kosh]

Originally Posted by hobojoker

This review has a negative tone, your experience is with turbos and you write your review as if you expected turbo response. You state that you wanted just a little more power from stock, yet you seem disappointed you're not getting a big turbo lump.

The point of the NA engine is to have instant response, and that's what the supercharger kit is supposed to maintain.

What I'd really like to hear from you is:

Is the engine response the same as it was before the supercharger -- Instant?

Does the engine feel like stock, but with slightly more power everywhere? Is the dip between 3.5-5k gone?

What do you mean the engine feels restricted? How does it differ then stock?


Basically, your review sounds like a disappointment because it's not a turbo kit. What I'd like to hear from you is how the upgrades feel compared to the stock engine -- without wading through the 76 pages in the supercharger thread.

Edit: If I came off as harsh, I really don't mean to. It just seemed as though some people were waiting for a negative review and jumped at finally hearing one. To me, this didn't sound like a review of the upgrades.

There are going to be good and bad reviews. Likes and dislikes. Excitement and disappointment. There is nothing wrong with his review. It is honest and that is how a review should be.

He is giving an accurate description of what this kit feels like compared to FI setups he has experienced in the past. One can only use previous experience for comparisons.

He is basically telling people "if you like the characteristics of turbo boost onset, don't get this kit. This kit makes it feel like your motor has a bit more displacement". And that's exactly what superchargers do.

[Huehuecoyotl]

and thats just what it does, it feels like a bigger motor, not a turbo motor!

[WatchmaN]

PM me when you're ready to sell it back

[jdzumwalt]

Originally Posted by Brian@Vortech

Hi Gregg,

Thank you for your honest initial feelings on your Vortech System.



In your opinion, is the portion of the installation manual on the removal of the flashing on the alternator mount described sufficiently and accurately, or could it use refining? Also, when you say the clamps seem small, is it that they were not long enough (i.e. the wrong size clamps were in the box), or was it something else?



Although it sounds like the system is doing its job, it also sounds like it was not what you were expecting. I am sorry you feel disappointed, however that linear curve is actually the beauty of a Vortech. Finding yourself all of a sudden doing 90mph doesn't sound like a problem at all! No sudden "hit" at a given rpm means smooth pull all the way to redline. Admittedly, I am biased...but that is sweet, sweet power delivery in my book.



Again, thank you for your impressions. Honestly, I totally understand the difference in what you were expecting vs. what you now have. However, even your description of the negatives had positives in them, so there is a very good chance you will probably find yourself preferring the way a centrifugal supercharger feels once you get more seat time and that wanting of the turbo "hit" wears off. As other people have stated in this thread, if you do need more power, the supercharger can certainly deliver whenever you are ready...even if that time is right away!

I'll try hit on a few more things here Brian.

I had to modified the supplied Bracket for the alternator not just the factory boss. The bracket you supplied need to have the same slope of machining on the back as well as the front.

The Clamps for intercooler inlet and exit seem to give me the most trouble.
Other than that the kit was complete.


I will also add after driving this about more. The super charger add's some lower end torque this bump makes the additional power up top seem less of a rush. The Biggest difference is in the high gears.

I will be getting a E85 tune and some bigger injectors once John has something out. I'm sure this will just as magical last time I went on E85.

The product is top notch, good quality machine work.

[jdzumwalt]

Originally Posted by WatchmaN

PM me when you're ready to sell it back

lol

[F1point4]

Originally Posted by jdzumwalt

I'll try hit on a few more things here Brian.

I had to modified the supplied Bracket for the alternator not just the factory boss. The bracket you supplied need to have the same slope of machining on the back as well as the front.

@Brian@Vortech. We had to perform the same procedure on two kits so far. We'll find out on the 3rd kit soon. We contacted Perrin and sent in photos of our modified tilt bracket which I believe CHris fowarded to you. I have better pictures which i will upload soon