Just wondering, with a supercharged engine what does it do to your mileage, reliability, driveability, and do you need to run premium? Any help is appreciated.

 

I'm sure this depends a lot on the type of supercharger, but I can give you my results so far with my newly installed Powerdyne:

Last tank before install = ~14MPG
1st tank after install = ~11MPG
2nd tank after install = ~13MPG
3rd tank after install = ~14MPG

As you can see, it all depends on how heavy your foot is, but if I drive the truck normally without doing constant 0-60 runs (which is what I was doing on the 1st tank after I installed the blower) my mileage hardly drops...

Also, I'm pretty sure that with any supercharger you're going to want to run premium fuel, but I needed to regardless because of the Superchip.
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1997 F150 Lariat, Supercab, Shortbed, 4x4, Black w/Gray Leather, 5.4 liter, 3:55 ls, 4 speed auto.

Mods:
Powerdyne SVO Supercharger. Autometer Boost Guage. Dynomax Catback Exhaust. Rancho RSX 5000 shocks. Custom Superchip. Century 'Cargo Cover' (Hard Tonneau). NR Automotive White Guage Faces

Pictures of my truck

[This message has been edited by YamaHauler (edited 01-19-2000).]

 

Dear Bones,

In general, as long as you are running a sane boost level for the street (figure 6-7 psi on an F-150, for example), you shouldn't see a big impact on reliability or durability. What matters *far* more than an engine's peak power potential is how it is actually operated and maintained. There are Mustang and F-150 owners out there who have over 100,000 miles with their superchargers on the street. So a good setup can last a very long time, and give you great performance.

And yes, you can count on needing to use premium gasoline all the time with a supercharger.

Good luck!

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Online Superchip ordering system: <A HREF="https://www.f150online.com/scpp/index.html

" TARGET=_blank>https://www.f150online.com/scpp/index.html

</A>

 

You will find a supercharger will actually improve mileage. The mileage wanes if you really like the voracious sound or the kick in the pants. If you are like me, you will probably stand on it every chance you get.

Refer to Sport Truck Magazine-(1/00)-"Battle of the street trucks". The Vortech (I strongly recommend roots type instead) actually had the best mileage.

Also refer to HOT ROD (2/00)- "Head full of steam" for info on the kit I recommend.

www.magnuson-products.com/
www.allenengine.com/blowerpge.html

I do recommend 93 octane. You want to avoid detonation at all costs. Intercooling will be in your best interest, and don't forget to talk to Mike about a new chip. Things to consider are fuel and timing curves, as well as increased EGR backpressure. Mike can provide a chip to suit your needs.

The goal here is to provide boost AND a dense (cool) intake charge.

Drop me a line at the link below, as I have valuable information, regardless of which unit you choose.

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'98 4.6 5-sp F-150
We've come for your Tundra.

Where we started.
http://www.mcmullenargus.com/gallery...ge=1165&pub=12
After a facelift.
http://www.zing.com/picture/ff/e9/b5...d.jpg.orig.jpg
trixters-playground@excite.com
www.truckinweb.com


[This message has been edited by crash1 (edited 01-20-2000).]

[This message has been edited by crash1 (edited 01-20-2000).]

[This message has been edited by crash1 (edited 01-20-2000).]

 

My 1989 TBird Super Coup had a factory Eaton intercooled SC on a 3.8L V6 - The torque rating was higher than the 5.0L HO and only a little lower on HP. This car required premium gas and had loads of torque at low rpm's. At 40K miles the front pulley bearing started to growel, even with special SC oil at full level. To replace the bearing the SC had to be totally disassembled.

I was saved when the '97 F150 came long and I sold the car with 70K miles and bearing noise getting louder. The aftermarket SC's may be more dependable?????

The SC is a great performance boost.

 

Thank you very much guys. I read the article in Off-Road and liked the idea of the AED unit. It comes with an intercooler. It will probably be a long while before i can afford any supercharger but I appreciate the feed back from everyone.

Bones