Considering a supercharger - seeking advice

RF2.1 · 07-23-2007, 06:33 PM

Hello everyone,

I've been a lurker on this site since I got my '06 GT almost 2 years ago. I'm considering getting a supercharger for my car, and I've been reading up on some of the threads on this site and elsewhere concerning what's out there and available. Right now, I'm leaning toward a Saleen Series IV S/C. Here's some background info before I get into the questions:

- Since I've had my Mustang, it's been great; no problems whatsoever over about the 15,000 miles I've put on it. The only things I've done to it are a C&L CAI w/ tune from C&L/DiabloSport, and some Flowmaster mufflers;
- It's my daily driver, so it sees mostly small town driving. Though it may seem incredulous or BS, I'm not a racer at all, so my car doesn't get beat on that much. I'm mostly interested in a S/C for the sake of tinkering. I'm mechanically minded, and I've always been into muscle cars/Mustangs, so I'd like to add a little more muscle to mine;
- I intend on doing the install myself, with the aide of some friends that are experienced at working on cars, including Mustangs.

With all of that said, here's some questions that hopefully the knowledgable and experienced folks can help me with:

- The Saleen Series VI seems to be the most user-friendly as far as installation goes (I've already downloaded their install manual)- is this a correct assumption?
- My intention is not to make my car into a 550+ hp beast or dragster. I'd like to aim for around 400-425hp with fairly low PSI boost. Is the Saleen a good choice for this? Any other types that compare?
- For what I intend to do, how important are internal engine and driveline changes? I don't want to make great sacrifices in reliability or take huge chances. What sort of internal changes would be advisable? Neccessary changes?
- JDM seems to have a pretty good set-up for the Series VI, called Stage I. Has anyone had experience with this particular set-up? Does their tune cover everything, or would I still need to send my computer/processor to Saleen to be tuned?

Hopefully these questions aren't too obvious or annoying, but I want to make sure I'm armed with as much info as possible before I make any firm decisions. Any advice, constructive comments, or alternative ideas that folks might have would be appreciated!

Thanks!
David

Heavyg72 · 07-23-2007, 06:45 PM

Sounds like you are on the right track. I do know that Brenspeed just released 4 different Saleen packages so dropping them a line may be helpful as well. They did my install for the Paxton and for knowledge and customer service they are hard to beat. They will spend time with you and answer any questions you may have. Good luck!!!

Bulitt · 07-23-2007, 06:58 PM

Saleen is the way to go 4 sure i just got one last week from brenspeed i got the stage 3 but he has 4 stages sounds like u would want the stage 2 i love mine best thing i ever did so do yourself a favor and call Brent at brenspeed574.594.9559 and here is his site http://www.brenspeed.com/index.htmlyou cant go wrong with these guys they are the best in the business [sm=icon_ladiesman.gif]

hammeron · 07-23-2007, 07:04 PM

based on the requirements you listed, you can
pretty much go with any off the shelf s/c kit.

good luck with your project and keep us
updated on your progress

blackhorse05 · 07-23-2007, 07:08 PM

ive been using the saleen s/c for about 30k miles and not one issue. iyou can make the power you want on about 5psi with a good tuner. as for drivability, i love it, i average 27 to 30 mpg on the interstate and 23 to 26 in town.

cheftjpeck · 07-23-2007, 09:51 PM

love my saleen..wouldn't change my mind if I had to do it all over again...good luck

Mellowdien · 07-23-2007, 10:29 PM

Was about to start a thread like this just now.
Had the same questions.

Just one extra question, if i were to supercharge i wouldnt be able to dynotune it (no dyno's around here). My car is fully stock, i was looking at the Kenne Bell 2.3l and the Saleen Series IV. If i were to get either one of these, can you get canned tunes for them from brenspeed any othergood tuner? or would i have to datalog myself...

Also how much do they charge for install in the states?

Also does supercharging require extra maintance other than the regular service appointments?

mygt500 · 07-23-2007, 10:38 PM

You can get tunes from the above mentioned people and doesn't the dealer in you area able to recommend someplace not too far away for a dyno tune. It would be spec to your car and better than a canned tune IMO.... As for install prices you can expect anywhere from 75-100 dollars an hour and many installers take anywhere from 8 - 16 hours from my research and talking with others on this forum. Hope it helps

cheftjpeck · 07-23-2007, 10:41 PM

my install cost $800...got quotes as high as $1800..

Mellowdien · 07-23-2007, 11:01 PM

My dealer is Gus Machado Ford in Hialeah Miami
My current location (also my stangs) is South America, Suriname.(Nearest dealer is in Sao Paulo, Brasil i think lol)
I called for tech support, they started asking me a whole bunch of whack questions answered everything. Got a call back from them saying my VIN number was incorrect. Repeated everything and told them to try again. Never got called back, send 1000 emails not one reply. Was hoping to order some parts through them however after waiting 2 weeks for answer i say screw them. Gus Machado Ford sucks.

I know dyno tunes are the best and safest but unfortunately i have no other options.
I don't need performance tunes for the S/C. I think i'll be satistied enough with 425rwhp and a standard tune. I'm not a racer, but i do drive hard.

Also which other modifications would u advise when adding a Supercharger?
New exhaust,headers?... i just want my car to perform at it's best without sacrificing reliability so i don't mind spending a few extra dollars, if it's gonna save me a whole lot of trouble in the future.

Quote:

ORIGINAL: mygt500

You can get tunes from the above mentioned people and doesn't the dealer in you area able to recommend someplace not too far away for a dyno tune. It would be spec to your car and better than a canned tune IMO.... As for install prices you can expect anywhere from 75-100 dollars an hour and many installers take anywhere from 8 - 16 hours from my research and talking with others on this forum. Hope it helps