To supercharge, or not to supercharge
10-16-2002, 05:54 AM
#1
To supercharge, or not to supercharge
Guys,
I have been toying around w/ the idea of supercharging my 99 se-l 5 speed. I currently have 51750 on the car, and wanted all of your opinions/answers.
Also, the car has been using straight 5w30 oil w/ the BGMOA additive. I want to switch to synthetic.... any ideas. THANK YOU!
I have been toying around w/ the idea of supercharging my 99 se-l 5 speed. I currently have 51750 on the car, and wanted all of your opinions/answers.
Also, the car has been using straight 5w30 oil w/ the BGMOA additive. I want to switch to synthetic.... any ideas. THANK YOU!
10-16-2002, 06:42 AM
#5
Originally posted by funnylittlman
Redmax,
Is yours intercooled? BTW, your car is awesome. I esp. like the momo's
Redmax,
Is yours intercooled? BTW, your car is awesome. I esp. like the momo's
i do not have a supercharger or turbo... just every day bolt-ons
i am getting redy to sell the momos soon.. i need something different.
10-16-2002, 07:10 AM
#7
Originally posted by redmaxpa007
i wish i had a reason to have an intercooler..
i do not have a supercharger or turbo... just every day bolt-ons
i am getting redy to sell the momos soon.. i need something different.
i wish i had a reason to have an intercooler..
i do not have a supercharger or turbo... just every day bolt-ons
i am getting redy to sell the momos soon.. i need something different.
10-16-2002, 07:45 AM
#9
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,402
Originally posted by funnylittlman
By the way,
51750 is miles... just in case anyone was wondering!
By the way,
51750 is miles... just in case anyone was wondering!
You remind me of me a few months ago.
Mine is also a 1999 SE-L & I had 53K miles when I supercharged it.
Go for it, however, let me warn you that HP can get very addictive. Eventually you will want more power. SC on 4th gen is only good to 3.125" pulley (9-10psi boost) after which your blower & fuel injectors get pushed into the very risky & dangerous zone.
If you want flexibility & upgradability (with more money of course), go for the Turbo kit. The power is only limited to your wallet & capabilities of your transmission & driveaxle.
Either way, if you can afford it, go for it.
10-16-2002, 07:54 AM
#10
dashingMax,
Have you had any problems? Is your S/C intercooled? I have heard that the S/C blows the engine up pretty fast, if your a hard driver. One other thing:
Did you use the copper plugs that stillen recomments w/ a heat rating of 6?
Have you had any problems? Is your S/C intercooled? I have heard that the S/C blows the engine up pretty fast, if your a hard driver. One other thing:
Did you use the copper plugs that stillen recomments w/ a heat rating of 6?
10-16-2002, 07:58 AM
#11
Originally posted by dashingMax
Oh Boy!
You remind me of me a few months ago.
Mine is also a 1999 SE-L & I had 53K miles when I supercharged it.
Go for it, however, let me warn you that HP can get very addictive. Eventually you will want more power. SC on 4th gen is only good to 3.125" pulley (9-10psi boost) after which your blower & fuel injectors get pushed into the very risky & dangerous zone.
If you want flexibility & upgradability (with more money of course), go for the Turbo kit. The power is only limited to your wallet & capabilities of your transmission & driveaxle.
Either way, if you can afford it, go for it.
Oh Boy!
You remind me of me a few months ago.
Mine is also a 1999 SE-L & I had 53K miles when I supercharged it.
Go for it, however, let me warn you that HP can get very addictive. Eventually you will want more power. SC on 4th gen is only good to 3.125" pulley (9-10psi boost) after which your blower & fuel injectors get pushed into the very risky & dangerous zone.
If you want flexibility & upgradability (with more money of course), go for the Turbo kit. The power is only limited to your wallet & capabilities of your transmission & driveaxle.
Either way, if you can afford it, go for it.
10-16-2002, 07:59 AM
#12
you will run into nothing but problems with the SC kit..
for the cost and pain, i'd say go with a turbo setup (nigel's or custom) and just skip stillen.. so many people have had so many issues.
that is the one thing that has alluded my money for quite some time.
-waldo
for the cost and pain, i'd say go with a turbo setup (nigel's or custom) and just skip stillen.. so many people have had so many issues.
that is the one thing that has alluded my money for quite some time.
-waldo
10-16-2002, 08:03 AM
#13
Between Turbos and Superchargers...
I think more catastrophic engine failure occur with turbos... you don't get boost creep, it's easier to tune the A/F on ignition timing for superchargers USUALLY. IMO.
I think more catastrophic engine failure occur with turbos... you don't get boost creep, it's easier to tune the A/F on ignition timing for superchargers USUALLY. IMO.
10-16-2002, 08:04 AM
#14
I hear w/ the turbo kit,
you need to install better injectors, fuel management, perhaps a turbo timer for cooling. that kit is 4200 at Custom, soon. I talked w/ a guy at Custom, and he said he's been running 3 test cars hard, and they have had over 150hp gains w/o any problems. I'm still a little iffy, but sounds good. But you think the S/C is just a money hog?
you need to install better injectors, fuel management, perhaps a turbo timer for cooling. that kit is 4200 at Custom, soon. I talked w/ a guy at Custom, and he said he's been running 3 test cars hard, and they have had over 150hp gains w/o any problems. I'm still a little iffy, but sounds good. But you think the S/C is just a money hog?
10-16-2002, 08:08 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,530
Originally posted by funnylittlman
But you think the S/C is just a money hog?
But you think the S/C is just a money hog?
SuDZ
10-16-2002, 08:14 AM
#16
I C
Alright,
I was afraid of that. Also, Southwest is selling the kit for 3400 plus shipping. but for just a few hundred more, an in a couple weeks, Custom will be selling their turbo kit, and I quote right off the website:
"Price will be $4200 for complete kit including intercooler, colored/polished tubing
and all hardware. Comes with installation instructions on DVD.
Dyno test results have shown incredible horsepower gains and far exceeds
performance gains of other supercharger kits."
I was afraid of that. Also, Southwest is selling the kit for 3400 plus shipping. but for just a few hundred more, an in a couple weeks, Custom will be selling their turbo kit, and I quote right off the website:
"Price will be $4200 for complete kit including intercooler, colored/polished tubing
and all hardware. Comes with installation instructions on DVD.
Dyno test results have shown incredible horsepower gains and far exceeds
performance gains of other supercharger kits."
10-16-2002, 08:19 AM
#18
I couldn't fix your brakes, so I made your horn louder
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,588
Re: I C
the reason i'm wary of a turbo is that no one but the original turbomax95 has had a turbo on the vq for an extended period of time, and he's had hell with it. These new kits have NOT been used for extended periods of time. Who knows how their cars will be in say 30k miles?
10-16-2002, 08:24 AM
#21
I heard he was doing a burnout one time and a tire blew, and it got messed up pretty well.
You're right though, who know's what it'll be like in a couple thou. miles.
That's why I'm asking everyone
My car is driven daily, at least 20 to 30 miles a day in traffic. I'm trying to find the right thing to do.
Some people have told me to just not do anything, but then again, the Nissan Xterra has a S/C.
You're right though, who know's what it'll be like in a couple thou. miles.
That's why I'm asking everyone
My car is driven daily, at least 20 to 30 miles a day in traffic. I'm trying to find the right thing to do.
Some people have told me to just not do anything, but then again, the Nissan Xterra has a S/C.
10-16-2002, 08:27 AM
#23
Re: Re: I C
Originally posted by seximagtr
the reason i'm wary of a turbo is that no one but the original turbomax95 has had a turbo on the vq for an extended period of time, and he's had hell with it. These new kits have NOT been used for extended periods of time. Who knows how their cars will be in say 30k miles?
the reason i'm wary of a turbo is that no one but the original turbomax95 has had a turbo on the vq for an extended period of time, and he's had hell with it. These new kits have NOT been used for extended periods of time. Who knows how their cars will be in say 30k miles?
your correct, BUT look at the problems people have had with stillen.. NOT there cars.. JUST stillen.
But if you plan and build accordingly you should be fine. and yes turbomax is the FIRST that I know of and the most informative about his car/custom turbo/problems/and evertyhing else
but the SC guys have similar problems and getting over 10 lbs of boost is pushing everything for 300WHP.. when MAYBE, I say maybe because I have yet to see another turbo KIT maxima dyno, at 6 psi you can get VERY close to 300WHP.
10-16-2002, 08:45 AM
#27
You are right....
all I'm gonna hear is psssssssssssssssssssssss*bang!
hehehe.
I was looking around to get the S/C installe, and they quoted me at 1400 bucks! That's alittle expnsive for my tastes.
all I'm gonna hear is psssssssssssssssssssssss*bang!
hehehe.
I was looking around to get the S/C installe, and they quoted me at 1400 bucks! That's alittle expnsive for my tastes.
10-16-2002, 08:53 AM
#29
THANK YOU!
5 to 8 is MUCH more reasonable
I will keep looking
ANYONE in Fairfax VA, knows a good, dependable who will put this in ??? I don't want to get ripped off
But the question is between a S/C or Turbo still...... HMMMMMM
5 to 8 is MUCH more reasonable
I will keep lookingANYONE in Fairfax VA, knows a good, dependable who will put this in ??? I don't want to get ripped off
But the question is between a S/C or Turbo still...... HMMMMMM
10-16-2002, 08:57 AM
#30
If you want power, go with the Turbo, its also less hassle changing the boost... Meaning, for everyday driving during the week, you can set it at a lower boost for less wear and tear, and on the weekend for having some fun, you can set it at a higher boost... But with the S/C, that would require taking the whole S/C out...
Just think about that one...
Just think about that one...
10-16-2002, 09:02 AM
#31
Blue C,
you're right. The turbo sounds like a good deal, since it's intercooled too. That will help w/ the traffic. Not to mention the cool sound the Blitz blow off valve will make when jammin the pedal past some unsuspecting victims.
you're right. The turbo sounds like a good deal, since it's intercooled too. That will help w/ the traffic. Not to mention the cool sound the Blitz blow off valve will make when jammin the pedal past some unsuspecting victims.
10-16-2002, 09:03 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,530
Originally posted by funnylittlman
THANK YOU!
5 to 8 is MUCH more reasonable
I will keep looking
ANYONE in Fairfax VA, knows a good, dependable who will put this in ??? I don't want to get ripped off
But the question is between a S/C or Turbo still...... HMMMMMM
THANK YOU!
5 to 8 is MUCH more reasonable
I will keep lookingANYONE in Fairfax VA, knows a good, dependable who will put this in ??? I don't want to get ripped off
But the question is between a S/C or Turbo still...... HMMMMMM
SuDZ
10-16-2002, 09:03 AM
#33
Not to mention:
The turbo will come w/ a DVD install direction. That way you could do it yourself..... but w/ my luck I'd fasten someting wrong and BOOM goes myself...
One other thing w/ the turbo, you have to relocate the battery to the trunk.
The turbo will come w/ a DVD install direction. That way you could do it yourself..... but w/ my luck I'd fasten someting wrong and BOOM goes myself...
One other thing w/ the turbo, you have to relocate the battery to the trunk.
10-16-2002, 09:05 AM
#34
SuDZ,
I would be ok w/ the intsall, but I would be warry b/c I am still a newbee to the whole install things. I can do general maintanence like clean my Stillen Pop filter, change oil, but a S.C. is a little different. But it IS something to think about.............
I would be ok w/ the intsall, but I would be warry b/c I am still a newbee to the whole install things. I can do general maintanence like clean my Stillen Pop filter, change oil, but a S.C. is a little different. But it IS something to think about.............
10-16-2002, 09:05 AM
#35
Yea, I dont plan on doing it myself, I know I will screw up everthing... Its just my luck. But about $600 or so isnt bad for getting it installed, atleast you know its done by a profesional, but make sure whoever installs it has installed them on Maximas before.
10-16-2002, 09:22 AM
#39
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 450
I've been pondering this decision for a while.
As I see it, the SC is actually more like $3650 by the time you've upgraded the pulley and assembly, and the BOV.
At that point you have 9-11 psi depending on your pulley choice, with the potential issues I've been following regarding pulley/belt tension, alignment issues, melting pulleys, blowers that require rebuild at approx $400, and crappy customer service from the sounds of it (with the exception of nymjayjay)
List of SC owners with rebuilds or problems:
nymjayjay(V2 - bearings or impeller seal?)
BlackCat (V2 - grinding)
Chebosto (V2 -melted pulley/grinding)
Deac (V2 - grinding)
Delio (V1 - grinding)
Furbiss112 (V2, compressor fan broke apart, replaced, now grinding)
Nigel's Turbo setup is $4270 without fuel pump upgrade, BOV, wastegate upgrade, turbo timer, 3" exhaust upgrade.
Both setups would probably need Boost, EGT and FP gauges, which adds another $300.
I'm waiting to see how the reliability issues pan out before I make a a decision.
As I see it, the SC is actually more like $3650 by the time you've upgraded the pulley and assembly, and the BOV.
At that point you have 9-11 psi depending on your pulley choice, with the potential issues I've been following regarding pulley/belt tension, alignment issues, melting pulleys, blowers that require rebuild at approx $400, and crappy customer service from the sounds of it (with the exception of nymjayjay)
List of SC owners with rebuilds or problems:
nymjayjay(V2 - bearings or impeller seal?)
BlackCat (V2 - grinding)
Chebosto (V2 -melted pulley/grinding)
Deac (V2 - grinding)
Delio (V1 - grinding)
Furbiss112 (V2, compressor fan broke apart, replaced, now grinding)
Nigel's Turbo setup is $4270 without fuel pump upgrade, BOV, wastegate upgrade, turbo timer, 3" exhaust upgrade.
Both setups would probably need Boost, EGT and FP gauges, which adds another $300.
I'm waiting to see how the reliability issues pan out before I make a a decision.
10-16-2002, 09:24 AM
#40
Re: Y2KevSE
Originally posted by funnylittlman
did you like the S/C?
why did you get rid, and why the sudden change to T/C?
did you like the S/C?
why did you get rid, and why the sudden change to T/C?
Why TC? I want more power and it's different (not many have a TC).