Supercharging question

[Jason Rowe]

Hey all!

Originally I wanted just get a newer and larger engine - but in the end I want a 427 so I need to start saving my pennies and dimes. I figure a decent supercharger will be a good filler!

My MKIV has a 5.0 from a '93 stang. I want to supercharge it for some extra fun. Any one here have a similar engine that is supercharged and like/dislike the one you have? I was considering doing a centrifugal supercharger but wanted to get the advice from you wonderful people.

Thanks in advance for all the great info that gets exchanged here.

y'all rock!

[Mike N]

I am guessing your engine is pretty much stock in which case stick with a smaller (cheaper) supercharger that will give you 6 to 8 pounds of boost. Before you think of installing a blower make sure your fuel and ignition system is up to snuff. I got really good at changing head gaskets until I realized that my fuel pump wasn't keeping up with the fuel pressure requirements under boost conditions.

My blower is an old 1.5l Kenne Bell that barely pushes 6 psi of boost on my motor but is still good enough for solid 11 second 1/4 mile times and is a blast to drive with the broad torque curve. The difference in the centrifugal and positive displacement blowers at the entry level that you are considering is the torque curve. The centrifugal will start hitting hard at 3500 rpm and keep pulling. The positive displacement blower has a fat torque curve from right off idle but probably won't match the peak HP of a centrifugal. For a really fun streetable package I don't think you can beat the positive displacement blowers like the Kenne Bell. The Kenne Bell will make your 5.0 feel like a 427.

[TBull]

As Mike has said, if your stock then you have to take care of fuel as well. I've been where you are on my current roadster. I had to increase my fuel pump size to a Walbro 255 in order to supply the required fuel. You can use an FMU, but I found them to be unreliable. Then you'll need larger injectors to help deliver the fuel. You'll also have to get a new tune in it. By the time it's all done, it can be a sizeable investment. You can end up with as much HP as a 427 with the right combination though, but then other things may break. I snapped my WorldClass T5Z 2 gear and had to get a new TKO-500 to replace it. By no means am I trying to dissuade you though. It's a blast and boost is addictive. Just think the whole thing through and plan it out. You might end up not even wanting the 427 and get better gas mileage too.

[Jason Rowe]

TBull, thanks for the input. WIth the “sizeable investment” - do you wish in hindsight you would of just taken that money and purchased the bigger engine in the first place?

[Jason Rowe]

Mike, you are correct. Stock as stock can be. Just a 302 from a 1993 Mustang 5.0. I really want to spice it up though....I am going to look into the KB. Thanks for the input!

[Railroad]

Upgrade your valve springs, whether you boost it or not.

[TBull]

Nope. I love to tinker and like I said I'm a small block guy, money well spent, but you definitely can't just stab the accelerator anymore. It takes a little getting used to. :) That being said, my next build will be starting with a Dart block and all forged internals for a rock solid base.

As for sizable investment, I meant all the upgrades. Initial investment in the Supercharger and possible intercooler if you push enough boost, larger injectors, larger crank pulley, Better transmission when you add "just a little more boost" and the list goes on. But it's all up to what you want yours to be. That's why I love these cars. FF gives us the structured components and we make it what ever we want.

[Mike N]

Jason.

The peripherals required when adding a supercharger are going to be very similar to what you will need going to a 427 so you can consider them a good investment either way. Larger fuel pump, larger injectors are two key ones. I would suggest that rather than buying a larger MAF that you invest in a new stand alone ECU which will also give you the capability to retard ignition timing under boost and fatten up the fuel curve a little. There are a few people on the forum that are running the relatively economical MS2 (Megasquirt) with good success, including me. These few items are likely to total $1000 to $1500 depending on if you get them new or used. These upgrades will serve you well if you decide to go to the 427 later or add more boost.