ok i know that everyone is tired of answering the question of the year but i just thought that i'd ask anyway ...i have a ,automatic, 97, 5.4L, V8, F-150 and was wondering what would be the best in everyones opinion- Supercharger or Turbocharger- i guess i just need to know which one is the best for my truck and if my engine can withstand the pressure of either one without having to do anything to the engine or transmission. One guy said that i could run 5-6 psi with the turbo and 8-9 psi with the supercharger without having to do anything to the engine ... I'm leaning towards the Pro Charger but just have resently discovered the Turbocharger for my truck...I don't know much about Turbos so i guess i just thought i might run it buy you guys.
thanks

 

I had a Paxton supercharger on a 289 way back when. The guy I bought from said not to bother beefing up the engine. When it blows, just replace it. Never did blow up though.

 

I'd go for the turbo, as it is almost "free" power. Supercharger is engine driven and takes a third to half the extra power you make, esp. in your case where you are going low boost.


That's if I had to go. I'd forget it actually, as I've read lots of stories about burned piston this and bent rod that.

The real question: Do I want to be able to drive and rely on my truck for the remainder of the time I own it, or do I want it to be a question mark for the rest of it's time and require endless fiddling for the next 3 to 12 months.

Just my biased opinion.

 

But lets say that i WANT to rely on my truck isn't there anything that i can do with out breaking to bank?

Yes i know trade my truck in and buy a Lightning but i don't have $10,000 extra. But $2000-$3500 is something that i might be able to do for a super/turbo charger. I love my truck i just want more power.

Is Ati's Pro Charger the way to go?

I've seen it on "Trucks" and according to Stacey i should be able to rely on my truck for a least a good while?? But yes thats a T.V. show and Pro Charger is probably paying him to say that.. but still let me know. thanks

 

If you are willing to pay the cash, I would go with a Kenne Bell supercharger, they are the best, and it is easier to do. Superchargers are better for gas engines in my opinion, turbos are better on diesels, also, with a s'charger, you dont need to screw around with re-routing the exhaust.

 

Except for the huge restriction on the exhaust to spin the turbine......but that doesn't count.....
Scott

 

just get a 6L. They come with a turbo on em.

 

No, it doesn't.

 

But i mean wouldn't i have to do some stuff to my engine to make the turbo work? and also what about the transmission?

I looked at the Kenne Bell's($3750) it looks like a nice set up but, my only problem with it is the "30-50%" gain in HP, compared to Pro Charger's ($3365) "60-65%" gain. I know these are just "%'s" but Pro Charger's got Kenne Bell beat.

But i also want my truck to last long, as i said, and Kenne Bell has the boost-a-pump which should take out the new fuel pump, which would save a lot of time and also the transmission calc. and Chip. So i don't know what to do now.

keep the advice coming.. thanks guys

 

I was being sarcastic. I don't now about yourself, but I usually consider something holding the exhaust back a restriction, this definitely does that. Also, what the turbine happens to be spinning is the forced induction, the EXACT SAME THING the belt does on a supercharger....sounds pretty equal to me......

Scott
PS ace- if you more power go with a bigger turbo or a couple small ones....a couple small ones is better(more efficient actually) but also more expensive.

 

If you got the money and want something a little different I'd go turbo..talk to Crash. Overall the turbo system will be cheaper than a supercharger setup....takes a few extra parts and $$$ to maximize the potential of these things. With my ProCharger, tuning, a few add-ons, and a good exhaust system I will be way over the price of the turbo systems offered. But I'm also happy with the results so far and am looking forward to what I have planned...can't put a price tag on that.

 

I have run three different types on the same truck (Allen, Procharger, and Turbocharger. Then I have installed (And raced) all the rest, save the Holley. I can tell you from experience what works, and the turbo decimates ALL.

This is the only turbocharger system for us that is in PRODUCTION. A twin setup is coming, but will cost $8k). Cost? About $500 more than any average blower. ($4-4500). Power? 450 to 1100 HP at the wheels!

488/542 at the wheels with my 4.6 at 16 PSI. The 5.4 L made 425/535 at ony 8 PSI! That means a SCREW weighing in at 5650 ran 13.65s @ 103 with a heat index of 112! Just wait until Fall comes!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/Trixter/apurple000312.jpg

 

Hell, I have a video of my 4.6 5-speed hanging with a KB equipped auto (Within .001) WITHOUT a blower (All I had was a K&N)!

A look at the 5.4, with all the Carbon Fiber and Billet goodies... Mark's Project TURBO S'SCREW'D!

 

ok thanks so it doesn't matter if i have an automatic Crash?...and ya i've seen your video of the awesome 4.6 turbo F-150.. i'm jealous

 

No, we would use the .81 AR ratio, and you would have enough power on tap at 8 PSI to light 'em up through OD!

The powerband is perfect with the auto, but the 4.6 needs a .69.

And thank you for the compliments.

We spec'd it well, as the compressor is 73% efficient, and the intercooler is 97% efficient. Charge temp at the TB under FULL boost is 91 degrees.