We've got two BMW 318 16-valve 4-cylinder cars in the family, with 119k and 167k miles, respectively. There is a supercharger kit for those engines and I wouldn't spend the money, but know of people who have successfully put superchargers on these little motors with over 100k miles on them and had them live. Hell, I've seen articles on BMW M3's with 150k road miles that have been converted to SCCA race cars, running the original motors.

But, the mod motors aren't overbuilt quite like the BMW engines. I'd be reluctant to put a supercharger on any mod motor with the shaky spark plug threads (pre-mid-03, I think), and I'd want to make sure that head gaskets are tight, etc. I don't think the lower ends on the mod motors are *that* shaky, but I'd want to be really careful about stuff like timing, fuel mixture, etc., which sounds like what killed the original poster's motor. And you have to self-insure for the real possibility of catastrophic failure...it's not like you're hanging a cold air intake and headers on the motor with a chip. If the price of a new motor would kill your finances, or if this is your only vehicle, I'd pass.

Note also that modding any vehicle is a BAD investment--even if you don't have any problems, you'll never recoup the money on resale unless you're Elvis Presley or something (and he's dead). It's not like the supercharger will make the truck a useful race car or anything; it's still a heavy truck.

How 'bout a little nitrous? I'm a Ford van guy and this isn't a Ford, but it is COOL! And he drives it to the strip...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn-pb8bh4XQ

 

classic signs of a leaned out motor...especially one with F/I

new motor = $5k tops
S/C Kit = $5-6k
labor = $1k tops

I can maybe get $12k if I'm generous to the mechanic and didn't shop around

a big factor in your problem

was this before the install? and was it ever fixed?

or was this after the install? because if my truck had a PCM error and went lean, it would sit until it was fixed...especially if a blower was installed, as the damage you've described will happen mighty quick

were these problems the PCM errors you mentioned?



from your 2 posts, I'm inclined to say your PCM caused the issue. not the Rousch S/C. if your PCM was fubar'd, then the damage would have occured anyways, but the S/C just hastened the damage and is not the "cause"

 

when the odometer say 000001 on it. there is no magic point. the S/C is just going to magnify any flaws that do exist and cause a "early" failure. 99% of the time you will be good to go, but there is always that risk.

I've seen alot of guys running 400+ RWHP on their trucks with minimal issues. the S/C setups from Rousch and Saleen are good setups "stock". it's when you start messing with them that the risk goes way up. the bottom end on the 5.4 3v can hold 9-10 psi with very few problems.

drive it hard and put it up wet all the time...and the failures will find you

 

Doesn't Roush reflash the trucks PCM if you install their supercharger or other mods?
Is this service available?
If so, is it a good idea to do so.