Are bolt on supercharger kits a joke?

[steelcity]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATmUHp3 ... r_embedded

[TDot]

I'm as lost in an engine as Paris Hilton, but telling me that "computer fan" will give 20-35hp I'll call until someone I know, or here proves it true....I just know I wouldn't be the first.

[EniGmA1987]

If that could really put a proper 5psi boost in then yes it could produce extra power. However I dont think it will work nearly as well as they say. When the fan is not running it would create a lot more restriction which would lower your power, when running it will maybe do a tiny little bit but I dont think it will properly sustain 5 psi. The electric superchargers are also not meant to run all the time, just for a few seconds at WOT, and will burn out quickly if they are run all the time. best to save your money and do it right.

[steelcity]

I look at it like you guys. That's why I am throwing it out there. I have a hard time seeing these things being durable. Lets see what a few others have to say. It did sound like a strong fan though. haha.

[240hatchsx]

Mighty cars mods did a myth busters style with those things and they don't work you can look it up on YouTube as well.

[steelcity]

They almost had me...

those MoFo's!!!

[jiggersplat]

There are actually some newer electric forced induction kits that *do* work coming out and some of the major car manufacturers are experimenting with them as well. The problem is the amount of power required to drive an electric compressor is just not doable on a 12v car system. The systems that are being developed now that I have seen use supercapacitors that charge while cruising and only discharge and drive the compressor at WOT for short periods of time.

[steelcity]

Interesting.

[Larz]

Bolt-on superchargers are like CAIs. None of them will do a bloody thing on their own. They look brilliant in the engine bay but do absolutely nothing else. They 'might' add 3 HP if that. This has been well established forever but people still buy them - I reckon for the slight change in sound or the appearance.

Here is but one example of the myth being busted:

Supercharges: http://youtu.be/cbGWgvJN1_8

Cold air intakes: http://youtu.be/gCi2yo4UqPI

Performance chips: http://youtu.be/VGtImIP6j3A

[steelcity]

I agree. Ok so we've come to the conclusion that they're BS. haha.

[svard75]

Bolt-on superchargers are like CAIs. None of them will do a bloody thing on their own. They look brilliant in the engine bay but do absolutely nothing else. They 'might' add 3 HP if that. This has been well established forever but people still buy them - I reckon for the slight change in sound or the appearance.

Here is but one example of the myth being busted:

Supercharges: http://youtu.be/cbGWgvJN1_8

Cold air intakes: http://youtu.be/gCi2yo4UqPI

Performance chips: http://youtu.be/VGtImIP6j3A

MCM rules! Have you seen their new series lend me a car? It's hilarious.

[Larz]

Indeed !! Those guys have a great show. You learn new things whilst having a laugh at the same time.

[AZhitman]

Also, keep in mind that any time you increase electrical load, you also tax the alternator, which saps power... so that has to be subtracted from your net gain.

It's impossible for a "fan" to create pressurization - that's just simple physics.

The title, of the thread, however, is a bit misleading. A true "bolt-on supercharger" is not a joke. In fact, any REAL supercharger is "bolt-on" by design. Observe: http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/projec ... ation.html

The devices being discussed here are not superchargers, by definition, as they do not compress air.

[steelcity]

You're right. It is misleading. I was under the impression that these are the "bolt-ons". Anything else with some quality is a supercharger to me. Are there any bolt-ons for the M35's?

[AZhitman]

Nope. But modifying a kit for the Z/G can't be rocket science.

[steelcity]

Are these bolt-ons just as expensive as getting an actual supercharger from Vortech?

[svard75]

You missed his point. Real sc like from vortec are considered bolt-on performance mods since youre not actually modifying anything, however because there isnt a true bolt on kit for your car its not so much bolt on anymore. The bracket and intercooler plumbing is custom.

[steelcity]

ok gotcha.