Supercharging the VG30DE

[MarkerZ32]

So anyone who has looked into the TT swap knows it will cost just about $4000 in parts alone. Whether you ante up for the front clip or dive into a JDM engine/transmission package, it's just costly.

My remedy to achieve more power is to feed the V6 with a supercharger from a Subaru Pleo. I plan on using 2mm cometic head gaskets and ARP head studs with hopes of safely running 9.5psi max... And eventually a tune on a standalone ECU.

Now my question is, has anyone boosted the N/A without building the rotating assembly? Good results, bad, indifferent?

[Sgt]

I can't shed any light directly on your question, but you did get my curiosity.

The Pleo has a tiny engine, can the supercharger on it flow enough air to be efficient on a 3L V6?
What type of supercharger is it?
Where would you mount the supercharger? Would you delete the AC and try and mount it where the compressor is?
What do you estimate this project would cost you? It sounds like it's a whole lot of work with so many unknowns.

[rmlamp]

Boosting an NA is always very risky. People have done it but I haven't heard of any of them lasting. The problem is the compression in the NA is much higher than a TT engine. When you throw boost at them, they start to detonate pretty quick. I wouldn't go much over 6psi if I were going to try it. Anything over that and detonation is a very likely outcome. I would get a tune and do an E85 swap. I have a 2+2 and looked into boosting it and I just couldn't justify the risks by the savings. I waited around and actually just picked up a non-running TT for $1100 with wheels and tires, coil overs, specialty Z exhaust and a ton of other extras. The wheels and coilovers alone paid for the car and now I have everything I need to do the swap. If I were you, I would keep an eye out for a parts car. Or even just piece a kit together. Or boost it and see what happens, if you keep the boost low enough and get a tune, you might get lucky.

[MarkerZ32]

Maybe I should have led in with: So I have an extra engine I'd like to run a few tests on lol!

Subaru Pleo Superchargers are going for about ~$170 on eBay right now. I'll run it on low boost to begin with and their oil is self contained. Im hoping the thicker head gaskets will give me a little relief in the combustion chambers and ARP head studs are only about $200 shipped. Fourtunatly I have a C&C connection that can make an output flange and a few pulleys for me.

Well so, I'll make some bracketry to mount it where the A/C compressor used to be. I'll have to figure a way to fit an auto tensioner or just make it adjustable. And everything else is plumbing. (Speaking of; I would be running my MAF through a single inlet!)

I guess it might seem like a lot of work to some but I'll probably get it done in a work week when I get everything together. I'll try to keep it under $800 without an ECU and tune.

I get it, I could just find a TT donor, but replacement turbos are really expensive. The way I see it, I take less of a risk by blowing a spare motor.

[rmlamp]

The cost is definitely not bad if that's what you're looking to do but it always costs more than you initially think. As someone else said, is that S/C going to have enough flow for a VG? You're going to be putting in countless hours trying to figure this thing out with no guarantee that it will even work. Keep in mind all the supporting mods that would go into this. Gauges (ARF and boost at minimum), fuel injectors, fuel pump and all the odds and ends you will need, which always, always is more than you ever thought possible. What happens if you put in hours on end and blow the motor a month later? Or what if you have only a small increase in power? I'm not saying its not possible, I'm just saying its not very practical. Like I said, I picked up my TT for $1100 and it has a new set of turbos on it.

It also depends what your goals for the car are. If you're looking for low 300 hp, maybe your plan is feasible but in my opinion it'll be a ticking time bomb unless you never push the boost. I bought the car with plans to rebuild the motor, fully forge and upgrade turbos with hopes of seeing low 700 hp. Evaluate your goals and thoroughly think this out and have a plan. Also realize that odds are against you and boosting a NA is very risky. It would be hard for me to justify the amount of hours needed to pull this off for the amount of unknowns included.

Like I said, don't let me talk out of this if its something you're dead set on. Just realize there will be a lot of fabrication, reworking of plans, frustration and it's all for a maybe. If you're pulling the motor, theoretically, you could throw a used set of TT pistons in and the compression problem would be a thing of the past. In fact, before I found my TT, that was my plan. I have a set of TT pistons and wrist pins if you're interested.

[MarkerZ32]

Thank you for all of your input rmlamp, I REALLY appreciate your perspectives. They're all really viable pieces of information to consider. For instance, if I remember correctly the N/A is good for 58 psi, but I don't know if it will support the rate of flow that will be needed. (I am not familiar with engine algorithms at all, I just have a very good grasp of engine power theory) So for as far as the Pleo Supercharger is concerned, as a matter of flow, I'm really just taking a shot in the dark.

Truth be told, I will be weighing my options as I am still saving for this project. Hell, part of me says just drop $700 on rebuilding the rear aubframe with adjustable linkages for now.

I am kind of interested in those TT pistons though... I may get back to you on that. 8.5:1 right?

[rmlamp]

Yessir, they're just out of a used engine. I don't need em anymore. Let me know.