need advice re: supercharger or turbo '95 C4

[noble_savage]

Hi Vette-setters,
I am in the early stages of looking into the prospects of adding a supercharger or a turbo kit to my '95. I am wondering if anyone has any insight, good or bad at the prospects of adding this to my car. I have heard a supercharger, bolt-on kit can be had for less than $4000, and can add in the neighborhood of 100+ HP. Any namebrands to steer clear of, or things to think about? I am fairly novice, and would like to hear what anyone would have to say. Is an option like a supercharger a can of worms, and alot of extra stuff would need to be done to my car, or is it easy to keep things mostly stock, and just add the kit?

Your responses and experiences, good or bad would be appreciated.

Thanks, Brad

'95 C4
Bone stock 'cept K&N
Automatic coupe
30,000 miles

 

[Edmond]

Forced induction systems are probably the cheapest way to get HP. Looks like when Corvette people go for the forced induction, they go for the superchargers.

I would personally beef up the entire car (brakes, shocks, etc...) and probably rebuild the engine. It also depends on how many PSI's you're running as well.

A lot of people would say that a supercharger gives you instant power while a turbo gives you higher end power. But with today's technology, "turbo lag" isn't as prevelant as before.

 

[Vettelt193]

I haven't seen a turbo kit for LT1 cars yet... I heard someone is working on one though....

for superchargers: This is an excellent mod, pretty easy to install, considering the power gain, and your car will still be reliable.

The best one to get is ATI's procharger (www.procharger.com) they are intercooled, well built, don't require an oil line from the oil pan, and add 60-65% power on the LT1... you will be looking at a solid 450 HP if setup properly.

The next is Vortech, they are not quite as good, but still well built. On vettes they usually don't have an intercooler, which makes them cheaper, but also makes your safe max boost 6 PSI, instead of 8 PSI for the ATI.

The other superchargers out there are usually cheaper, but like anything, you get what you pay for. I would go for procharger, then Vortech if I couldn't afford the procharger.

 

[Last Ride]

I have been researching this topic as well as my 78 has an LT1 stuffed into the engine compartment. For me, either way I go I run into the problem of having to custom fabricate things. I think that everything being equal, I am going to go the turbo route. Haven't decided yet on one larger turbo or a twin setup, but I guess only time will tell. Turbo Tech does make a single turbo kit for the LT1, but as of right now, it is only for the F-body. Website propaganda claims a 100+ RWHP increase on a stock F-body LT1, and I have heard that if you try to push that, the system begins to show its deficiencies. That kit ran at $4000 or so, if I remember correctly. Supposedly, Gale Banks is building a twin turbo kit for the LT1 Corvette, and the rumors further state that they are shooting for a four-digit hp output. If you are looking for more info on the latter, don't bother with the Banks website because they have nothing on it. If it ever comes to be, I would bet that it is really expensive. In any case, keep us updated on whatever you decide!

 

[noble_savage]

Thanks for your input,

I will make sure and keep you updated when I install it.

Have a good winter.
Brad

 

[vettn94]

Bryan I don't know where you are in IL. but have you checked with Tony DeQuik @
http://www.chargedair.com/
I know the owner of that blue twin turbo C5 on the front page, I have seen the setup in person and it looks sweet.
That place does nice work but I'll warn you in advance they are slow.
good luck

just noticed you're in Springfield. That would be a LONG drive up to CAS.