Non roots supercharger for Carbs...im thinking about it.

[vetteKID]

ok, I want to have a plan for the future of my vette. I was thinking that I would spend 4 grand and have my L-48 rebuilt, but I just saw the Vortech Universal supercharger for carbureted applications, I was very intrigued by it. MY plans would be to get this system, a new carb and a new high raise hood. costing me around $4000 total (rough estimate) for the set up. I'm guessin I should get about 100hp out of the deal, but my question is what am I missing, would I need a new bottom end? cam? manifold? any body done this in a vette?

 

[MaineShark]

First you need to get the engine rebuilt, or replaced, since your comment about considering a rebuild would lead me to believe that your engine isn't exactly brand-spankin'-new.

Then you could add a supercharger.

Putting a forced induction system on an engine which isn't in pretty good condition can lead to failure.

However, for the same price, you could buy a GM Performance Parts crate engine, with zero miles and a warranty, and likely have similar or better power than a L48 with supercharger would get you.

I'm a big fan of forced induction, and if you were shooting for 600+hp, I'd say go for it (after getting an engine that would take it), but your ~300hp goal, a naturally-aspirated engine is a better choice. GM has several crate engines in the 350hp range that should work well for you. And you can put your original engine in a crate, in case you ever sell the car to someone who wants it back how it was.

Joe

 

[vetteKID]

see the thing is my engine really isnt in bad shape, it has only 50,000 miles on it, runs fine, doesnt smoke and starts everytime, so a rebuild wouldnt take place for awhile. and i really love the supercharger sound, thats why i was thinking supercharger before rebuild.

 

[Jack]

vettekid:
Since you don't need a rebuild anytime soon ... drive it & enjoy. Joe's advice is good. In the meantime ... find yourself a rebuildable core motor ... rebuild it yourself & learn along the way. For well under $4000 total you can rebuild yourself & upgrade to make about 400 very reliable & streetable hp. Jeez, $200 worth of cast flat tops, decent cam-lifters, valve springs & distributor curve kit'll get you an easy 75-100 more hp. Successful supercharging requires both a matched cam and a STOUT bottom.
There are more than a few here that will help you with your questions as you rebuild/upgrade. Not counting myself ... There's a bunch of folks here that know a lot.
JACK:gap

 

[MaineShark]

Despite the mileage, the engine is 30 years old, and the L48's internals are not as sturdy as the L82's, in most (maybe all - I'm not certain) years.

For less than the cost of a supercharger, you can have greater power (you won't be able to push much power on those old internals), and greater reliability. If you really want gear noise, perhaps a gear-drive timing chain replacement will fit your desires.

Actually, was just reading this article in Hot Rod. 396hp and 440lb-ft for $1600. I'm seriously considering duplicating this engine. Or maybe the fourth stage, with 421hp and 448lb-ft, still coming in under $2000.

I'll probably buy a second block to upgrade, so I can keep my stock engine in a crate for when I sell the car.

Of course, you may decide that you really just want to do the supercharger, and that's all right, too. I just think you can get more power and reliability, for less money. Plus, after you smoke some hopped-up Honda, you can tell him that you built the engine, and watch his eyes bug out ... you don't get the same sort of bragging rights, with bolt-on parts.

Joe