RLE80L48
Well-known member
Anyone out there running a supercharger on the C3? Will it even fit? I know it takes hood mods but what about belt and fan clearance? Any recommended type to use for street use? Thanks, Ron.
"superchargers"
- Thread starter RLE80L48
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MaineShark
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- 1979 L82, 1987 Buick Grand National
A supercharger doesn't necessarily require hood modifications. You can mount the supercharger remotely (say, down below the A/C compressor (opposite the power steering pump) and run a pipe to bring the air to the intake. There are two main types of superchargers: compressors and blowers:
A compressor (centrifugal supercharger) is similar to a turbocharger, except driven by a belt instead of an exhaust turbine. They produce a lot of boost, but don't actually move any air.
A blower (eg, roots) moves air, but doesn't compress it. Great for low-end torque, but not so hot for top-end, where the pressurized air (the air develops pressure when it hits the intake manifold and can't go anywhere) bleeds back through the blower and gets recirculated, generating heat which reduces efficiency. Because blowers push the air, rather than just pressurizing it, they can move the same volume of air with less pressure.
I happen to be a fan of the Autorotor-type supercharger (sold most commonly by folks like Whipple), which blows and compresses air. I think this gives a good balance between the advantages of both, while avoiding some of the disadvantages.
In any case, if you are running with a carb, you'll need some special hardware to make things work, since the carb uses pressure differentials to control much of its fuel metering.
Joe
A compressor (centrifugal supercharger) is similar to a turbocharger, except driven by a belt instead of an exhaust turbine. They produce a lot of boost, but don't actually move any air.
A blower (eg, roots) moves air, but doesn't compress it. Great for low-end torque, but not so hot for top-end, where the pressurized air (the air develops pressure when it hits the intake manifold and can't go anywhere) bleeds back through the blower and gets recirculated, generating heat which reduces efficiency. Because blowers push the air, rather than just pressurizing it, they can move the same volume of air with less pressure.
I happen to be a fan of the Autorotor-type supercharger (sold most commonly by folks like Whipple), which blows and compresses air. I think this gives a good balance between the advantages of both, while avoiding some of the disadvantages.
In any case, if you are running with a carb, you'll need some special hardware to make things work, since the carb uses pressure differentials to control much of its fuel metering.
Joe
Hood clearance is depending on the type you use. The big GMC type take up a lot of space. Some of the small ones like the 144's can fit under a high ride hood or small scoop. I've toyed with this idea for awhile myself. Maybe when I'm not spending my time and money on the body/paint I'll start looking at the idea again. Glad you asked the question.
Front drive belts and hardware can take up some room as well. If needed you can remove the water pump fan and replace it with electrics.
Front drive belts and hardware can take up some room as well. If needed you can remove the water pump fan and replace it with electrics.
J
JBWeaver
Guest
crazy idea
Anyone ever hear of anyone trying a electric blower, like a vacume motor to force feed air to the carb? I know, crazy idea, but why not.
Anyone ever hear of anyone trying a electric blower, like a vacume motor to force feed air to the carb? I know, crazy idea, but why not.
Well there are some small unit like you are talking about on the market now. They go inline of the air intake hose. a little fan is places there. It is suspose to push more air in, especially at low speed. It looked to to restrict more than it added. Which has been the case on most of the tries at thing. The other thing is the wieght of the electic motor to drive the thing and size.
Other tries have been electic clutches on roots and paxton units. The air restiction during non-use has always been the problem. With today Tech. someone will come up with one. The small unit on the market now are showing the interest.
Other tries have been electic clutches on roots and paxton units. The air restiction during non-use has always been the problem. With today Tech. someone will come up with one. The small unit on the market now are showing the interest.
1974vette
Well-known member
I've found this guy on CarDomain.com who has a 'procharger' on his C3...its a '68. The link to his site is http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=218591&page=1
Here is a pic of the 'procharger' under the hood.
Here is a pic of the 'procharger' under the hood.
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