I wanted to post some info and pics on the new supercharger kit I am making for my 350z (one-off).

Here is what the kit is all going to include:
-Vortech V2 headunit with standalone oil system (not using engine oil)
-Main bracket
-Harmonically dampened 10-rib crank pulley
-Alternator pulley
-Extended power steering bracket
-Belt tensioner
-New radiator support
-Air-water intercooler
-Intake pipe
-Thermostat Housing

I am still making the pulley as we speak so I do not have any finished pictures of parts as of yet. However I will offer some info on design details.


Crank Pulley:
As mentioned above the crank pulley will be a harmonically dampened design consisting of a hub and shell with o-rings similar to the ATI super damper. The 10-rib section will be towards the inside and the 6-rib section for the alternator and PS will be moved out slightly. Right now I am still considering one design option for the pulley shell. I am considering putting three dowel pins in the outer rim in order to use it for a RPM signal for a possible cable throttle body switch with stand alone ECU. Since I am utilizing MasterCam and turning centers with live tooling this is still an option which would be nice if I choose to switch the Q45 TB and something like the Megasquirt standalone (if they have coil on plug control yet). The shell will be aluminum and the hub will be made out of an alloy steel. The shell will be attached via 8 shoulder bolts and dowel pinned for location reasons.

I had considered a cog setup using a forth axis in a machining center. However, after further research I decided that it was not worth the hassle associated with it since there are so many different tooth profiles avalible and I am unsure of what I would need for a belt length. I contacted gates and worked with them to come up with a solution and even worked with York Industries to get some belts custom made but the cost was not worth the effort or the gain.

The pulley will obviously be balanced also.

Main Bracket:
The bracket will be made of aluminum but will be very close to the block and of substantial thickness and structural design so that it will not bend or flew like on some of the current kits avalible.

Alternator Pulley:
The alternator pulley will be made offset further out instead of shimming the alternator out further.

Intercooler:
The intercooler will be a simple air-to-water intercooler utilizing a Bell core with custom end tanks. While air-to-air is more common and can be just as effective the idea is that with the air-to-water intercooler I will be able to reduce pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet due to the smaller space which can hopefully allow me to create some more power at a lower boost level.

Radiator and Support:
The radiator support will be made out of pillet and extruded tube in order to support the radiator and the water cooling radiator. It will also hold the oil pump for the standalone oil pump system, standalone oil reservoir, oil filter remote mount, coolant overflow tank, and the water pump for the intercooler. The intercooler radiator will be a double pass also. The radiators will also be about 6 inches narrower than stock with a new fan in between them.

Headunit:
The V2 headunit will be as mentioned lubricated by a standalone oil system in order to reduce temperatures. The intake will run under the driver side unibody frame structure into the front driver side of the bumper.

Intake:
At first I will be utilizing the K&N typhoon intake tube. I may try to reiforce the welds on the MAF plug though. If I end up using the Q45 TB I will end up having a company near me make a whole new tube.

Thermostat Housing:
I will have to make a new thermostat housing as the headunit will most likely be in the way of the thermostat outlet. I am going to try to retro fit the stock thermostat into a new housing or design a thermostat from another car into a new housing.

Current Parts:
-CJM Fuel Rails
-Aeroquip fittings and fuel lines
-Vortech V2 Headunit
-K&N Intake
-Clutchmasters FX400 clutch

Below I have attached some pictures of where the supercharger will be roughly mounted and where the core of the intercooler will be mounter. As for where the intercooler core will be mounter I have two options and I will post both. One is at a 45degree angle and one is horizontal. Please excuse the use of the 350z owners manual as an example but it is something that should give you a rough estimate of core size (but not as thick).

Here are some pictures and drawings

 

I am unsure as to what engine management I will be using but I will be using a extrenal fuel pump and a surge tank. I will also be utilizing my CJ Motorsports fuel rails.

 

Solidworks eh? Who is going to do your machine work? Looks good though definitely keep us updated would like to see how you end up.

 

All of the machining and fabrication is done by me along with the drafting, design and research.

 

If I was able to post the html file of it I would so people could rotate about the solid in a 3D landscape.

 

awesome dude...make sure to keep us posted!!!

 

Looks like a crazy project. What exactly are all your goals and reasons for doing this?

 

Wow! Props for having the courage to tackle such a job from scratch! But this seems like a BIG PITA ?

 

My main goals behind the project are to showcase my skills as an engineer for career reasons. I am also interested to see how much power can be added just be reducing the intake pipe length and the number of bends.

 

+1 but very interested

 

Sounds great!!

 

Congrats on being unique. Keep us updated. And good luck with evertyhing.

 

While it would seem like a PITA to most this is what I am into so for me it is fun and exciting. On top of that you guys would would be amazed on the cost savings I have.

 

Here is a timeline of what should be coming up and when:

-Machined Crank Hub in 2-3 weeks (end of Feb.)
-Machined Shell in 4-5 weeks (beginning of March)
-Main Bracket in 4-5 weeks

After those are finished I will begin working on the intake for the headunit, the intercooler and the radiator support all at once which will come together quickly.

 

This is what America needs more of. Good luck man!

 

You have to respect someone like that. Good luck with everything.

 

Good luck on your project . Putting the blower closer to the crank pulley will help with the belt slipping once boost preasures rich that magic psi . The V-2 head unit ...what is it capable of putting out ? I would try to keep open the possibility of using a cog belt to drive it

 

Looks cool! Maybe you can sell a kit when your done?

 

I think that with less pressure loss due to the piping routing and possibly more effecient intercooling 500whp is possible on the V2 with a full exhaust system and maybe a plenum and an amazing tune.

While making a serpentine crank will take less time a cog setup is just as easy for me to make but will take some more time to actually machine. I have been doing a ton of research on cog drives for the last two months and working with different belt companies and to be honest I have not found anything that would justify the cost and effort needed for me to get the belts that I would want. I think that with a centrifugal supercharger a 10-rib is more than enough to hit 500whp. If it was a roots that would be a different story. I just look at it this way, people hit mid 400whp with a long 6-rib so a short ten rib should be more than enough and who know how much power will be gained by the intake tract alone.

As for selling the kit, I do not have any plans to make more than one but I may sell it after I get it on the car or if I find the right person with the right setup (stroked motor maybe) then I would sell it to them.

 

I'm gonna go ahead and say you did mechanical engineering at UW Madison?

Wish I had more Solid Works or ProE experience...unfortunately I learned on an obscure package called IronCAD