New here:
So i have been doing some research and would like to go F.I. I pretty much narrowed it down to a Vortech supercharger, since its the most reliable on the stock engine. Here are the facts:

1. 2004z track model, Manual transmission
2. 45k miles
3. 400whp or 380whp, i dont want to go above this, i dont need it to be any faster
4. Will be a daily driver, but most of the time i will be stuck in traffic until the weekends.
5. 4k budget (for used kit) - can add another 2.5k for installs, tuning, missing parts.

So i need your opinion on some things. Is it wise to buy a vortech supercharger used on the classified forums here? is it wise to buy a used vortech super charger in general?

Also is it wise to add a supercharger to a vehicle with 45-50k miles on it? This seems to be the only opportunity to ever go FI since i have the money on hand now. Just looking for the forums experienced opinions for a thumbs up or down. Be free to add in any tips, (aside from researching the forums lol) Your guidance is much appreciated. Thanks everyone :-)

 

50k miles is nothing, go for it. Also, you'll need at least a 3.12 pulley and a killer tune to get 400whp.

 

I'd rather run a properly tuned Greddy TT than an improperly tuned Vortech any day of the week. Reliability has more to do with tuning than what kit you're using.

 

Save more, 4k isn't enough.

 

+1 not even close.

 

i seen vortech kits for 3500 used, thats one of the questions on this post, but i just changed my original to restate that question clearer. Is it wise to buy a used kit?

 

t trim if possible, with markets like it is ...surely possible.i see no problem with a used low mileage one.

 

Used full kit 3500
Install/tune est 2000

Already 5500

What if you have a missing part? and if you plan to run 400whp you need to run better ems, bigger injectors and fuel pump/etc.

Save little more, at least if you are ok to spend 6k~7K then do it at that time.


chefj

 

Depends on how hard on your car you have been, not all daily drivers have it easy. If it is burning oil, you could need some bottom end work before you go FI

 

I went "budget" with my used Vortech kit and ended up having to spend $5,500 in just parts alone just to have a "safe" setup (large injectors, colder plugs, gauges, replacement parts, etc.). I could have saved some money, but $5k is cutting it real close to even affording the parts that will allow you to drive it with peace of mind.

Peace of mind is a big thing. I don't enjoy being F/I as much as I would if I knew that everything was solid. This mainly comes down to me going the self-tuning route, and also knowing that the rods are at some point going to bend. Unlike most F/I'ers on here, I don't have 5k sitting around for a built motor.

 

Can't forget, radiator, clutch , and a few others that are needed. Then you have other power mods (exhaust , spacer etc etc ) that you should get first , before you have it tuned without.

 

i can see replacing the clutch and getting colder plugs. But radiator, larger injectors, exhaust , and spacer i dont think is that necessary to get up and running at least at 380whp. I do plan on gettinga spacer in the future as well as exhaust. But is it really that necessary to run a stable F.I. at 380-400whp?

 

You WILL need larger injectors if you're gonna be running 380whp

 

oh ok cool, i can definitely get that before i do the install no problem.

 

Look up what others have that are running that HP

 

6 to 7k is a good amount for a used kit and to get everything right running correctly. The cheapest kit sinced i looked at FI for VQ's is vortech, turbonetics, greddy and after that comes the big kits. it all depends on your goals but always remember this when you go boost or as some like to call it the dark side you always want more. So bang for the buck at your budget greddy kit my opinion and if you ever want to go higher in hp the greddy has juice for 700whp last time i checked.

 

How is the 400 horsepower Z coming along?

 

Update?

Best bet since you are in california is one of the carb legal superchargers, especially if it's to be daily driven.

 

Moved...

 

This appears to be yet another in a long line of dreamer threads. Nothing to see here.