Hey everyone... I am about a month away from ordering a supercharger, but I'm still torn between Vortech & ATI. I'll list what I think pros and cons of both systems are in my mind, but if you all could help verify my claims I would really appreciate it.

Steve

Vortech:
Pros-
- comes with safe preset ignition and fuel maps that allows for relatively safe operation out of the box.
- I can learn the R4 Software and tune the car myself and only pay for dyno runs.
- Comes with detailed installation instructions (I haven't seen the ATI install instructions)
- Cheaper than ATI

Cons-
- Drilling split crankcase for oil return line
- Installing oil feed line
- Long serpntine drive belt has tendency to stretch which can cause noise or loss of boost or both.
- Cutting wires in ECU (not really a big deal but don't have to do it with ATI)
- Air filter location (of course I can easliy modify this)

ATI Procharger:
Pros-
- No oil feed or return lines to worry about
- Adjustable FMU from in cabin
- Smaller drive belts which help durability
- No hacking into ECU wires (would have Altered Atmosphere tune)
- Air filter location

Cons-
- No preset ignition timing controller (don't want the car to blow up on my way to get it tuned)
- Have to pay to have the car tuned
- More expensive than Vortech

Can anyone with with actual working knowledge of these kits (have it on there cars) help me with this decision? Thanks

 

I personally like the ATI kit, but I am curious to see that on a psi basis and the same amount of pulled timing, if it would make more power than the vortech unit with a stock setup. Plus it's nice to not have to tap the oil pan and it looks like the c2 can handle some good psi levels if you have the bottom end to back it up, but I'm not sure if you have to send the blower assembly back to be refitted like you have to with the votech for higher PSI levels.

 

I f you plan on just installing and not upgrading in the future....I would go with the Vortech . If your plans include more hp later and dont mined going thru the hassle of finishing the ATI kit to make it safe...go with the ATI...it is more upgradable and will spin to much higher rpm than the Vortech

 

Thanks for the opinions so far. I don't plan on building up the bottom end or getting 9psi pullies. I just want a "safe" and "relaible" 100whp that I don't have to stress too much about. I'm more concerned with reliabilty than ultimate power.

Booger, are you having any issues with your Vortech so far?

 

zbicklin........what kit did you end up with? I'm in the market right now and can't decide between the 2.
If anyone has anything else to say that would help ease the decision, it's appreciated.
A little background info. first: My car is track driven at least once a month (usually twice) in socal (read: hot). Temps in the dessert out here can hover around 95 to 110 degrees in the summer. What sort of safety precausions should I make to ensure (I know: nothings assured) I don't cook my internals.

Thanks and a Merry Xmas to all!

 

I went with the Vortech. I've had it for about 1500 miles and so far no problems. Ultimately what led to my decision was the ability for me tune the split second box with the R4 software myself. My sig. has a list of my mods. Good luck!

 

What kind of power are you putting down with those mods. Did you install it yourself or have a shop do it?
Glad you like it so far. I'm leaning towards the Vortech myself after some past email discussions with (bobawah?) from Streetimage, who didn't recommend the ATI.
But like everone says; it's all in the tuning. cheers,

 

I dynoed at 357 rwhp and 301rwtq with the stock pulley and a pretty rich A/F. I now have the 3.12" (9lb) pulley and I retuned on the street but haven't had a dyno yet. I want to get a new clutch first.
I did install the Vortech myself which took about 22 hours. So if you get the Vortech please feel free to ask any questions about the install or tuning.

Steve

 

If you want to set it and forget it then I would get ATi tuner kit, then add PE 380cc injectors and a TS ecu reflash (if your ecu can be reflashed). The Vortech kit use an FMU to up the fuel pressure, which is not good for the injector in the long term.

 

Hmmm....interesting. I've heard the ATI kit is a little more tunable compared to the Vortech. I've also heard of more people grenading their engines with the ATI.
If your upgrading the injectors anyway, wouldn't the Vortech FMU work just fine?
Thanks for the advice S12 driver. Do you have either of these kits in your car?

 

No, sorry. I can't give you any first hand experience on the Z. I own a 200SX Turbo.