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Why do you supercharge?

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Old 02-15-2005, 09:59 PM
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Default Why do you supercharge?

My question is <<zipping up flame suit>> Why are folks so fast to drop 5 grand on radix kit to gain 150 horsies when you can go buy yourself an entire 408 for the same money and put down the same horsepower? I would assume the 408 will also be less stressed and longer life motor than a 4.8 or 5.3 running with 8 lbs of boost. I'm not trying to turn this into a pissing match, but I am curious why so many folks supercharge rather than do an entire motor swap? I just don't see any benefits yet of supercharging.......


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Old 02-15-2005, 10:06 PM
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1) Supercharging is easier to do than swapping a whole engine out.
2) A supercharged engine gets better mileage than a bigger engine.
3) Superchargers look cool
Old 02-15-2005, 10:08 PM
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its all about the bitches
Old 02-15-2005, 10:13 PM
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Originally Posted by David Cairns
1) Supercharging is easier to do than swapping a whole engine out.
2) A supercharged engine gets better mileage than a bigger engine.
3) Superchargers look cool

That sums it up in a nut shell.

Some people do not, or can not take the time to do a complete motor swap. Honestly, you may be able to get a motor for 5 gs...but there is alot more involved than buying a motor and dropping it in. The Radix will take you approx 8 hours to install start to finish, a motor swap (done right) is alot more than that......Then lets talk about tuning the larger motor....if you dont know how....then what, pay someone.


Radix $5150 Suggested Retail and you are done
Big Motor $5000 +

I know there are some good engine builders out there, dont get me wrong. But if you are looking for a true BOLT on and GO system that will give you 120 RWHP with 18 mpg....then you know where to go!

Basically the supercharger makes a little motor think it is BIG.
Old 02-15-2005, 10:14 PM
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i agree with david. but if i had the extra 5000 to spend i think i would go with the 408. and count my pennies till i could charge it. either one you choose your gonna need tranny work to hold up.
Old 02-15-2005, 10:18 PM
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BTW I got almost 100K outta my last blown 5.3L
Old 02-15-2005, 10:19 PM
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Default procharger cheaper

I only paid $3500 for my procharger kit brand new which is a lot cheaper and easier than a motor swap.
Old 02-15-2005, 10:28 PM
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$5000 is really on the low side for a 408 with decent heads and a cam.$6500 to $7000 is closer to the truth.
Old 02-15-2005, 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by whitt1
$5000 is really on the low side for a 408 with decent heads and a cam.$6500 to $7000 is closer to the truth.
not to mention any frustrations along the way..........these shops aren't always on the up and up
Old 02-15-2005, 10:38 PM
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After putting the Radix on the H2 I don't see how I could possibly put a whole engine in. Those side fenders are seriously tall. I think I would have to take the tires off and put it down on blocks to get a hoisted engine over the fenders.

At any rate, you just don't pull a low mileage engine for no reason. The Radix was the obvious choice.

Cory


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