Is there a generic supercharger that would fit the twin cam engine? How about an electric supercharger?
Fred Sheltry
In a way a lot of superchargers are generic. You can just about any supercharger into
your car as long as it is made to turn in the same direction as your engine's pulley.
Screw type and Roots type superchargers would not fit very well though, as these force air
directly into the intake mainfold. A centrifugal supercharger would probably be the best
way to go. As far as I can tell, it may be the only way. A centrifugal supercharger is
basically a turbo driven by a belt rather than an exhaust turbine. The thermal efficiency
of a centrifugal supercharger is slightly less than that of a turbo. But the
supercharger has much better response(no lag!) and can offer boost just off idle. This is
because superchargers generally have linear boost curves. Boost is controlled by the size
of the pulley, larger pulleys giving lower boost levels, and small pulleys giving higher
boost levels. The 240sx can probably handle about 5 psi of boost without a lot of tuning.
7 psi might be attainable with some really diligent tuning. As far as fitment of a
supercharger in a 240sx, it may be a little tricky, unless you have no air conditioning.
Vortech, Paxton and Powerdyne are probably the most reputable names in centrifugal
supercharging. Vortech and Paxton have similarly designed superchargers and are internally
gear driven. They have a slightly better thermal efficiency level than the Powerdyne unit.
However, Powerdyne is internally belt driven(it uses a belt similar to a timing belt) and
does not require oil lines to be installed for lubrication. It is also much quieter than
gear driven models.
I am personally planning on Supercharging my 240sx with a powerdyne unit, and i will
probably run about 5 lbs of boost. Hopefully I can raise the funds within about a year,
and if I do, I will definitelygive some feedback. I have priced a unit at about $1490 from
a Powerdyne salesman who said he would refer me to a shop that can get me this price.
Chano Kim
[email protected]
Electric Supercharger
In terms of performance, the gains on such a system would be minimal at best. For the cost
vs the HP gain you would be better off to spend the money on a NOS kit, cause for HP to
$$$ that is the best way to. The electric kits must pull off the electrical system in
order to help make HP, so gains in the area of probably at best 30HP "MIGHT" be
noticed, and the cost just doesn't justify it. IMO
Joel Burke
Email: [email protected]
The E-Ram costs $299 or you can get it with a K&N 3" filter for $350, go for
the one with the filter, I had a Weapon-R filter before but the K&N in much better.
As far as "is it worth it?" that depends on you, it's not much to spend on an
after market part but I think it was worth it.
Installation: pretty easy, it clipped right onto my 2.5" adapter from my existing
Weapon-R filter. the unit fit’s where the stock air box used to be, wiring is easy
and is included, the activation switch is mounted on the throttle thingy (I don't know
what it’s called) so the contact switch only comes on under full throttle.
Performance: the engine rev's much quicker in neutral, 1st & 2nd gear acceleration is
greatly improved over 3000 rpm 4th gear feels like 3rd & 5th like 4th,
Sound: awesome! coast in 2nd gear then floor it, as soon as the E-Ram kicks in the sound
changes to that of race car, heads will turn!.
As far as current draw I have a stock engine with 300 watt amp, Hella fog lights that are
always on and I listen to music real loud, at night you may notice your lights dim about
10% but you only see it if you are looking for it.
It only comes on under full throttle and never run it for more than 30 seconds.
Note that I have a Borla cat back system on my car, if you have a stock system on yours
your results may vary (especially the sound).
Next step: remove the speed governor, I hit 115 mph real quick now.
Chris
Email: [email protected]
SUPERCHARGING?
I DONT AGREE TOTALLY WITH THE STATEMENT THAT THE POWERDYNE SUPERCHARGERS ARE LESS THERMALLY EFFICIENT THAN THE VORTECH AND PAXTON. THE POWERDYNE DOES NOT USE ANY LUBRICATION BECAUSE IT HAS A BELT DRIVE. THIS IS A PLUS FOR TWO REASONS. FIRST, YOU DONT HAVE 180-200 DEGREE OIL IN THE SUPERCHARGER, THEREFORE THE POWERDYNE UNIT DOES NOT RUN AS HOT AS THE OIL LUBRICATED TYPES. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE POWERDYNE BLOWER IS MORE THERMALLY EFFICIENT THAN THE OTHERS. ONE EXAMPLE OF THIS SITUATION IS IN THE STILLEN PPG MAXIMA PACE CAR, WHERE THEY USE A VORTECH BLOWER(SPORT COMPACT CAR MAGAZINE). THE MAXIMA MAKES 325 HP BEFORE THE ENGINE IS FULLY WARMED UP BUT, BUT AFTER IT MAKES ONLY 308. I THINK THE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT THE OIL TAKES SOME TIME TO HEAT UP, SO THE BLOWER IS COOLER AT STARTUP AND MAKES MORE HORSEPOWER. IM GOING TO USE A POWERDYNE TO SUPERCHARGE MY '93 240SX-SE. A SECOND ADVANTAGE TO THE POWERDYNE IS THAT YOU DONT NEED ANY OIL LINES, AND THAT IT IS MUCH!
QUIETER(NO WHINE, WONT GIVE AWAY YOUR POWER SECRET), ALTHOUGH I DO LIKE THE WHINE OF A SUPERCHARGER. POWERDYNE OFFERS A BLOWER FOR $1690.00 DIRECTLY FROM THEM, THAT COMES IN 6PSI OR 9PSI(DIFFERENT PULLEY SIZE) WITH A SATIN FINISH WHICH IS NOT POLISHED. I EXPECT TO GET 230 TO 300 HORSEPOWER, DEPENDING ON THE PSI I USE. I AM GOING TO REBUILD THE BOTTOM END BEFORE I SUPERCHARGE IT AND UPGRADE THE FUEL SYSTEM.
ERIC ROY
Email: [email protected]
Superchargers
One tip i like to share before you think of buying a supercharger is: supercharging your 240sx will require fabrication of a mounting plate and pulley system, because as i am aware, no companies make a kit for our cars. My cousin had his supercharger off his mustang and i checked if it would fit in my engine. the fit would be tight and the blower intake and discharge holes could cause some problems or difficulty with fitting the blower, but it is entirely possible. The engine mounted radiator fan would have to be removed for a electric fan probably, but if you're not able a speed shop could probably do the install for you. hope that helps.
eric roy
Email: [email protected]