Greetings to all. New member who is looking for his first Mustang.
Here is my thoughts and possible plans:

Looking for a used V6, probably a 2007, maybe a 2008. Chances are with the $ I have to spend, I'm looking at something that will have around 20-30K miles.

My 1st question is if I were to buy a supercharger, will the crank, pistons, rods, etc, be able to withstand it? I know there probably is a lot of variables and possible answers. But would it be more advisable to have the engine rebuilt using forged parts? I know it obviously wouldn't hurt and would be a great thing to do but is it a must? Am I looking at a very short engine life span if I don't?

My second question is if I did install a supercharger what other parts or systems would need to be replaced? I'm sure the fuel injectors would need changing or would it be the entire fuel system including fuel pump?

Lastly, could the heads be left alone in regards to the adding of a supercharger? If I wasn't to go the supercharger route, is there a thread or link with a list of mods and parts one could add to get another 50hp or so?

Thanks in advanced for the help.

 

Absolotely!

The 4.0 is a touhg little motor. Count on 280-300 EASILY at the wheels running a well proven system from either Explorer Express or Vortech AND running a conservative tune.

They have totally turnkey kits for around $4k. You can of course roll your own for less $'s, but your mileage may vary.

There was a recent thread about motor work in lieu of FI...and it is worth reading. I personally find it hard to believe that you can squeeze out 70 HP as claimed int he thread...and have not seen any dynos proving such, but I agree it could be done. The problem there is you are in very uncharted waters...and almost at the cost of FI when all said and done.

A MUCH cheaper alternative is an agressive tune, CAI and gears...it will feel like 50-75 hp regardless what the actual number is. Seat of the pants dyno will be off the chart...the car will feel very, very quick.

Good luck!

 

Steve, there are ALOT of 4.0L's running around with some type of FI (forced induction). Use the search button and keep looking back through the pages to find threads about the turbo and supercharger kits that are readily available. Nearly all have been done with the stock block. Keep the boost low and run a good tune, and you'll be fine.

 

Been running a Vortech supercharger on the stock engine for 1 1/2 years; the 4.0's are pretty stout. The key is a good tune that protects the engine.
And yes, you'll need fuel injectors as the main engine change.
A tuner kit is usually the best route if you have to buy a kit, just make sure you have or get a tuner device and get it tuned properly.

The V6s are a whole different beast with a supercharger

 

Thanks for the quick responses. I have done some reading and keep hearing about the x-charger as the easiest and biggest increase in HP. Would you guys agree with that?

Does the x-charger kit come with the new fuel injectors? Do I have to change the fuel pump?

What exactly do you mean by a good tune? I believe this is the small handheld computer type device you plug in to the vehicle. But how do I tune it correctly for use with a supercharger? Is there set programs the device has that you select? Does the supercharger come with the specs you should input with the tuner? What I am trying to avoid is buying some equipment then find out I need this or that. Where can I find the x-charger for sale?

Thanks

 

There was a group buy going on - not sure if it is done now or not, but here's the thread:

X-Charger Group Buy

The X is a do-it-yourself type of installation if you are handy with tools. That's why folks say it is easier than other superchargers or turbos. It does not give the highest HP increase though. The current kit is non-intercooled, but the X-Charger Extreme is in development, and it features an air-to-water intercooler. Current X owners will be able to retrofit the intercooler, and new buyers will have the choice of buying the X kit with or without the intercooler. CARB certification in underway, and product testing will be done in the next few weeks on the X Extreme.

When people say that a new tune will be needed, that means that the handheld tuner needs to be loaded with the correct tune for the supercharger. Reputable tuners like Brenspeed, VMP, & Bamachips can load those tunes for you, or you can get a custom dyno tune at the same time as your installation. I think the X-Charger comes with a tuner, but a dyno tune is recommended if you plan to push things. In contrast, there was a member who installed an X himself, and couldn't wait to try it out so he drove it with the NA tune and popped the motor. That was a costly lesson in patience.