Which style of supercharger will negatively impact handling the least? A centrifugal (like Vortech) that puts 80 additional pounds basically in front of the engine or a positive displacement (like Whipple) which puts 140 pounds mostly on top of the engine?

(Not looking to discuss the various benefits of the types of superchargers, brands, reliability, etc. just the impact on handling of the additional weight.)

 

BUMP

Good question, and I would like to know the same. I understand that an alignment is a good idea after both just to get things corrected for the extra weight.

 

Ahhh, while not known for this, I can help on both fronts....

Aside from suspensions, I have pretty good pricing on E-force kits. In fact, good enough I'm not allowed to say here but I can beat the standard $6495 price pretty well. AND to answer your question, that kit is nowhere NEAR 140 pounds (with the intercooler). In fact I show it as around 55 pounds dry.

I really don't think the Whipple is that heavy to be honest, but I know the Edelbrock isn't

 

The Whipple is about the same in weight.

 

I have the Series VI Saleen SC which the complete kit(upgraded heat exchanger) in the box delivered weighs about 112 lbs. Minus the box with partition padding -8lbs , we're at 104 lbs.

Then minus the stock Ford parts removed in the install -26lbs or so, you're at about 78 lbs total added to the center of the top engine directly out from the fire wall.

Some Saleen installers told me they didn't even think the total added weight was more than 70 lbs after install for that kit, and I was over estimating the added weight.

So the Saleen is a lighter install weight for a powerful and efficient low end torque twin screw SC. A custom 10lb tune (3.4 pulley) kept to 16-17 safe ignition timing with stock exhaust can yield 460rwhp or 525 crank HP.

Not bad for a lighter install weight with the Saleen Series VI. The Whipple yields a bit more HP @ 10.5lbs because the company tunes carry 19 ignition timing. Erik

 

the V3 head unit weighs a good 25 or so lbs. the intercooler, a good 30-35lbs. piping?? not sure.. maybe about 15 or so. The intercooler is pretty massive compared to alot I have seen (comparing to stock turbo ones) but it's pretty standard in size. High density core as well (dissipates heat and carries air more efficiently)

 

Thanks so much for all the info, guys!

So it sounds like the weight difference between centri's and PD's is negligible. Which means closer to center of vehicle (PD) is better for handling.

Well damn. I was hoping the centri would be better because I think its a better fit for the 2011/12 GT power curve. I think the 5.0 has plenty of torque for tire size, I would like even more of a rush from 4K to 7K rpms.

 

My V3 is pretty gutless down low, but above 3k and on the highway it's almost scary lol

 

Sorry about my above post, i mis read your info and thought you had an 08' : ( Erik

 

We went to the Iron LQ9 which added nearly 80 lbs at the most on top of the Big Black Whipple weight. I would imagine I would destroy every plastic cone at a grocery store parking lot autocross but it is kind of a hoot to hear the wheels hit after a 2-3 power shift. The 2.3 liter twin helix blower I had did not seem to add significant weight, at least the front wheels stayed planted. Aside from the weight, I love the PD blowers. Then again I can't do a U-turn in the entire state of Kansas. JMHO