tici

iTrader: (1)

In the owner's manual of my Vortech SQ they say to avoid start ups below 25F

"failure to comply with this may result in immediate supercharger failure"

WTF?

Our winters are colder than that, do I really have to worry?

eviltwins

Gear tolerances in the SQ-trims are very tight, which can cause havock at start up in very cold temps. Personally I would just disconnect the blower belt and hook the maf/TB back up to the lid for driving in the cold cold winter.

tici

iTrader: (1)

I can also just remove the belt and load a non SC program.
Car runs like crap but who needs so much power in winter? Or is it better to duct-tape the blower and reconnect the filter to the TB?

Got Me SOM

iTrader: (2)

if you have a block heater you should be ok, they probably say that cause at initial start up the oil is thick and at the bottom of the pan and that can cause seizure. I's run a lighter weight oil to ensure adequate lubrication.

WSteve6

This has me a little concerned as next year I plan on getting a Vortech. I don't drive my car in the winter but I do start it every week and let it run for about 20-25 min. I wonder if this would cause problems. I pretty much will always be running Castrol 0w-30 so I don't think it'll be too thick at startup if the oil being too thick is the reason to be concerned.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Well if the car is in the garage and the garage is freezing it sounds like it can be something to watch out for. For the final word on this maybe email John Snee @ Vortech:

jsnee@vortechsuperchargers.com

Got Me SOM

iTrader: (2)

I think you'll be fine man..

VortechC5

iTrader: (6)

I never knew that before. That is really good info to have!

WSteve6

I emailed John Snee and this is what he had to say:

"Hi Steve,

In order to achieve the low noise level of Vortech SQ superchargers, Vortech specifies precise manufacturing procedures that call for minimal internal clearance. These precise tolerances however are not conducive to temperatures below 25 degrees F. Therefore, storing the vehicle in a heated garage or employing the use of an engine block heater/aftermarket engine blanket is required when the vehicle is subjected to a “cold start-up” in ambient temperatures below 25 degrees F. Failure to comply with this may result in immediate supercharger failure.

Thanks,

John Snee"

So it might be a good idea to remove the belt, IMHO.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Below 25F I would just put a trickle charger on the car and wax it.

I typically only start my car when it's a bit warmer than that. I use a trickle charger on off all winter.

WSteve6

I should get a trickle charger. As it is probably best not to start the car in weather below freezing.

tici

iTrader: (1)

well... mine is a daily drive 365 days a year!
I'll get the belt off: this toy is too expensive to mess with it.

Thanky you guys for your answers!

Stefano

yano

I believe RMCR has had 2 cars that had Vortech SC fail because they were started in cold weather, really cold around 10 above. brrrrrrr

Inspector12

iTrader: (29)

Stefano no big deal for you since you can just swap programs and run it strait through the thottlebody and disconnect the belt until the weather permits it's use etc.

tici

iTrader: (1)

I'm lazy! What if I suck the air trough the blower and no belt?
Car won't run faster than 90 mph, but who cares in winter with ice and snow?

Jeff, it was a bad idea to show me that video! I was so happy with my numbers and now I'm thinking about... some... more... stuff to install!

WSteve6

Hey Guys,

I followed up a bit more with John Snee at Vortech to ask about if the other trims had to worry about cold starts. It looks like only the SQ trim has to worry. Anyway here's what he said:

All "SQ" (Super Quiet) blowers have helical gears, so you should avoid running any kit part number that ends with an "SQ" in less-than-25^ F. environments, unless you're taking the precautions mentioned below. Otherwise, just run the 4GK218-010 (satin, non-cooled), 4GK218-018 (polished, non-cooled), 4GK218-060 (satin, Aftercooled), or the 4GK218-068 (polished, Aftercooled), and you will have no worries (except the audible gear whine at idle, which some people love).

Thanks,

John Snee

Got Me SOM

iTrader: (2)

jit might be in the owner's manual.

tici

iTrader: (1)

It's in the guarantee papers...
Also that they wont give you any guarantee if the kit is sold outside the USA...

See where I live and imagine how I felt when I saw that