vortech is it worth it?
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kp runs an SDCE setup.The only package that Vortech offers for the LS1 is the G-trim, which is a small compressor with limited growth potential (as in not much more than a stock motor). That's why not many LS1 guys run it. Vortech worked themselves in to a corner on that one.
If I were going to choose a blower for my LT1 car, it'd be a Vortech. Even though you have to tap the oil pan. No big deal.
Its all in the tune (I have always wanted to write this).
Post up some specific questions, and I'll try to contribute what I can.
1. The Vortech kit uses engine oil for lubrication and has an air to water intercooler.
2. The Procharger uses it's own self-contained oil and has dual air to air intercoolers.
3. As far as price, the complete kits seem to usually be around $6K. Just shope around on a few sponser websites, or wait until someone runs a special.
4. I'd say the Procharger kit may be a little more efficient. At 8 psi, I put down 479 RWHP in my '02 Z28. My '01 SS, with the Vortech kit, put down "only" 463 at 9 psi. The '01 still has the stock exhaust manifolds and cats (!)
while the '02 has FLP longtubes, etc., so you might say the Vortech could put down the same numbers as the ATI, but then again, my '02 put down those numbers through a Moser 12 bolt and my '01 still has it's original 10-bolt.5. Either of them could be used as a DD if you really wanted to. Mine are both garage queens to tell you the truth. They only come out about once/week in perfect cloudless weather. One note of caution with the ATI kit, the cooling fan sucks. It is not very powerful. I found out I cannot run A/C down here in Texas when the temp is... say...above 95 degrees. The coolant temp will start to really climb and the car will try to overheat. I even threw in Redline Water Wetter, and while it made a little difference, it did not totally solve the problem. A few guys on here have upgraded their fans... something I will do eventually.
6. Almost forgot, the ATI kit comes standard with 6-rib pullies. The Vortech comes with 8-rib. You want 8-rib. ATI sells an upgrade kit, as so do some other firms like SDCE. On the ATI, with 6-rib, you risk some belt slippage at high RPM. I have never had "major" slippage issues, but the car is rarely driven hard. In fact, I've never seen the boost take a dive at high RPM (indicating significant slippage), but I have had to wipe belt dust off the pullies several times.



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