Chris Hetman

Hello Folks,

Just wondering if anyone out there ever supercharged a 3.2 I have seen a few posts on sc's, but none on the 3.2

I have SSI heat exchangers, 7:31 r&p and tried unsuccessfully to replace the MAF sensor with a Link MAF replacement unit. Since I couldn't get the Link system going, I thought of investing in a blower. I also picked up a 964 twin plug distributor, that will be done if I decide to supercharge.

Any thoughts or advice??

Thanks,
Chris

Roamer

Chris, I have done a LOT of research on this issue as I am preparing to do the same to my 86. So here it goes . . . (LONG)

First, don't be scared off by those who say that the 3.2 cannot handle forced induction. A 3.2, because it is based largely on the 3.3 turbo motor (rods, crank, block, cylinder construction, forged pistons, etc.) is more than stout enough to handle reasonable boost levels (6-8 psi). With lower compression cylinders, more fuel and intercooling you could probably run up to 14 psi. Even with 8 psi you are in the 350hp ballpark.

Second, I would consider putting the system together yourself. The kits I have seen, while undoubtedly well engineered are VERY expensive when you consider that a rotor can be had for $1500-3000. I plan on putting a system together with the help of some experts in the individual disciplines involved in SCing.

Now, the more important question is how to do it right. First, you have to get the motor ready for the boost. This means APR or Raceware rod bolts and while the motor is out, head studs. The factory 9mm bolts will bend under the increased torque from a SC'd motor. Second, FUEL, most feel that the factory injectors are good to ~300hp, therefore I would upgrade to 930 or 951 injectors (may need to thread injector openings for this) and a 930 fuel pump just to be safe, it is always better to have too much rather than too litte. Ignition, there is a great deal of debate on whether to twin plug, the turbo guys say they can get ~400hp with a single plug, for this go see the Pelican BBS, there was a recent EXCELLENT discussion on twin plugging. (FWIW I believe that I will probably twin plug my 3.2) Air intake, well you could go with a mass air setup, Steve Wong is a guru with these and uses a ford-based system that would likely work well with many aftermarket sc's, but most feel that the factory air flow meter is sufficient as long as the chip has been programmed to respond correctly. (See Steve Wong on this too). You will also have to find a place for the blower motor on the left of the engine (tuck in in the fender ala 964), that's probably where the sc will be going. It is important that you get fuel, spark, and strength FIRST before you start blowing into that motor.

Oh, just an aferthought , don't forget you will need better brakes and suspension, a LOT MORE rubber, and possibly transmission (that is about the acceptable braking point of the 915, some of the later 915s can take 350hp (85-86 LSD units)).

Now, the SC. The only way to go, IMO, is a twin screw, whipple supercharge (also used by Kenne Bell). These sc's are actually more thermally effecient than a turbo and at 8psi or less, will not require an intercooler. Also, they are internally lubricated, do not take too much power to run (because they do not need the speed that turbing or single-screw (roots) -style turbines need). Further, power right a idle through 6500 rpm, and LOTS of it. "Lots of area under the curve" as the drag guys would say.

Well, how much you say? I don't know yet, and it depends. Twin plugging is a $2k adventure and at lower boost levels may not be necessary. As for the chip and/or mass air, talk with Steve Wong. For superchargers, talk to the ford/chevy guys (they know supercharging), there is one locally (Buffalo, NY) (Kennedy's dynotune) who is known for building custom systems based on Kenne Bell or Whipple Superchargers, but again figure $1500-3000. Don't forget the motor work (studs/rod botls) and add custom fabricating for brackets, pulleys and piping. In the end, a high-end, well executed system will run around 7k-9k with twin plugging, 4-5k without. Add in the necessary suspension and brake mods (another 5-6k) and you are in it for 10-15k.

In the end the question always becomes, should I have just bought a faster car first, maybe, or swap in a 3.6. Bang-for-the buck, sc'ing is tough to beat. Simplicity and durability a swap is not so bad. The question you have to ask is how fast is fast enough, if very quick is enough, do a swap, if scary fast, is what you want, forced induction is the only way to go. Those that I have talked to with sc'd 3.2s have been VERY happy with the upgrade.

I hope this helps . . . But if you want to talk, drop me a private message and I will give you my phone number for more info.

<img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

Fahrvergnuugen

this may be a stupid question, but will this hurt the resale value? [assuming you have an authentic car]

Jay H

Modifications such as adding a supercharger will affect resale. You probably won't get your investment back in resale value and it can lower the resale value of a car depending on the conversion, it's installation quality and reputation of who did the work. If there is not much documentation of the work, resale value probably tanks quite a bit...

You definitely narrow your potential buyers down quite a bit when it comes time to sell. There are limited people who will buy a heavily modified car such as a SC'd 3.2. Stock cars sell the quickest because they appeal to the most potential buyers.