Topic: dumb newbie supercharger question

[Bonesaw]

Ok don't flame me too much for asking, but I've been doing a bit of research on the whole supercharging thing for the 2.5L wrangler, and was wondering this:

is it possible (didn't say easy) to use a supercharger from a different car (say a Buick or a VW) in the Jeep?

I don't have the resources to do an engine swap and I've done so much to my YJ that I don't really want to part with it, but it takes an eternity to get up to highway speeds. I don't do much (if any) off-roading, its more of a summer fun/winter warrior thing.

I've got an upgraded intake and plan to put a cat-back in and do an electric fan mod, but I am really interested in a supercharger. I'm also dirt poor and don't want to pay more for the super than I did for the Jeep 

[Jesse-James]

Help us out by telling us the rest of your setup, auto or manual, tire size, gears....

[Bonesaw]

auto transmission, stock tires (28's I think) gear ratio is stock (wouldn't know how to check or change that). No lift at all, I'd like one someday but too many people complain about not being able to get in my Jeep already  Everything else is pretty much stock, I've got some KC Daylighters but that's pretty much it.

Like I said, not much of an off-roader, more of an on road daily driver/winter get-to-work-safe Jeep.

[Jesse-James]

There is no way to do it cheaply (supercharger), but with 28's and 3.73's it should be relatively quick already.

[acousticrawk]

i was wondering this too. my info is in my signature. ive been debating between turbp or supercharger. how much to total turbo setups usually run in comparison to a full supercharger set up?

[Jeffy]

i was wondering this too. my info is in my signature. ive been debating between turbp or supercharger. how much to total turbo setups usually run in comparison to a full supercharger set up?

A turbo will probably cost around $1-1500 when it's all said and done from a DIY.  Supercharger will depend on how cheap you can find one and if it will work with the engine.  The simplest setup would be a centrifugal supercharger which would be easier to route then the turbo.  Cost a bit more since all are aftermarket.  You'll stiill need a fuel management computer though.  Roots would require a lot of fabrication to get it to work with the intake.  Not to mention making it clear everything.  A lot more work for that...

There are two turbo installs and a dedicated turbo thread on the forums so most of it's been covered there.

[acousticrawk]

yeah, i have seen tyhe turbo threads. my biggest questions is what exactly do you have to do to the fuel system so it works right the first time?

[Bonesaw]

well here's a picture of one that I can get pretty cheap from craigslist:



I have access to air tools and a welder if I need to fab a mount or something, but looking at this super do you think it would fit/work?

[Bonesaw]

forgot to mention I don't have A/C so this would go in the A/C's spot on the engine/belt track, if it would work

[acousticrawk]

what is it out of?

[jcsanders79]

Seriously?  You think you need a supercharger with a stock set up??? 

[Jeffy]

Seriously?  You think you need a supercharger with a stock set up??? 

That would be my first question, too.

Before buying anything, I highly recommend reading up on the basic principles of forced induction.  There are some basic rules you need to follow.  Then you'll need the fabrication skills.  Welding aluminum will probably come in handy.

This book migth be good for starters.
http://www.amazon.com/Maximum-Boost-Turbocharger-Engineering-Performance/dp/0837601606/ref=pd_sim_b_2

As for that supercharger, you need to know what it's from.  That will help tell you what kind of boost it will make.  That SC looks like it's from a V6 with a transverse engine.  Looks like the original TB is on the back end of it.  The snout on the pulley might be too long but it's hard to tell.  A screw type supercharger will be a bit PITA to install and require a lot of fabrication.  Just look at the Avenger and you can see what all needs to be moved.

Honestly, a centrifugal will give you plenty of power where you need it, up high so that's not a big deal.  Since you don't have to pipe the exhaust, it will be a bit easier then a Turbo and a hell of a lot easier then the screw SC.

But then not everyone wants the easy route, in which case have at it if you think you're up for it.

[Bonesaw]

Seriously?  You think you need a supercharger with a stock set up??? 

well I want to do as much as I can to this little 2.5L so it gets better pick up and can actually keep up with cars on the highway. Like I mentioned before, I don't have an engine lift/hoist or the expertise to switch out an engine, so that's pretty much out of the question. I've done so much to this YJ I don't just want to sell it and get a different one with a bigger engine, though that would be the easiest route I know.

If that one would be way too much work then its really not worth it for me, I've got time on my hands but I don't want it to end up a hopeless mess 

I'll check that book out and read up before I go any further, I'm a tinkerer by nature but I don't want to get in over my head, this is still my daily driver after all.

[Jeffy]

Well, after browsing over the thread, I'd say you have two things going against you.  The auto and the stock gearing.  You might consider swapping axles with a manual if you want more pep.  Still, with 28" tires, you might limit your top end, but I doubt you'd notice.  No one drives over 100mph in a YJ.  That would be cheaper then anything else and give you the most bang for the buck.

You'd definitely want to double check the RPM's with lower gears on a calculator and see where it puts you.

[jfrabat]

Well, after browsing over the thread, I'd say you have two things going against you.  The auto and the stock gearing.  You might consider swapping axles with a manual if you want more pep.  Still, with 28" tires, you might limit your top end, but I doubt you'd notice.  No one drives over 100mph in a YJ.  That would be cheaper then anything else and give you the most bang for the buck.

You'd definitely want to double check the RPM's with lower gears on a calculator and see where it puts you.

I was thinking the same...  With 4.10 gears you should have more pep off the line, and because the RPM's would be higher, you can maintain a higher speed.  But like Jeffy said, make sure you calculate for RPM's; you dont want to go TOO high.  That will be cheaper and MUCH simpler than a SC or Turbo...