I am swapping engines next year and I am currently weighing my options. I want to buy a built zetec from either tom or sean hyland. then I want to boost it. Id like to go turbo but I dont think I can really afford it. after all is said and done, I could have just bought a new car thats already turbo. Im already kind of dumb for going SC but what the hell, I like my focus. I like the aftercooler for the vortech and the centrifugal style charger but I like the immediate boost of the JRSC and the ease of install. Should I get a JRSC with a smaller pulley and then build a water injection system for it? Opinions needed!
Neither JR or Vortech make alot of torque, just so you know that off the bat. If you are going to buy a built block, chances are neither of these options is going to really push that limit unless you dump about the same amount of money or more into as a turbo. The JR shows very poor numbers in my opinion, and it's limitations are many, one being their tuning is extremely poor. Vortech is a nice supercharger, but you've got to tap the block for something, it's not a direct pully it's a shaft off a pully, you've got to lower the battery to make room, all in all, I'm not sure all that work is worth the still mediocre power numbers. As for turbo kits though, you could always get toms starter kit, it's about 2500 or so, so about the same for the superchargers less than the vortech, and you should be able to make about 200/200 rather quickly and easily.
If you have your mind set on a blower the Vortec is better than the jrsc. You will see much better hp and tq numbers with the centrifugal sc.
Another sc option is the ProCharger unit, my personal favorite of the sc crowd. It is similar to the Vortec unit, it's a centrifugal type, but the install is much easier. The Procharger uses self contained oil to lubricate the sc so you don't have to tap the block. It uses a front mount intercooler, so you don't have to drop the battery to the lower frame rail.
Also you might want to look into Tom's started kit. It's about the same price as the Vortec, but you'll see more power from it than the Vortec.
Tom sells Vortec units also, so he can answer all of your questions for ya.
____________________ Honda's are like assholes, everyone has one.
procharger eh? someone link me, Im too lazy to google. :p
Whats involved int he starter kit from tom? I really dont want to play around too much with tuning since it took me forever and a day to get my current ECU in order. I dont feel like doing it again but if I have to I suppose........
The reason I want a built engine is so that later as more money becomes available I can go bigger if I want. I HAVE kicked around the idea of buying a stock zetec and just running it into the ground (with FI of course). AS much as I hate to admit it, the final bill will probablly dictate what engine I get.
http://www.focus-power.com that's Tom's site, you can get all the information about his turbo stuff from there, I still think even going cost effectively, his is still the best bang for the buck, the starter kit is at least. Plus for 850 more you get the engine management which is the major downfall of the SC kits. So regardless what you do TXFO, you will need tuning, the JR uses a "black box" which really just doubles injector pulses, and is terribly unreliable. I don't know what Vortech does about tuning. I couldn't find much on the procharger, they make one for the Focus, but I can't seem to find the kit anywhere, ballparks for price though put you in the mid $3K range.
well, I know there iwll be custom tuning involved. I think procharger uses diable IIRC. I like that Tom will tune his kit and everything but if I have to do it myself Im getting the SCT pro racer kit. Im tired of reflashing my ECU with the manufacturing UNIX engine strategy program.
Codger, I saw the WRC blocks but I dont know if its really worth it for me. I want good power but Im not dreaming of a 700hp focus. I think a good built motor from tom or SH would do me just fine. probablly more than I need anyway but at least I wont have to worry about turning it up some. damn you guys, you are talking me back into turbo. nevermind that it costs as much as a new GD car!! saw a porsche 944 turbo for 6K. toms complete kit is 5200 plus 3500 for the motor. then I still need the ECU + flash for PATS, alternator, wiring harness, sensors, and a transmission! shit, I might as well call Kugel since Im gonna be spending 15K. fuck thats alot of overtime!
