Even though the list of applications for Magnuson superchargers emphasizes GM vehicles, these blowers are no stranger to Ford production vehicles, but under another name: Eaton. Eaton is well known for the blower units found on the second-generation SVT F-150 Lightning, the '03-'04 SVT Mustang Cobras, the new Shelby GT500s, and the '89 Thunderbird SC models.
Eaton appointed Magnuson Products as its sole representative for promoting and distributing Eaton superchargers to the automotive after-market industry in North America. And now Magnuson has developed a new blower kit for the '05-'06 Mustangs.
For those not familiar with the Magnuson name, it was founded by Jerry Magnuson, who brings 30 years of supercharging experience to the table. The company's R&D team combines more than 60 years of system designing experience with state-of-the-art engineering and the latest in computer design and fabrication technology.
Although the Eaton supercharger is essentially a Roots-style blower pump, it has one significant difference in design-each rotor has been twisted 60 degrees to form a helix. The two counter-rotating rotors have three lobes, which intermesh during operation. These twisted rotors, along with the inlet and outlet port geometry, are designed to reduce pressure variations, resulting in a smoother discharge of air and a low level of noise during operation. This arrangement also improves efficiency over traditional Roots-style superchargers. With helical rotors and an axial inlet, the Eaton supercharger can be spun up to 14,000 rpm, thus reducing package size as well.
Boost levels range from 4.8 to 7 psi. Smaller pulleys for even higher levels are available, but these are not warranted by the company. Running at an average of 6.5 pounds, the Mustang dyno chart shows a gain from a baseline of 271 hp at 5,250 rpm to a peak output of 403 horses at 5,750 rpm.
While the supercharged engine reaches its max horsepower at a higher rpm point than the stock setup with natural aspiration, this positive displacement blower belts out its top torque figure lower in the powerband. The torque increases from 290 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm to 415 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. Which means you'll get more punch right off the line, and still have plenty of ponies to spare at the top end.
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 Shown is the (extra-cost)...  Shown is the (extra-cost) polished Magnuson blower. Note the extra belt at the rear of the supercharger case. This allows the throttle body to be mounted at the front of the engine. The blower is rated at 112 ci. |
 Prior to installing the blower...  Prior to installing the blower case, disconnect the battery, drain the coolant, and tape up the ports. Be careful not to knock the barbs for vacuum hoses. Once the stock intake manifold is removed, the Magnuson blower case fits right on. |
 Which would your rather have...  Which would your rather have under the hood of your Mustang? The cost for the intercooled kit is $5,500; add another $1,000 for the polished version. |