Vortech V3 SCi-Trim Supercharger Kit - Boost Basics

The curve was more aggressive through the mid-range thanks to the timing chart that Burcham plotted. The timing removal started off passive and grew more aggressive as the boost went higher. It is a technique that couldn't have been done without the capabilities of the MSD programmable 6AL-2 box. This allows the car to have more low-end as it starts making boost and keeps the engine safe at high psi readings. In naturally aspirated trim, the test vehicle produced 309 rwhp, showing a gain of 151 rwhp with 10 psi of boost. For those keeping score, that amounts to 15.1 rwhp per 1 psi of boost.

Vortech Powercooler
Our original intention was to add a Vortech Powercooler after the H.O. upgrades. That plan, unfortunately, was spoiled when the H.O. upgrade put our engine's output to 460 rwhp. It was much further than what Burcham deemed safe for a stock short-block application.

The Powercooler is a great product that replaces the discharge tube with a air-to-water intercooler. "Adding the Powercooler will allow for more timing, which means more horsepower," says Burcham.

We didn't get to sample this extra horsepower on Macintosh's ride, but Burcham did have a car in the shop that had just received a Powercooler upgrade. Power increased from 501 to 549 rwhp.

The addition dropped air inlet temperatures, but Burcham says the gains are due to the increased ignition timing he can run in the combination without fear of detonation. Cooler air is denser and less prone to pre-ignition (detonation).