A supercharger for the 5.0 Level II
#1
A supercharger for the 5.0 Level II
Well, I ran across another "deal that I couldn't refuse"...
It's a Ford Racing centrifugal supercharger kit intended for the Explorer/Mountaineer 302's. Progress has been slow, partly because of the nature of the "kit" and partly because I have been busy with real life.
The kit was designed, manufactured and distributed by Powerdyne Automotive Products (reorganizing, out of business, whatever - depends on who you ask). In the past, it was also rebadged and sold through Ford Racing which is the version that I have.
Kit positives:
Kit negatives:
In addition to the kit problems, the Powerdyne BD11A supercharger unit has its own shortcomings:
I have worked through the installation problems and it has been up and running for a while. After eliminating the FMU, upsizing the injectors and tweaking the PCM calibration, it runs pretty good. The various other issues will be addressed eventually.
It's a Ford Racing centrifugal supercharger kit intended for the Explorer/Mountaineer 302's. Progress has been slow, partly because of the nature of the "kit" and partly because I have been busy with real life.
The kit was designed, manufactured and distributed by Powerdyne Automotive Products (reorganizing, out of business, whatever - depends on who you ask). In the past, it was also rebadged and sold through Ford Racing which is the version that I have.
Kit positives:
- Inexpensive (in this case, almost free)
- Bracketry intended to fit my Explorer engine
- Most of the important parts were included
Kit negatives:
- Not a true bolt on kit. Many parts were missing or didn’t fit.
- Fuel Management Unit (boost driven fuel pressure regulator) instead of a legitimate PCM tune and upgraded fuel delivery system
- Fixed belt tensioners (as opposed to OE spring loaded) that do NOT work well with the serpentine belts
- Vague, incomplete instructions
- No parts list
- No technical support
In addition to the kit problems, the Powerdyne BD11A supercharger unit has its own shortcomings:
- No bypass valve. This can lead to internal cogbelt failure when the throttle is snapped shut under boost.
- No provision for external bearing lubrication supply or cooling. Special high temp ceramic bearings are supposed to do the job but have proven to be marginal in the field, especially if the boost is increased over the original 5~6 PSI.
I have worked through the installation problems and it has been up and running for a while. After eliminating the FMU, upsizing the injectors and tweaking the PCM calibration, it runs pretty good. The various other issues will be addressed eventually.
#10
#12
I think you might be disappointed. This engine will never make "big" real world HP numbers because it is in a very mild state of tune and the RPM is limited to what the torque converter can take without ballooning (<5400). Those high HP small blocks that you hear about are both highly modded and turning way more revs (HP is proportional to Torque x RPM).
#13
I think you might be disappointed. This engine will never make "big" real world HP numbers because it is in a very mild state of tune and the RPM is limited to what the torque converter can take without ballooning (<5400). Those high HP small blocks that you hear about are both highly modded and turning way more revs (HP is proportional to Torque x RPM).
#16
Factory Explorer rating is 215/288. Based on that, I think that 275HP/350TQ is a reasonable swag for the current configuration (headers and blower). It's just for the fun factor anyway. I doubt that I would ever pay to have it dynoed.
#19
Hi. I would like to service my Rangespolder. Check the oil in the 302 and check the rear discs please. Also check to see if the information center is reading correctly thanks.
#20