Whipple Supercharger Tips?

sutak · April 30, 2003

I'd like to find out more about the supercharger. Installation tips, are there any other hidden costs? Can the tranny handle the extra power? Is the supercharger engaged all the time? Does it improve fuel mileage when driven sensibly?

Larry

2001 Chev K3500 CC 8.1L Ally 1000

Machine · April 30, 2003

Hi there –

I have a whipple on my Escalade. I had it installed by a Cadillac dealer in Ft. Worth. Aside from the other things I chose to do to the engine and exhaust, the installation of the SC did not require me to purchase anything extra to support it. However, you may want to consider some type of cat-back exhaust…

The heavy duty tranny in the Cadillac is good enough for the increase of torque. So far I have 9K trouble free miles on the truck.

The supercharger is always running, and no, my gas mileage has not changed under “normal” driving conditions. It has, however, gone down significantly when I get on it – or so it seems.

Hotrod 496 · May 2, 2003

I have a 8.1 with allison with a intercooled whipple. The gas hand disappears when you drop the hammer. But close to the same when you drive resonable. One piece of advice do not put a true dual setup on it (KILLS BOTTOM END).

1BADZ71 · May 12, 2003

Sutak, in January I sold my GMC Sierra Z71 that I had installed a whipple supercharger on and I loved it. The Z71 as you probably already know is a 1500 and has the 4L60E transmission and small rearend. I had 4.56 gears in it and I had problems with them breaking a few times. ONce i broke teeth off the ring and pinion gear and another few times i smoked the bearings after towing. My problems mainly seemed to arrise from towing since I was towing a 7500lbs trailer up very steep grades. Aside from towing, the rest of the trucks drivetrain seemed to handle the extra power well and during normal driving conditions, my gas mileage improved considerably. the power was great and Whipple is a great solution for adding HP. I loved it, but had to sell the truck to handle my towing and get an '03 HD Duramax. I think if you don't plan on towing a lot of weight and you can be mellow with the peddle on occassion, you'll love it and it will not give you trouble.