Whipple Charger Question

mhsneon · May 3, 2004

My dad wants to install a whipple charger in his yukon. He was going to buy a new truck with a duramax, but decided to wait a year or two to do it. He wants increased towing power, about all he uses the yukon for. The Yukon is very well maintained, it has 90,000miles on it and is in perfect condition. Should there be any issues with this combo? is the miliage too high, should he open the engine and do an inspection first? Depending how this install goes I will probably be ordering a whipple for my 8.1L.

Thanks in advanced.

mhsneon · May 7, 2004

No one has any inputs or thoughts?

americanmuscleman · May 7, 2004

If you don't plan to keep the truck for a while longer, I would just leave it stock and upgrade to a better truck later.

If your going to keep the truck for a while longer, then it would be a fun power adder. I think they claim around 300hp and 420tq on a TBI 350. Realize if you primarily pull with the truck that the added power is going to translate into more load and heat on the tranny (I would watch the tranny temps).

I would add headers and a free flowing exhaust if you don't already have one before the install.

Good luck!

May 7, 2004

I'll vote for the Duramax. Towing capacity is awesome, fuel milage will be much better, driveline components are built for the job and resale value will be much better. The downside is much more money right now, but I think in the long run it will be money better spent than the s/c. Just my 2 cents.

snoman · May 28, 2004

My dad wants to install a whipple charger in his yukon. He was going to buy a new truck with a duramax, but decided to wait a year or two to do it. He wants increased towing power, about all he uses the yukon for. The Yukon is very well maintained, it has 90,000miles on it and is in perfect condition. Should there be any issues with this combo? is the miliage too high, should he open the engine and do an inspection first? Depending how this install goes I will probably be ordering a whipple for my 8.1L.

Thanks in advanced.

You did not mention what engine and axle ratio he has now. I would consider a axle ratio change first to a 4.56 as this can really boost towing power especailly in OD. Do this and he might not want the supercharger. Second, a super charger is fine if engine is in good shape but pay attention to cooling system (super charging increase cooling system load) and tranny temps. You should have a aux cooler for it regardless now. Properly geared a gasser can give a diesel a run for the money and when superchargered they will pull away for stock diesels. A 8.1 with a whipple would be a real killer with 500 plus HP and around 600ftlbs of torque or more over a several thousand RPM range.

BTW, my 89 GMC 4x4 Suburban has 170,000 miles on it and still looks great runs like new. I have no plans for its replacement as I primarily use it for traveling cross country and it is usually stored during winter months now.

Wrench Bender 2 · June 4, 2004

Whipple, is the best supercharger kit I have seen, A COMPLETE KIT right down to every nut, bolt, washer everything you need. Quality parts AC Delco fuel pump, pulleys belt tensioner, comes with fuel enrichment system, a class act at a fare price. Polished Kits about $ 4200.00 delivered to your door. Also I might add that your transmission will need some upgrading & changing your rear gear would help but not a must!!

snoman · June 4, 2004

Whipple, is the best supercharger kit I have seen, A COMPLETE KIT right down to every nut, bolt, washer everything you need. Quality parts AC Delco fuel pump, pulleys belt tensioner, comes with fuel enrichment system, a class act at a fare price. Polished Kits about $ 4200.00 delivered to your door. Also I might add that your transmission will need some upgrading & changing your rear gear would help but not a must!!

I disagree on the axle ratio not being a must. He should do that first then consider supercharging if the improvement is not enough. A deeper gear will improve towing performace and lessen transmission and engine strain as well supercharger or not. Axle ratios can make or break a towing rig! I would not worry about tranny until it fails. THe 4L80E is pretty stout and if you add a aux cooler is you supercharge engine, it is doubtful that you will have any problem with it.

Durkin · June 5, 2004

Folks:

If there is a radix for your truck; check it out; my Tahoe Z71 5.3 L Radix is faster than tbyrne's 8.1 Whipple. but I did get beaten by a Sierra/Whipple (13.97 seconds at 100.66 MPH for the ¼) that had been fixed by a Kenne Bell modifacation.

Regards,

Durkin

snoman · June 5, 2004

Folks:

If there is a radix for your truck; check it out; my Tahoe Z71 5.3 L Radix is faster than tbyrne's 8.1 Whipple. but I did get beaten by a Sierra/Whipple (13.97 seconds at 100.66 MPH for the ¼) that had been fixed by a Kenne Bell modifacation.

Regards,

Durkin

Put them both on scales and make them weight the same with ballast then run them!