Supercharging hints

whitesnake01 · June 26, 2002

I have a 1993 Suburban that I bought new. About four years ago I started towing a 8,300lbs camping trailer with it. I quickly realized that the stock 454 did not have the performance I needed. A bit over a year ago I had a Banks exhaust and a Random Tech free-flo cat installed in it. That helped a lot. This spring I decided to bite the bullet and bought a Whipple charger for it. It definitely has punch now.

One of the things I worried a bit about in getting the blower was trading one engine heat for another. In my previous configuration, the heat originated from lack of power in the engine and the ensuing poor cooling as a result of reduced wind-speed over the radiator on stiff climbs. Reduced power also lead to converter unlock, etc. Now I can climb with speed, but I get a different heat from the compressed air instead. I have not driven this setup long enough to make an honest comparison.

Anyone out there with a similar configuration that would like to share ideas about their experience? I saw one earlier post on this board about the need to use colder plugs. I do not recall seeing that in Whipple's instructions. What would the result be in using slightly colder plugs? What about improving cooling in general? When you tow, cooling is always a concern. I have an extra trans cooler on mine. But I have also heard that there are quality replacement radiators that offer better cooling than the stock I have.

Thanks for any help and insight.

gandolphxx · June 26, 2002

I agree that heat is the enemy, you might consider an intercooler, essential for towing, it will reduce the throttle temperature significantly, hence better performance.

I have the 8.1L, a derivative of your engine and run the NGK TR6 plugs in it.

You might also consider a water injection system that is tied to the boost level of the supercharger, this will help prevent detonation and add cooling capacity.

whitesnake01 · June 27, 2002

I agree that heat is the enemy, you might consider an intercooler, essential for towing, it will reduce the throttle temperature significantly, hence better performance.

I have the 8.1L, a derivative of your engine and run the NGK TR6 plugs in it.

Whipple does not have an intercooler for this model. Also, when I looked around a bit the perception was that if you're running under 8psi it would not help much. Who out there might make one?

As far as spark plugs, what does running one range colder actually do? Am I correct in saying that it is thermally more conducive, thereby dissipating more heat back into the block? But what actually happens when I run with a colder plug?