Top mounted like on a 3800, but seems limited to either carb or TBI use. Still, it's something to consider (or drool over).
And a question - does TBI only work in a vertical configuration? Or can a TBI be mounted horizontally in place of a throttle-body on a SC that has an "end feed" inlet?
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08:41 PM
PFF
System Bot
Smoooooth GT Member
Posts: 8823 From: Lake Palestine, Texas Registered: Jun 2001
Check out Rotrex Superchargers - design is kind of like a cross between turbo & supercharger. They use the snail shell casing, and are really tiny (alternator size) said to be quiet and efficient, four sizes available, you get between 40% - 70% Hp increase (not to mention TORQUE) UK prices varied from £1000 - £1300 http://www.rotrex.eu.com/ Based in denmark - UK Dealer - don't know about US dealer wise.
Heard a rumour that they have signed an OEM deal with GM so you should soon get them as standard on some models.
There is a guy on the forum RotrexFiero that has one in his.
Regards,
Carl.......
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06:35 AM
88VortechGT Member
Posts: 76 From: York, PA, USA Registered: Oct 2001
I would stay away from the Rotrex Superchargers, I have heard of them locking up do to the heat that the Fiero engine produces. I am running a Vortech VS-9 Supercharger on my fully built 88 GT, it works the same as the Rotrex, it's basiclly just a belt driven Turbo, and loads of fun.
I have emailed them and received lots of info. If anyone is interested, let me know I can forward it. The info they sent me includes a price list as well as the mechanical drawings of the blower. This is a "roots" type blower designed for carb or TBI. You cannot put a TBI in sideways. Also the rear panel comes off to access the blower rollers. The blower itself is $1800, Total kits run about $2400-$2800 depending on finish and accessories. They don't have a specific kit for a Fiero, But the pulley's will bolt up and they will clear the frame of the Fiero.
Originally posted by 88VortechGT: I am running a Vortech VS-9 Supercharger on my fully built 88 GT, it's basiclly just a belt driven Turbo, and loads of fun.
Yes, mine came as a kit from RSM. But, had no oil cooler and so froze after a months use. In retrospect the hardest thing about a SC is the bracket which of course must be custom. The rest is easy.
I get about 7-8 psi without a CAT. With the CAT I get another 1 psi. Now with the cooler weather that car takes off like a rocket. In August, when it was around 80-90 outside, I posted a 14.5 ET at Keystone Raceway. Though with the cooler weather and my new intake (routed it away from the exaust side) I bet I could do better.
Okay, I think I got my webpage to work now. Had the typo in the link below but it should work now. For those interested in my experience with the Rotrex Charger.
I am running a similiar kit that Rotrex Fiero is running, except mine uses a much Bigger Supercharger, and a fully built motor. I was getting 12psi on the stock pulley, and running 12.5 in the 1/4 before my tranny ate itself....LOL
I am now adding a intercooler and and Water injection, so I can up the boost this spring, I am hopping for a 11 Sec run using 15-18 psi.
I got a E-mail back today from http://www.fageolsuperchargers.com/ They said they produced kits in the 80's for Pontiac based off their S-10 kit. They are were working on a few kits for resale again. They don't have the pricing yet. The nice thing is you won't lose your A/C. So they will keep me informed on when the kits will be ready for the 2.8,3.1,3.4 engines.
Here are some pics they sent me.
Kinda hard to see, but I think everyone gets the idea.
Earl R.
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10:24 PM
Nov 29th, 2002
fierosound Member
Posts: 15198 From: Calgary, Canada Registered: Nov 1999
Originally posted by FieroGT87: I got a E-mail back today from http://www.fageolsuperchargers.com/ They said they produced kits in the 80's for Pontiac based off their S-10 kit. They are were working on a few kits for resale again. They don't have the pricing yet.
Am I seeing 2 different things (SC kits)? In one pic, it looks like an intake mounted SC with fuel rails for injectors. In another, I see what looks like a SC down where the AC would be on a Fiero.
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02:59 PM
FieroGT87 Member
Posts: 3195 From: St. Louis, Mo, USA Registered: Jul 2001
What changes, if any, have you made in injector size? Are you running a standard GM ECU? What kind of fuel economy/drivability are you getting? (Not that any of us own these little wallet leeches to actually SAVE money.)
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05:28 PM
Nov 30th, 2002
Wade87GT Member
Posts: 421 From: Niceville, FL. USA Registered: Nov 1999
On my Rotrex charged Fiero the only visiable sign that the car is superchareged is the induction pipes. Otherwise my car is pretty stock, including injectors, FPR, and slightly reprogrammed ECU.
For the money you spend on a Turbo or SC kit you can certainly have your choice of many alternative engine swaps, but the beauty of the kit is it a rather simple bolt on versus a complete project. (Even if the kit is something you fabricate on your own.)
Gas mileage, of course, is reduced. Cant have more power and still make equal to better gas mileage. On the highway losses are little, probably less than a mile per gallon, with city driving being higher. Of course driving style has much to do with this.
Originally posted by RotrexFiero: Otherwise my car is pretty stock, including injectors, FPR, and slightly reprogrammed ECU.
Your reprogrammed ECU - I need details. Is this the one RSM provides? Is it an '85 Fiero ECM with knock sensor input? If not, what did they do - why not just a new PROM?
I know one thing........for that kind of money plus installation.......I'd do my own engine swap for sure. Late model 3800's are readily available now with 205 HP stock. I'm pretty sure I can do a swap on one of these for no more than about $3k.
Phil
------------------ GTDude OVER 25 years GM experience
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05:14 AM
88VortechGT Member
Posts: 76 From: York, PA, USA Registered: Oct 2001
I would post pics of my set-up but Penn's does ot support Mac formats so if some one would like to post the pics for me I will email them to you.
As far as ECU's go, I am using a Stock ECU with a reprogrammed PROM Chip, and a 3 Bar map sensor out of a Grand National, and I am using 19lb injectors. I still have to get my ignition figured out yet, I probably gonna go with a MSD set-up with a Retard set-up and a Knock Link System.
Yes it is expensive but the money for me was easier to come by then the time and the amount of work that I would encouter performing an engine swap. Other factors for me include my engine was a healthy running 2.8 with only 28k on the odometer.
Also, it was a learning experince for me since my background is not in automotive engineering and I have little experience working on cars. Now, a few years later I would be willing to attempt something like an engine swap, and though there are many engines to consider none seem to offer much promise without some kind of forced induction.
