Getting ready for SC

[SouLRioT]

Ok, I want your guys opinons on what I need to get for the car befor I would install a SC. I'm thinking new sway bar, x-pipe w/ high flow cats, drive shaft, and brakes from Denis. But I want to make sure I'm putting my money where it counts.

[darebren]

some smart folks at trilogy & Lidio who owns his own shop said no gains from exhaust or intake modifications. So I'd rule that out (save the money). As far as a chip goes, I'd wait and get it from who ever you get the S/C from so it is calibrated to work together. Gears & S/C=no need. Brakes, good choice, but Baer and Dennis are about same price, but Baer gives bigger front rotor and new caliper along with slotted rear rotor..personal preference I suppose between the two options. Drive shaft, some have commented that at high speeds some problems have occured, if you drive over 110 alot, get the new shaft. it might not be required, but some of us (me included) have purchased a rear end girdle to protect from any increased torque related damages. MI2QWK4U has a post referencing this item. Oil pump gears could be a potential weak link, but that seems to only be related to using underdrive pullies but might still be one area to reinforce.

Bottom lione from all I've gathered at the open house and here on-line is if you get the S/C...don't need much else. If you keep it normally aspirated, then get the chip, gears. I'd get the girdle regardless of set-up since it's only $160. Personally, I'm waiting for Baer to get a simple rear caliper that matches the front in color and says Baer before I get their brake kit. Drive shaft is dependant on driving speeds.

As always, tint the windows and upgrade the speakers!!!

[Dr Caleb]

Originally posted by darebren

As always, tint the windows and upgrade the speakers!!!

I'd have to agree with most of what darebren said.

My intentions are: Pulleys, Exhaust (for sound, not performance), drive shaft and restraint, brakes, and a chip from Dennis.

Supercharger - Eaton roots type from whoever builds the kit first.

Deadpedal from KB.

Dana 44 rear end with a new, stronger cover and 1800 rpm torque converter.

I like the stainless exhaust - it's one of the reasons I bought the car - if there is no performance gain, why do it? I just want the exhaust note a litttle snappier on WOT.

The rest is to prepare for the supercharger. No point in putting all that power to the ground if something is going to break. I also want to go Stage 1 before I get the supercharger, as that will open up the car for larger increases when I do get blown. Errr...whatever. YouknowhatImean.

[SergntMac]

DareBren is on the right track here. I'm planning my own Trilogy based MM, and I will be preping my own car with brake upgrades and rear end reinforcement (sway bar, gridle and stud kit). I would also look into the TSB on the rear axels, depending on the production date of the MM I purchase for this project.

With regards to a chip, it's my understanding that a chip is required by the S/C kit, and if so, I would look into having the ECM flashed as opposed to adding the chip.

Darebren and I have both experienced the Trilogy car first hand, trust me y''all, what this kit adds to a bone stock MM is frightening in a good way. Save your bucks on the customary mods a N/A MM needs until you see for yourself. As a daily driver and comfortable highway travel with superior MPG, the bone stock MM needs nothing more. If you're heading towards full tilt street racing or planning to hit the track every weekend, there is more you can do, but again I suggest you wait, add the S/C kit, and see what happens. IMHO, the ONLY car that will beat an MM in Trilogy trim, is another blown MM.

[cyclone03]

You guys are amping me up with the way the Trilogy car runs!
I'm starting to think about a SC and I'm a dye hard Normaly asperated guy..

[Macon Marauder]

I want to be Sarge when I grow up!
:)

[Dr Caleb]

Originally posted by Macon Marauder
I want to be Sarge when I grow up!
:)

I don't want to grow up, but I do want to be Sarge.
:lol:

[prchrman]

Best thread I have read on mods...good posts from all and real world common sense...$ vs hp...I like it alot...MM.net that is...thanks to sarge and many unnamed here who have pioneered the modding of their rides...I feel I am on firm footing when the time comes for me to kick it up a notch...some on here have more $ than some of us and this will save all on here heartache and mucho dinero...again thanks guys and gals...willie

[cyclone03]

I don't know if I want to be sarge,maybe just a $5000 chunk of his bank account........

[studio460]

Darebren:


Originally posted by darebren
some smart folks at trilogy & Lidio who owns his own shop said no gains from exhaust or intake modifications.

Did Trilogy really say that specifically about the headers? I thought that the more-air-in+more-air-out was ESPECIALLY beneficial in supercharged applications?!?!

I agree with all the rest, Lidio's replies to my posts said that the the stock drivetrain would be fine, and that the stock fuel rails were good to go as well (although, I'll probably invest in the girdle/studs too). Oh, Lidio did also mention that he thought he would like to see a shift kit added to the package to tighten things up. Probably will keep stock driveshaft--Lidio didn't think it a problem. Apparently they will be using the KB fuel pump power supply just to amp-up the factory pump. Don't know if they're still going with that approach. Wouldn't a totally upgraded pump be more robust?

But the headers, that HAS to enhance a supercharged engine by a measurable amount, doesn't it? Oh yeah, of course, I'll also add as many suspension upgrades as become available (Eibach front springs, Dennis' sway bar, etc.).

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by NBC Shooter
Did Trilogy really say that specifically about the headers? I thought that the more-air-in+more-air-out was ESPECIALLY beneficial in supercharged applications?!?!

Yes, NBC, Lidio really said this. If you could have seen the car run, or taken a ride in it, you would probably agree too. Once I rode in the car and heard the statement, I thought "good, more money for tires."

I heard it from Kenny Brown too, they told me they tried long tube headers on the 1x and lost power.

Steve Babcock said that Headman tested a set too, and got some gains, but not enough to balance the investment, but this statement may not apply to a SC car, Steve was discussing the development of the MM.

I'll say this though, I've seen Reinhart's headers on Zack's car, and they do have a strong visual appeal, so, if you are leaning towards headers and you're not expecting too much from the performance side, the appearance side is high in points.

I didn't help much, did I...

[SouLRioT]

Ok, thanks all for your input plus others will benifit from this thread. So the bottom line is that we're looking at then, brakes, drive shaft (if over 110 is often), sway bar, gridle and stud kit. BTW You guys are great, no other place with great knowlage.