Supercharger User Guide
By following these recommendations you will promote years of trouble-free service from your Kennedy’s supercharger installation. Use of the finest components and our years of experience combine to make your forced induction experience the best it can be. If you have elected to have Kennedy’s install your supercharger, you have the added benefit of Kennedy’s exclusive free dyno testing on our Dynojet AWD chassis dyno. We will verify the correct air fuel ratio and ignition timing requirements to ensure proper operation of your supercharger system. We offer the exclusive “Kennedy Advantage” for all of our sales and installations. That means that you have lifetime access to a qualified technician to answer any of your questions. At Kennedy’s you will get the “performance you want and the reliability you deserve”. That is our pledge to our customers.
Operational Considerations
1. Never enter boost when the engine is cold. Allow time to reach normal operating temperature before utilizing boost.
2. Always use the highest octane fuel available. Use a national name brand fuel.
3. If you must fill up with an unfamiliar fuel, carefully listen for engine detonation. If detonation is audible, DO NOT ENTER BOOST. If detonation persists, SEVERE engine damage may result. Either drain the tank or use the fuel up without entering boost. At that point, fill up with a known source of good fuel. If there is still detonation another problem exists which must be corrected prior to entering boost. Should this occur, call us for tech support.
4. All superchargers are sensitive to intake restriction, especially centrifugal units such as the Procharger and Vortech. For optimal performance the entire intake tract (upstream of the compressor unit) must be in good condition and properly secured. If equipped with flex hose, this must be free of leaks or weak spots.
3. Excessive belt tension can lead to supercharger or crankshaft failure. If equipped with an adjustable tensioner, the belt should be as loose as possible without slippage.
5. We strongly discourage ANY end-user modifications to the ECU programming or jetting/timing changes for carburetor cars. These may result in advanced timing or a lean air:fuel ratio. Either can destroy a boosted engine in a very brief period.
6. You must not change pulley sizes to increase boost without first checking with Kennedy’s technical support. A lean condition may result with severe, often terminal, engine damage as a consequence. Most vehicles will require a session on Kennedy’s Dynojet if the boost is increased. Internal engine modifications may be required to run high boost. We can provide the necessary components to run the desired boost level, please call to consult a Kennedy’s technician.
7. A lean condition is potentially disastrous for a supercharged car. A defective fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter may cause such a condition. At the first sign of any pinging or drivability problem these are items to be checked. Frequent replacement or cleaning of the fuel filter and the use of good gas are important.
Maintenance
1. Superchargers such as the Kenne Bell and Procharger “SC” units are internally lubricated. The supercharger oil should be replaced every year for most owners. High mileage vehicles require more frequent changes. The recommendations of the supercharger manufacturer may require more frequent oil changes, in that case follow the manufacturers recommendations to preserve your warranty. Please consult the manufacturer’s literature, which you will receive from Kennedy’s. If in doubt, call us or send a quick email. We will be here to support your purchase.
2. Some Procharger and all Vortech models are lubricated by engine oil. For these units we recommend an oil change at a maximum interval of 3,000 miles or after an extended storage period. Each different supercharger unit may require additional maintenance related lubrication. Again, you should consult the literature provided with your kit. Avoid the use of oil additives; use high quality name brand engine oil. The correct weight oil will depend on your specific motor.
3. Use of spark plugs with the proper heat range will help prevent detonation. Most kits designed to work on stock motors can utilize one heat range colder than stock. For high boost applications (10psi and over) consult a Kennedy’s technician. We will typically recommend at least two heat ranges colder than stock. For all supercharger installations we strongly advise against the use of platinum plugs. Use a copper or iridium plug. Spark plug gaps should be in the 0.035” range unless Kennedy’s specifies otherwise.
4. The stock ignition system may not produce a strong enough spark under boost to avoid the spark blowing out, especially if a normal plug gap is used. Your kit may come with high voltage ignition components or Kennedy’s may recommend a unit. A stronger spark may allow a larger plug gap, which may improve power in some situations. In all cases, plug wires must be in good condition. Installing new wires and plugs when doing the blower install is a good idea. If performance deteriorates, plugs and wires are one of the first culprits to suspect.
