Inside The Vortech Supercharger
Though Vortech superchargers are shipped fully assembled and ready for installation, we asked to see what's inside the V-2 SQ unit used on the GTO kit. Here's a peek.
Looking vaguely like a Halibrand...
Looking vaguely like a Halibrand quick-change rear axle, the front of the unit is where the gear case and drive pulley are located. The sand-cast case is made of A356-T6 aerospace alloy.
At the back we see the scroll...
At the back we see the scroll housing, 3.02-inch air inlet opening and impeller. The investment cast impeller is made from 354-T6 aluminum alloy and is balanced within 0.001 inch/ounce for maximum bearing and seal life.
Removing the drive pulley...
Removing the drive pulley and cover reveals the geartrain, the angular contact shaft support ball bearings, and the pressurized oiling jet that creates a constant atmosphere of atomized oil. The P/S belt pulley turns the large gear, which then turns the small gear at a 3.6:1 ratio. Precision-ground and heat-treated gears are made of carburized AD620 alloy steel. Standard helically cut gears (shown) provide quiet operation, but straight cut gears are a no-cost option for those who like to hear the wail of the Banshee at all times.
With the scroll housing removed,...
With the scroll housing removed, the impeller and 71/8-inch-diameter machined aluminum volute are revealed. Vortech superchargers are assembled in aerospace-style clean rooms because precision and cleanliness are essential. In this application, the impeller spins at up to 43,000 rpm under full boost (8 psi), but it is rated safely to 53,000 rpm. Vortech race units spin as high as 70,000 rpm.