As discussed in Part 1 of this story in our last issue, '04 GTOs are being resold at bargain prices right now. The opportunity that this affords the industrious Pontiac speed demon is that he can buy a GTO for little coin and use the excess cash for upgrades.
Case in point is Vortech's new '04 GTO supercharger system, PN 4GJ218-018SQ, that adds well over 100 hp at the rear wheels and is emissions compliant in all 50 states (certification pending at press time). It has a suggested retail price of $5,950.95 (or $5,686.95 unpolished) and can be installed in a weekend. Sure, normally $5,700- $6,000 for a single upgrade would be a tough nut to crack, but with Goat prices as low as they are, all of a sudden it's well within the realm of possibility. And with that kind of power injection, the GTO will have nothing to apologize for on the street.
In Part 1 of this story we introduced you to Vortech's new kit, took you inside the V-2 SQ S-Trim supercharger and began the installation. Certain engine parts like the airbox, inlet ducting, engine covers, passenger-side coil mounts, and the harmonic balancer were removed to make way for the supercharger and its associated kit components. The balancer was replaced with an upgraded SFI-approved unit that featured the correct pulley arrangement, which was included with the supercharger system. Coil spacers were installed on the passenger side, the clutch slave cylinder was moved, an oil-filter adapter was added, and the supercharger's oiling system was plumbed. A set of 42 lb/hr injectors were added as was a new power steering pump pulley and supercharger bracket. Then the V-2 SQ S-Trim supercharger was bolted in, followed by the air ducting, the Gilmer belt, the air filter system, the flex hoses, and the MAF. The power steering fluid tank was relocated to make way for the Vortech aftercooler (read Power Cooler). With the Power Cooler installed, the primary and secondary discharge tubes were then mounted.
For this issue we will pickup the installation where we left off and then dyno test the GTO to gauge the improvement. So come along for the ride and see what 7 pounds of boost from a Vortech can do for your GTO.
Here is the compressor bypass...
Here is the compressor bypass valve. It bypasses the discharge pressure back to the supercharger inlet at low throttle openings and upon sudden throttle closure.
The prototype fabricated aluminum...
The prototype fabricated aluminum coolant tank mounts ahead of the radiator on the passenger side of the car. Otherwise identical, production versions are roto-molded black plastic.
A water-to-air heat exchanger...
A water-to-air heat exchanger for the aftercooler system uses brackets to mount ahead of the radiator and A/C condenser. Instructions show where holes must be drilled.
The 3-gallon-per-minute electric...
The 3-gallon-per-minute electric pump circulates coolant throughout the closed loop system. In continuous operation, the system cools the liquid, even when not in boost, for charge-cooling on-demand.
A reservoir return (shown)...
A reservoir return (shown) and feed plumbing consists of neatly preformed aluminum tubing and 3/4-inch heater hose. All unions are secured with easy-to-use nylon ratchet clamps.
Electrical supply for the...
Electrical supply for the pump comes from a fuse-tap that piggybacks onto the electric fuel pump location on the fuse block.