03' 5.4L, What Superchargers are available?

[joezek]

Seems like everywhere I look they skip the 2003 Expedition. I really prefer the Whipple S/C but their website says 2004 and up Expedition.

So what superchargers are made for our 2003 models? I want a complete ready to bolt on kit, not a few parts here and there from various people. I'm very experienced as a mechanic but haven't played with modding and installing a supercharger yet.

Also, in the future when I blow up my engine since it has 142,000 miles on it.... where can I find a factory drop in crate motor? If/when mine ever blows up I'd like to transfer the supercharger to the new motor and reinstall it.

 

[joezek]

Looks like Kenne Bell makes one for the 5.4L, however their price sheet completely skips the SUV's, Expedition section completely! Their price sheet only shows mustangs and lightning upgrades. They have a complete section of their website dedicated to the 5.4 liter SUV engines and shows the HP/Torque, but no prices.....wtf?

I've emailed both Kenne Bell and Whipple, we'll see what they say.

I guess I'll run at a mild psi setting and if it ever blows up then I'll build an engine capable of 15 psi to get around 450 hp.

What mpg losses have you guys gotten with this setup? For example if I cruise at 65-70 mph without stepping on it, is the mpg worse or the same? Not stepping on it I should technically be using the same amount of power/load.

 

[WHOISMOOTOO]

The selection has to do with the 2v, 3v, and 4v 5.4l engines, and the s/c's ability to "bolt on" procharger makes a pretty good bolt on kit and theres a shit ton of how-to and step by step videos

 

[Stoned06]

The 2003 being a 2V engine, the lightning/harley supercharger will bolt up, as well as the Kenny Bell and Whipple applications for the Lightning. The issue with that is there are a lot of misc. pieces needed to complete the job. Something like the procharger would be easier to hookup. Just make sure the SC you decided on is designed for the 5.4L 2V engine and it should work.

 

[panda24619]

i saw this one time. dont remember where wish i took a pic. i know your like no pic no proff. but take my word. some guy had a tahoe i think. gaaa... i for the technical names for them. but the sc you put on top and the procharger set up. had them both! idk why but it was kind of kool looking. had made custom mounts and stuff to run them. i just wish i had a camera on me.

but any ways. the 03s have the same motor as the 1st gens. thats why most sites dont post that up. idk why but what ever. so almost any 1st gen super charger will fit on to yours. and there is a chance you could blow the motor but then you have the opportunity to up grade to the navigator motor which is 4v instead of 2.

 

[joezek]

I definitely wanted the Whipple or Kenne Bell style instead of a factory Lightning one. I just don't know what other pieces I would need to make it a direct bolt on. If it's just a few pulleys or tensioner or something then not a big deal. But if it's gonna involve changing to a Lightning computer, and then it possibly doesn't match up with the other computers then I don't want to mess around with it.

I had heard the Procharger wasn't good and stay away from it. Why? I know it runs hotter and needs an intercooler to get the same performance as a twin screw, but are the end results any worse? I'm not racing this thing, it's a daily driver and I tow occasionally. For me, the S/C is just for fun, make driving more enjoyable etc.

 

[joezek]

Previously I had avoided even looking at the Procharger because I had heard bad things about it. However, I read plenty of info on it this morning and it looks really nice. I especially like the fact that it's intercooled, and the intake air is ambient temperature. So running 8-9 psi Procharger claims 450-475 HP, and at the same time the intake air is nice and cool, you can't go wrong.

The Kenne Bell and Whipple both show very clearly that they have a 100 degree intake air temp INCREASE at slightly higher boost level. Whipple claims that this isn't very much increase compared to the Lightning's eaton/roots style s/c, and that it won't hurt anything. Apparently the root's style is something like 175 degrees increase just as it pumps directly into the top of the engine. They end up having to retard the timing and risk detonation etc.

Either way, I wouldn't want to run without an intercooler since I live in a hot part of the country. And since Procharger makes the complete kit, intercooled and everything, I'm leaning toward that setup- unless I hear a lot of horror stories about it. It comes with 1 year warranty, and for $49 makes it a 3 year warranty.

 

[WHOISMOOTOO]

IF YOU WANT TO SEE A WHIPPLE S/C THERES A WHITE '03 XLT (ON 22'S) ON YOUTUBE WITH 600HP, DEF NOT BOLT ON LOL, I WOULD SO DO THIS IF I HAD THE MONEY....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te69STd5vIA

GO TO THE F150ONLINE FORUM THERES A BUNCH OF GUYS RUNNING PROCHARGERS, ASK THEM PROS AND CONS ABOUT S/C DAILY DRIVERS AND ANY ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE MODS MOST OF THE GUYS HERE ARE MEMBERS ON THAT FORUM TOO

PERSONALLY I'D RECCOMEND THE PROCHARGER IT SEEMS TO BE THE EASIEST BOLT ON WITH LEAVING PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING ELSE STOCK

 

[joezek]

The more I read and learn the more I like Procharger. How loud is it? There's a quieter option, is it really a big difference? What is the difference with the D-1SC upgrade option that cost $400?

I may have to join an F-150 forum like you suggested.

 

[Stoned06]

As far as noise, the Procharger will be quiet compared to the Eaton, Whipple and KB. Of the top mounted superchargers KB is the loudest, followed by the Eaton, then the Whipple. I posted on a thread a while back that had a link to all the parts needed for the Lightning Eaton install. The same would be needed for either the KB or Whipple also as those are replacements for the Eaton.
The Procharger is going to be the easiest to install as you wouldn't need to change the topend intake on the motor and install the IC, midplate, etc. Most everything will be bracket mounted and fairly straightforward.

 

[joezek]

I'm glad it's not too loud, of course I still want it to be heard.

 

[03blkstanggt]

What mpg losses have you guys gotten with this setup? For example if I cruise at 65-70 mph without stepping on it, is the mpg worse or the same? Not stepping on it I should technically be using the same amount of power/load.

on my mustang if i stay out of the boost at 65-70 mph i actually had gotten better gas mileage. even at a dead stop and getting to 65 when you baby the throttle the mileage is good

 

[boiler71]

Joezek...for what its worth, my wife and I are starting the Eaton install on her 04 Expi next week. Picked up all the parts for the Lightning swap for about $2500 (some new, some used). Can use the original Expi computer but will need a custom tune.

Will do a thorough write-up with pics as we progress our way through. Started the first step end of last week with the new fuel pump. Unfortunately got a bad one right out of the box. New pump will be here Tuesday so factory pump gets upgraded to a 255 lph pump. Next step, blower install.

Wish us luck!

Marc

 

[WHOISMOOTOO]

Good luck! I cant wait to see the results

 

[FordMan13]

Good Luck. A "Roots" type blower sits on the top takes oil from the motor and cools the supercharger. When the motor goes you risk the chance on putting metal into the supercharger. Procharger is an external blower of course and is self-contained good thing. Every time you change oil you also change oil in the supercharger, it uses its own oil. BUT with any motor, build the engine for a supercharger. If you just use a normal hyperutechtic (I know the spelling is wrong!!) pistons no matter how new the engine you will blow a piston within 12 to 20,000 miles, I guarantee. Will need to build a bulletproof bottom end first. Forged pistons, rods, crank,etc. Some places you can get kits are D.S.S. motorsports and Sean Hyland Motorsports.

 

[erik]

Good Luck. A "Roots" type blower sits on the top takes oil from the motor and cools the supercharger. When the motor goes you risk the chance on putting metal into the supercharger. Procharger is an external blower of course and is self-contained good thing. Every time you change oil you also change oil in the supercharger, it uses its own oil. BUT with any motor, build the engine for a supercharger. If you just use a normal hyperutechtic (I know the spelling is wrong!!) pistons no matter how new the engine you will blow a piston within 12 to 20,000 miles, I guarantee. Will need to build a bulletproof bottom end first. Forged pistons, rods, crank,etc. Some places you can get kits are D.S.S. motorsports and Sean Hyland Motorsports.

no way eh so I guess my dream of a super charger just flew out the window lol no way do i have 2500 or more for a supercharger and then be replacing my motor within a year darn so i guess it'll be intake exhaust and a tuner that's about it ? let me know thank you

 

[toms89]

no way eh so I guess my dream of a super charger just flew out the window lol no way do i have 2500 or more for a supercharger and then be replacing my motor within a year darn so i guess it'll be intake exhaust and a tuner that's about it ? let me know thank you

Wow...old thread! The previous post was inaccurate as the roots blower is self contained. It is also safe on stock block if it is in good condition and you limit the boost. You just can not dial it up and or get aggresive with the tune as you could with a built motor. The higher compression also limits your boost and tune on pump gas with stock motor.

 

[djpvan]

Procharger experience

I decided to go with the "bolt-on" procharger for my 2003 Expy. I had it fitted thru a local speed shop that was certified procharger installer. What a nightmare. Despite what they say on their website, the custom kit does not fit the 2003 Expy and requires a lot of work. Something that was supposed to take a day took more than a week and a radiator and fan later!!! Once that was done, the woes continued as the factory ECU cannot handle the fuel supply so idling and cruising on the highway is a nightmare. I am waiting to get an SCT chip installed to correct the issue.

So if you do want the procharger, the installer now offers the mod's to make it fit on the 03.

 

[mindgame]

pics!!! running a 04, and toying with idea of a procharger also...

 

[djpvan]

Pic's available at - 2003 EXPEDITION PROCHARGER