question on blown S197s

[badz]

I'm looking to buy an 06 to 08 GT vert. I've seen a number of coupes and verts for sale with blowers at what seems to be very, very good pricing.
1. Can these cars be used as a weekend driver without constantly wrenching 'em? I wouldn't mind the extra power, as I'm kinda underwhelmed by the couple of stock ones I've test drove. But I want to buy one and just drive it - business barely allows me that much time.
2. Some of the ones I've seen have the blowers but no upgraded engine internals. Is it just a matter of time before you blow one up?
3. Is it a matter of constant upgrading - you have the blower, now you need to update the clutch, and on and on?

Thanks.

 

[SpartaPerformance]

There are a multitude of high horsepower blower kits that work well with little maintenance on stock internals. I have a customer with 20,000miles on a Gen 1 Whipple H.O. original everything else, and one with 15,000 miles on Gen 2 Whipple H.O. upgraded clutch, but then again there are those that blow up short blocks so it depends on how badly you abuse the car when you drive it.
The Whipple H.O. is a great kit but too much HP if you're looking to turn key and drive without sweating about flooring it. Look for one that has about 450-470 crank HP and the previous owner has not modified the tune. If you happen to find one with the Edelbrock E force street kit that would be an ideal choice.

 

[BCB00GT]

I have had my vert with a Saleen blower now for 18K miles. Daily driven in all conditions. I have only the 3.67" pulley making only about 6.5 - 7# max boost. Somewhere around 415 at the wheels. Could I get more with a smaller pulley or more aggressive tune...sure. I however wanted to stay as safe as possible with a very conservative tune and low boost.

I think the tune is more than half the equation, some is how you beat on the car and maintenance, and the last part is just not getting a weak block (some seem to let go lower than normal).

 

[autumn_again]

i'd say its all in the tune honestly. and i'm sure quite a few people will vouch for me.

if you have a really conservative tune, then you should be good, granted theres still your limitations, but with a safe tune, people are running more and more reliable higher power set ups.

now where you get the high out put whipple kits people are throwing on, and trying to max out the setup, its gunna be pushing the limits.

 

[klaw]

If you can find one with the Gen II Whipple HO kit, pulley it down to 6 to 8 psi and get a good dyno tune. You'll have the benefit of the upgraded fuel delivery and the intercooler and you won't be pushing the internals too hard. 3.73 gears and a good clutch and the combo should last a long time and be a blast to drive. The larger upper pulley is easier on belts too.

 

[boston2k4]

05 to 10 can handle alot of power they have a "walkin on thin ice" number and im told its 450hp. my 2010 gt had a procharger kit on it (installed by me) great tune and made 513hp and i drove it everyday to work for 8000 miles with no issues.(and i drive my car so it was built ford tough for sure!) now its off cause im not sure what i want to do... maybe some internals and a pulley will show me 600

 

[badz]

Yeah, I'd certainly like to get one with a blower, and as you've said not pushing the hp too high should help to keep it reliable. I'm finding you pay very little extra for one blown with the typical suspension, wheel upgrades but so far I'm finding all coupes and I'd really like to get a vert. Just can't see paying a couple thousand less and ending up with a stock GT, when for the extra few bucks you're ending up with thousands in extras.

 

[badz]

Here's one I ran across. Any comments on this setup - 06 vert.

Mods:
Vortech V2-SQ HO Blower 3.4" Pulley 460/401 on a mildly aggressive tune and 445/390 on a tune with 2* less timing.
Relocated IAT sensor to after the blower/aftercooler
Tuned by Realspeed and all mods installed there as well

Diablosport MAFia
GT500 Fuel Pump
MGW shifter
Spec 3+ clutch
Spydershaft 1pc Alum DS
CHE front drive shaft loop
FRPP "A" 4.10s
Trutrac rear
Corsa Axle back Mufflers
MT 265/40/18 DRs rear - 255/45/18 Riken Raptors front
Steeda Sportline springs
Camber Bolts
Steeda adj LCA, Street/Comp UCA, Relocation Brackets
Upgraded Steeda sway bars front and rear
BMR Sub-frame Connectors - custom installed to keep OEM vert bracing
Steeda STB
CHE K-member brace with Torque limiters