Well, I did another test drive. Everything sounds the same as the first test drive. I guess it was just late (early) and paranoia was setting in. I still have my cool "zipping" noise on excelleration
and it sounds the same as before at idle. The oil level is about 1/16th inch above full when cold, but normal after a shutdown. I bet I had it perfect the first time.
I will leave it alone until I contact KB; I think it is fine and I won't be around to drive it anyways.
If you drive it normally, it drives totaly like stock. Really incredible. The only detonation I heard was when the rpms got to around 900, I was going around a curve and up a hill and I tried to excellerate. The low rpm coupled with too high a gear going up a hill caused the detonation. The other time I got detonation was when I was behind a milk truck at 30 miles per hour and, again, I was in too high a gear trying to excellerate. Each time I backed off immediately and down shifted to a rocket propelled launch. I have NO detonation above 1,000 rpm at all under any conditions. I do have to admit, I didn't go above 4,500 rpms though. Another paranoia thing; I don't know if these things need a break-in period. Anybody know?
I am going to have to get used to this car all over again. It does not feel like the same car. My 13 year old said it felt like a luxury sport car because it accelerated so quickly and smoothly. He had a grin ear-to-ear when we went to get more 94 octane! Earlier this morning I said that for those that wanted power at 2k, it was there. Well, it comes on before that. I am not kidding folks. And this is with 3.27 gears! What a friggin road monster! If you take off normally in 1st, then punch it, it will break loose, even with 3.27 gears! Holy god! I will NOT be changing gears. No question there; final answer!
Again, I have to say that I am MORE than happy with this kit. I have never driven a supercharged car before (but built a few big block Fords in my time), so I didn't know what to expect. It is smoother and has a more constant power curve than a built-up big block. It also makes the car feel "lighter" for some reason.
I did not expect that part. My guess is that is the increase in torque.
As for the intercooler, it is probably working and I am just paranoid again. I felt the reservoir after the trip to the gas station and it felt hot. This is probably a good sign that the pump is actually working and circulating the coolant to the intercooler. I did everything right to the letter and it is probably fine. Like I said, I am new to this stuff (an older guy that had vintage Mustangs) so I don't know what to expect.
I did another check of everything after the run to the gas station (will probably be my 2nd home)
and everything checks out fine. Yes, I am still paranoid, but being the guinea pig for the first 2V twin screw (on a 2003, no less) comes with a little pressure. I don't want to F-up anything.
The temperature of the engine runs cooler than stock. KB used a cooler running thermostat and it shows. There will be no need for a bigger radiator. I wonder how the cabin heat will be in the winter? I might have to put a warmer thermostat in for winter driving. Yes, I drive the little beasty in the winter. I am from the old school where you built a Mustang and drove it year-run for year-round fun. Nothing will change there. I drove it last winter on 4 Blizzacks and it handled great. Matter of fact, I drove it to the paint shop in a snow storm.
We just do things differently around here I guess.
I did notice that the cats run hotter. They crackle more after I shut the engine off.
Now that I see what can be had for power, screw the Cobras (don't take that wrong, I like Cobras). Get a cheap GT and get the KB kit. It is a LOT cheaper and gives you a faster car. You can also forget about all of the little BS add-ons (including exhaust) that nickle and dime you to death and only give marginal increases (if any) in power. They are not needed. Save your money for the real-deal.
Well, I gotta go. And yes, I will be thinking about the Red Dragon the whole week.
It is sooo much fun, I can't stand it!
I have attached a picture of the engine compartment that show the completed job.