Paxton Supercharger update

[Daniel Cragin/DC Performance Inc]

We have about 30 Paxton kits on the SRT 10 and Ram SRT to date with very good results. I would like to thank Paxton for producing a well engineered emission compliant system for these cars.

Keeping in mind our support of this product, I would like to give some information, tips and recommendations for this system. First of all, with any supercharger system, power is best in cool weather. In hot weather with the AC on, heat soak will effect power. Always use 91 octane or better fuel, if you track the car a 50/50 mix of race gas will give you better power, smoother operation and no chance of detonation. We have cars with over 500 track miles and no issues. It is a good idea to have your car dyno tested and qualified once a year to make sure the system is operating as delivered (a good idea for any 700hp car). When changing your oil (we recommend every 2500 miles on street cars) the inlet filter for the supercharger oil line should be cleaned and inspected.

On cars with additional modifications, headers, cylinder head upgrades etc..
You need to check your fuel requirements. The car may run great with the stock Paxton system but if pushed for extended periods with these changes it could have a problem. Make sure your air fuel ratio is in the safe range. The system, as delivered is fine, even with a cat back system. Addition changes may require larger fuel injectors, pump upgrades and additional engine management systems.

Hope this helps.

 

[Skip White]

Dan is right on track with these recommendations.

We must remember these cars, do not have forged pistons in them. Hyperuetectic pistons are not as forgiving.

Dan is right about heat soak. It's not a bad idea to flush this off the car before engaging in a hard sprint. 50 mph in fith gear for few miles will cool things down a bit. I also think it's a good idea to avoid spirited driving in the brutal heat of the day, when ya been in traffic with a/c on, at least in the Texas summer heat. I hate to even drive my car in that heat, feels like it's killing her.

Add a few pounds air in the front tires, to get rid of that new heavy feel in the front of the car, as the S/C weighs around a whopping 95lbs I think, and it's about as far forward as you can get.

I'm glad Dan has mentioned these things, as they are so important to keeping these cars together, and running there best.

Octane is a must, if you ever hear any pinging, (valve clatter) upon acceleration, the cars to hot, the octane's two low, F/A is off, or the timing is to much, bring this to someones attention imediately. I'm from Texas and it's just so hot, we can't really be dogging around in the 105 daytime heat, and then start sporting about with a hot car. It can kill a modded car. No knock sensors on these cars to detect valve ping.

Management,Management,Management.

Skip White

 

[DSR207]

Thanks Dan and Skip. I wonder if there is a way to find out how many SRTS are supercharged now, and may be pass that information to DC...It would be nice to have the S/C as a factory option.

(2200 miles of hard S/C driving and 0 problems so far)
Mike

 

[Y2K5SRT]

No knock sensors on these cars to detect valve ping.

Actually, starting with the 2005 model year the Vipers are equipped with knock sensors.

All excellent feedback and thanks for the info!

 

[kmg99]

Be careful what you wish for. Knock sensors are a nightmare when modifying vehicles. Any errant noise, etc. will cause the system to pull out spark in a big way. I am very happy to not have knock sensors.

 

[Skip White]

Yes those knock sensors, on the 05's are probably there to protect the somewhat fragile powdered conecting rods. Rod's are very prone to failure when an engine is detonating. As this is jerking the hell out of the rods.

I really don't like knock sensors, but they may have some good uses. Engine knock with a Paxton S/C is not a good thing. I'd still rather manage the engine my own way.

Skip White

 

[Paul Hawker]

Skip.
My understanding is that the reason for the inclusion of the Knock sensors was to protect the engine when placed in the Ram SRT. The new version with automatic and tow capability. Since they needed a knock sensor there they included it in all V-10 production.

 

[Skip White]

Yes Paul, that does make sense, since the V-10 truck would be very easy to induce valve ping. Pulling heavy loads, including it's own weight. Those trucks are terribly heavy.

Skip White