Hey, I'm looking to supercharge my zx3, and I was wondering if I should chose the powerworks or the pro charger. The pro charger, i hear, has much more upgradability, but what could I do to upgrade it? Note that I have a completely stock motor, I will probably get a focussport exhaust system eventually...but what can I do to get more hp from the supercharger (aside from the exhaust)....note that I have a fully stock motor, no iron-forged rods or anything, so I can't just crank up the boost...what do you guys recommend?

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42589&perpage=15&pagenumber=1
There's a thread comparing the two. Apparantly though, the powerworks numbers are artificially low, and Focus Fanatic isn't a reliable magazine for dyno information.

That being said, for the procharger kit, you can get a custom tuned chip, race header (kamikaze work best for SC applications because they're the only 2.5" race header available), matching flex and exhaust. Throttle body, intake manifold, huge FMIC, big boost kit, aftermarket MAF. You also might want to look at FI/SC specific cams and cam gears.

The Powerworks list would look very similar, custom tuning, larger FMIC, larger injectors, aftermarket MAF, big boost kit, header/flex/exhaust, 70mm throttle body, and the cams/gears.

The procharger doesnt work to good if you have a euro front. Im still trying to figure out how im evere going to get a fmic in there

Hang the front mount under the bumper support is where i put them

Tom

well i don't have a euro front so i'm straight...so I guess if there's really no differences I should go for the cheaper one?...?

PowerWorks, absolutely no question about it.

Originally posted by Duffman2686
well i don't have a euro front so i'm straight...so I guess if there's really no differences I should go for the cheaper one?...?
No difference?

You call a delta of 40 ft/lbs of torque at 2500 RPM's no difference? ;)

...so you think i should go with the powerworks? but it's like 1.5k more...argh...and it's designed for 91 octane and the only gas I have round me is 87, 89, and 93, so I'm paying for +2 octane that I don't need...so why powerworks? the better/larger torque curve?

Personally, and this is my opinion. I do not like the procharger intercooler location.

And an intercooled Roots blower (while I dont like roots blowers) their biggest enemy is heat. Now you can't help the inefficiencies inherant in a roots blower BUT the fact that it's intercooled helps alot! And remember it's an intercooler sandwich which means the air only travels maybe 3 or 4 inches from blower to manifold while passing through the intercooler. There is no long distance for the air to travel.

Each system allows pulley upgrades.
Each system can have the intercooler upgraded (procharger can be made to work with a front mount). And Powerworks if you just upgrade the heat exchange and possible move it (I dont remember where it's located). You'll get better cooling.

I say go with what you can afford. I used to be very very skeptical about centrifugal chargers because of the lack of low-end torque. But there is something very fun about feeling boost build as RPMs increase. While the fun factor of low end torque can't be understated enough. So both power deliveries have their advantages when it comes to the "fun factor".

I say get what makes you happy. The powerworks is CARB approved if that matters to you and procharger says it will be but it's not as of now, and might never be.

The last thing I will say about the two is given the same "peak" horsepower figures (which these two are kinda close but the Powerworks puts out a bit more power out of the box) the Powerworks will be alot "faster". Because they have alot more torque than the procharger alot earlier. The the powerworks is a faster setup. And that blower whine is just cool ;)

But like I said I love the "feel" of centrifugals. Crappy low end but that feeling a boost builds is quite a rush :D

oh and BTW.. procharger is tune using 91 as well otherwise they couldn't sell it in california.

Good luck.

You cannot 'move' or put a larger intercooler into the powerworks kit - the CAC (Charge Air Cooler) is inside the intake manifold and there is no room for a larger CAC brick.

I suppose a larger LTR (Low-Temp Radiator) could be used out in front, but you run the risk of slamming it on every low object in the road.

The powerworks intercooling system can lower charge air temp from 300 deg F to 88 deg F ... about the only thing you could do do get it cooler than that (which isn't really necessary) is to run the CAC supply line thru an ice container of some sort ... but why do that if it isn't necessary?

If you're going from a bone-stock Zetec to a 220HP car you'll have a lot to relearn in driving technique to really use it.

With the powerworks kit, you also get a very robust calibration ... better than OE MPG and driveability and no issues starting/driving in sub-zero/extremely hot weather or at high altitudes. There is some extra potential in the calibration ... you just run the risk of running on the ragged edge (and voiding your warranty).

what do you mean relearn driving technique to really use it? You mean staying in the high rpm or something...? Also, you think the powerworks kit is a good setup? I was thinking about doing that with a 2.5" focussport stealth exhaust...i've heard people get gains of 240+whp with an exhaust....but u think i should go 3"?

By driving techniques I believe he is speaking of learning how to manage the new found power effectively. With a supercharger there is no need to keep the engine zipping along at high rpms all the to get benefits.

I have a 3" exhaust and I am N/A so yes, I would say go 3". But to each his own.

What do you guys think about the Vortech kit its intercooler works like the powerworks air to water.

http://www.vortechsuperchargers.com/products/yourcar/00-03zetec_focus.html

One more thing with a procharger it would seen weather might be a issue seeing where the charger is located.Salt or water on a heated part doesnt look or last long.

What I mean by relearning driving technique is that I your car will have a totally new feel to it ... lots more torque to control and redline comes up very fast as you are shifting thru the gears. Wheelspin is easy in 1st thru 3rd gear - even if you are already moving. Along with all this new power getting you moving, you will also need to slow it down effectively. Without a doubt, wet/snowy roads become even more of a challenge - but not impossible.

With the powerworks kit, you will see better improvements with a 2.5" cat-back system. A ultra-high flowing exhaust (like a 3" system) will relieve too much backpressure and the max boost won't be so high.

COSDEVSVT... I said you could upgrade the intercooler on the Powerworks by upgrading the "heat exchanger". Not the actual A to W core. You guys do use a heat exchanger right? If you get the water cooler, then you've effectively increased your intercoolers thermal efficiency. Not to mention, if your a drag racer, you "definately" want the Powerworks... you can just throw "ice" into the reservoir to get that intercooler ice cold for a drag run.

CatMostFeared... the Vortech is a very nice unit. Very complex install, but very very nice. The intercooler is excellent and I am very impressed with the efficiency of it. My friend with an SVT (even though his car is a factory freak) and the Vortech is pushing 290whp out of it on 91 octane with the standard pulley (no upgrades). Of course he has the J&S otherwise he'd have to be tuned a tad safer. And his car is just F A S T!!!

My personal opinion:
1) Powerworks - better than OEM engineering (I mean it's cosworth) and good low end torque
2) Vortech - Quality hardware, great intercooler, will require and oil line.
3) Procharger - Quality Hardware, No oil line needed, I just dont like the intercooler.

That's my assessment, take it for what it's worth (not a whole heck of alot I know) Hehe

The powerworks 'intercooler' is comprised of the following parts;
* Charge-Air-Cooler or CAC- air/water heat exchanger brick in the intake manifold
* Low-Temp-Radiator or LTR - air/water heat exhanger panel behind the front bumper skin below the steel bumper
* Electric water pump
* Coolant reservoir bottle
* Hoses, fittings, clamps

The CAC can't be changed - no physical room inside the intake for a larger core.
The LTR could be changed - taller or deeper, but run the risk of knocking it off on low objects in road.
The coolant reservoir bottle could be packed with ice for a cooler water charge, but it will melt very fast, will change the coolant level, and the reservoir will need to cool down before it is re-opened (slightly pressurized). It would be better to run the CAC inlet line (pump out) thru a 'cool can' arrangement that could be packed with ice and drained separately.

yeah with a cool can you can run dry ice but make sure the motor is warm before you put
ice in or your fluid might freeze.Chills beers in 45 sec.[thumb]