A&A Corvette C5 Vortech Supercharger Review

[@prettydog37072]

I think your probably a bit more of a mechanic than you realize. I'm impressed 👏

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@adeptpeasant6161]

A other reason to upgrade your valve springs in any boost application is that the boost actually creates a resistance for the valves to close, thus creating valve float at an earlier rpm

[@Toys4Life]

Very good point!

[@oldschoolpizza4480]

Best KZbin channel for c5 vetts .. People A &A is a great way too make our corvettes fast 💨

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks Mann!!

[@robertdorr300]

I have a 2002 ZO6. In 2006, we installed one of Andy's kit. Back then he was using Procharger. I bought the basic kit with the P1sc head unit. I am running only 7 lbs of boots. The car puts down 525 RWHP with no other mods. I have put on over 30,000 miles with the supercharger and have had no issues with engine what so ever. However, the power of the motor bent my drive shaft. Andy's kit are the most reliable and best bang for the buck out there. I highly recommend.

[@Toys4Life]

That's a testament to the reliability right there, if you don't push it too far. I'm in the same boat I really don't want to push it to the point where something breaks. If you had a chance to run it at the track, I'm just curious what your quarter mile mile per hour was? Thanks for the comment!

[@skrappr3649]

I'm so glad I found this channel, your building my dream car and telling me how along the way

[@Toys4Life]

I'm enjoying the journey as well!

[@maxfly7079]

Just watched All the C5 uploads again...thx...Excellent!!

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you like them!

[@lanebarker297]

ME too

[@jeffsenecal4168]

very cool man thanks for the update 👍 can we have a super long term 4 year update?

[@alanmchugh1734]

That's the one we were looking for, great review!!!!!

[@Toys4Life]

Thank you!

[@roypollex6091]

Have the same set up. Dyno says 600hp. 2003 stock engine zo6.. I love it!

[@Toys4Life]

Right on

[@patrickkeschl596]

The scan and boost gauges are a must have “add on” IMO. ECS will install them for an additional 600 dollars.

[@markdavid4897]

My bone-stock 2004 C5 is plenty fast for me. I'm not on the street to prove anything to anyone. I like the Corvette's reliability, economy, and fun factor. Bone-stock will top out around 175-180 mph on flat ground, I haven't done that in mine, and probably never will. I'm just happy to have the knowledge if I need to pass or go a bit faster, no problem. When I first bought the car in 2004, new, it reminded me of my 2000 Suzuki Bandit GSF-1200S. Passing and acceleration were effortless. Not much planning was required for passing another vehicle on a 2-lane road. On the bike or in the car, you just blip the throttle a little bit, and the pass is complete. No down shifting required in most cases. These cars can do 300,000 miles with reasonable maintenance. With a Supercharger?, probably not.

[@Toys4Life]

To each their own. After several years of ownership and seeing how reliable C5's are with superchargers, many people opt to go the supercharger route. Some stay stock and others go heads and cam. Anytime you increase the output of an engine you increase wear and the chance of breaking things. Even a stock engine can break stuff. I think if you limit your power to around 600 at the crank and monitor the engines operation parameters carefully you can still expect a reasonable lifespan. But yes- if your goal is 300k, leave it stock.

[@yesh3279]

Nice job, but I think you definitely should include the cost of the clutch /install and tuning cost. Personally I’m a huge fan of being able to stop just as fast , if not faster than the acceleration of my car, include a high end brake system in the final bill. Adds up quick, doesn’t it ? Anyhow, enjoy your ride ! Sounds like tons of fun .

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks for the comment. I have recently put together a couple of new vids that go into the cost of the kit and the install price. Stock brakes on the C5 are excellent IMO. Most people upgrade them for looks - a few hardcore road racers that need the best possible heat dissipation capacity will upgrade.

[@johnhonest9347]

Clean clear information. I have a c6 heads cam and ti unit. Not sure how much it will make.

[@Toys4Life]

Plenty I would think!

[@roypollex6091]

If we are talking c5 zo6 ,we start out with 405 hp,so low end very potent. When you add 6psi of boost 3000to 6000 rpm is immediate .you will be busy chasing gears!

[@Toys4Life]

Yeah and the boost will raise the red line as well to easily want to rev past 6,500 so it really kicks in around 4,500 RPM.

[@MC-uj4co]

Thank you for your advice on the A&A super charger i will be buying one soon..

[@Toys4Life]

Nice!!

[@chadanthony1457]

You really know how to make a quality video!!!!! Thanks for the information!!!!!

[@Toys4Life]

Thank you sir, appreciate the comment!!

[@TwinTurboRamAir]

Like always, Excellent video.

[@roypollex6091]

Mine is not an A&A SYSTEM but a PROCHARGER ONE. 600 horse on the Dyno . Docile around town ,but a monster when you stomp on it. Love it.2003ZO6

[@montiqueschannel.7295]

Thanks for the info! Love the video!

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks for watching!

[@cavemaster]

Thanks for making this.

[@kennethnielsen1292]

Thanks for saying thanks!! Much appreciated!

[@Toys4Life]

.

[@vtwinpower1903]

I got a 2001 zo6, I bought it done, procharged n meth injected, 4 corner coil overs. The heads have been ported, the fella that did the work owned a speed shop n he also did something to tranny n rear end. But the dyno was 806 HP on pump gas n 840hp on FUEL!.. SHE run a 10.01 at 140mph with slicks n it's only on 6lbs of boost. I mite do a little more work to her to push HER INTO THE 9s!..🤔🥳😎 I've had the car for 5 yrs now n she only has 34.000 kms on her so far n LOOKS LIKE NEW STILL! I LOVE IT N IM 60 YRS OLD!🤠

[@Toys4Life]

That sounds like a heap load of fun!

[@mightywhitey9258]

Great videos, has me looking seriously at doing this to my 03. What does the Supercharger do to your milage?

[@Toys4Life]

Not much unless it is mostly non-freeway driving. Then it depends 100% on how often you are into boost.

[@jamien9327]

Good review!!

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks Big J!

[@torchred99]

Just got my dyno sheets .......to the rear wheels @ 5100 rpms 548 hp and 523 torque

[@Toys4Life]

Come on out to Rock falls raceway in Wisconsin, let's line them up buddy (:-)

[@randy2.0kitt]

Slow

[@blk98ta]

Love the videos. Very informative! I'm looking at a 02 m6 with a older model vortech V2 kit on it that mounts on the drivers side. Are those a good kit?

[@Toys4Life]

Not sure. you sure it mounts on the drivers side??

[@blk98ta]

@@Toys4Life positive. Ended up grabbing it. It's an older V2 trim. Per serial number a 2004 to be exact. Has a small oil drip coming from either the return line or head unit but other then that she runs great. Going to have the head unit rebuilt just due to age and cheap peace of mind. It can be done for under $500 new seals and bearings.

[@lanebarker297]

After watching your C5 A&A videos... I bought a kit and new LS3 crate engine for my C5. I just dropped it off at Ragin Racing yesterday for the install. I wish you would do more day to day videos on your SC'ed c5!

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks for the comment! SC LS3 in your C5! Sounds like an easy 700 HP to me - that will be very cool! Is it an A&A kit - and if so - did they customize the kit so the brackets fit the LS3 and the rest of the kit fits the C5?

[@seshedup]

your videos have been a blessing as a first time corvette buyer. I am about to get this - what cooling system would you pair this with?

[@Toys4Life]

What state are you located in?

[@seshedup]

@@Toys4Life I'm in Michigan!

[@Toys4Life]

In Michigan, I would keep the stock cooling system, that's what I have- also in the Midwest. No issues.

[@seshedup]

@@Toys4Life thank you!

[@seshedup]

@@Toys4Life do you know of any upgrades to the radiator if I wanted to though? (want to drive this car across US for meets/events)

[@thegrimesreviews826]

I’m actually looking at purchasing an A&A kit. I have an LSA 416 with btr 400+cam. 823 heads and .660 springs. I’m hoping this kit can support 800+

[@Toys4Life]

That's a little bigger than what I have obviously, to make sure you get it right in terms of making sure it meets the goals you're looking for, I would call A&A and talk to Josh or the owner Andy. If you have to leave a message they will call you back quickly, best customer service there is.

[@thegrimesreviews826]

@@Toys4Life how loud is the blower while you are at idle or driving

[@Toys4Life]

@@thegrimesreviews826 minimal, check out my other video on C5 Corvette sounds.

[@35057]

I started “priming the pumps” as I say to get the wife warmed up to me spending this kind of money for one order of parts. (I’ll throw in a different cam more suited for a blower also) hopefully summer 2022. I’ve got some other fueling I’m going to address during this winter. As well as some other small things I would like to address, along with a clutch. I have an idle walk around video on my page if you want to check it out.

[@Toys4Life]

I liked it and commented!

[@crodrc51able]

Ya know, bang for the buck and the cost of getting into one, can’t go wrong with a C5 Vette.

[@Toys4Life]

Agreed!

[@Ts-zy4bw]

Great video. Does the C5Z also have the plastic power steering pulley? I have a 2004 if that matters.

[@Toys4Life]

I believe they do.

[@pab3783]

Love your vids. Is the clutch pedal harder with the Monster clutch? I’m looking into an A&A for my c6 and know the clutch has to be upgraded.

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks!! It's pretty close to stock pedal feel, seriously!

[@troy8940]

Great videos, did you have any problems reinstalling the Alternator bracket . I'm taking about the new heavy duty one. I got the same one and the power steering pump has three mounting holes and the new bracket has only two. Did you have to create a Thrid hole on yours ?

[@Toys4Life]

No, it was a bolt-on affair no modifications! Somewhere in the video I think I line them up side by side as well.

[@seanholley4601]

What did you do for the fuel system? As some kits recommend new fuel pumps.

[@Toys4Life]

Stock fuel pump with Kenny Bell Boost-a-pump. Works like a charm!

[@justincherno4289]

@@Toys4Life I'm planning my purchase within the next couple of weeks, I have seen what seems like conflicting information on the fuel system. I have heard people recommend running a 450lph pump but a sales rep suggested a 255lph pump for the same system. I was told by a tuner I should avoid the boost a pump. I know results can vary but, if your fuel pump were to go out today would to stick with oem and continue the boost a pump or would you upgrade to a higher flow pump? also do you have any input on what the actual fuel demand might be? awesome videos btw your installation guides plus whatever comes from A&A are going to be in use!

[@Toys4Life]

@@justincherno4289 A&A has done hundreds of C5s. There are some differences in stock pumps between years so I would suggest talking to Josh or Andy and see what they say. My stock pump in my 03 is still going strong with the boost a pump and I am running e33 fuel (takes more than regular pump gas which is e 5-10 in MN. I think the BAP is a sound product. It only boosts the voltage (and the pumps output when you are under boost which realistically is maybe 5% of the time. The other 95 % of the time it is running just like the stock pump.

[@user-pc2hf4ek7u]

What is about fuel economy, have you noticed any big changes in mpg when daily driving?

[@Toys4Life]

Negligible difference at part throttle operation.

[@tonyhintz9166]

Does this supercharger add low end torque and power or is it mostly in the higher rpms? Great video!

[@Toys4Life]

Centrifugals like the Vortech are progressive. Adds very little at 2k rpms. more at 3500, fair amount at 4k, and a Ton from 5500 - 6500 RPMs. This is perfect for the C5 on the street because an eaton/roots style hits the torque a LOT down low which in the C5 would be no fun on the street to drive. The Fiero I show in the video is a good example - watch it lung off the line from that black dodge. But the fiero has the weigh of the engine over the rear tires - so it can take it. The C8 would also be a ton of fun with either the eaton/roots or a Centrifugal SC. The C5 is best suited for the Vortech with the engine up front. Trust me.

[@shaynehuber3426]

What kind of oil would you use to help the motor stay cool would royal purple oil be ok to use or Dura lube treatment oil

[@Toys4Life]

I use mobile one. I haven't seen any compelling reason to do anything different.

[@toddpaulus4363]

Doing it over, would you get a cut down radiator or not worth the money?

[@Toys4Life]

I would call it a want and not a need. If my radiator were to fail, I might consider it. Cheers!

[@richardstorey7784]

Old post, but I am just getting an A&A installer. How did you get 600 wheel horsepower out of it. I am currently having some issues somewhere, I am only getting 5 pounds of boost. Shop doing install want to get a 3.6 pulley, but I should be getting 7-8 on the 3.8. I appreciate any insight you can give.

[@Toys4Life]

What cam and heads do you have? Headers? I have 585 RWHP with stock LS cam, heads and exhaust manifolds. If you have a fairly aggressive cam and headers that would knock off a few psi as that would have less restriction = less boost.

[@Carado5150]

Less boost but more power.

[@frankorasputin1929]

Dude is a wrench for sure.

[@chuckread5675]

Did you raise the redline when when tuned

[@Toys4Life]

Yes, I shift at about 6300 now and the red line is 6500. If I had an older LS motor (97-00 or so)I probably would only shift at like 6100, the rod bolts aren't as strong.

[@HOWBTDEMCOWBOYS]

How well will my bottom end hold up with the si supercharger and cam/ headers on my 2003 z06 , it won’t be a track car

[@Toys4Life]

Here are my detailed thoughts on the subject. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6i9iHqYmr2JisU

[@stacyladzinski1004]

I am doing the exact same install on my 2003 LS1, I want to buy HPTuners, any chance on you sending me a copy of a MAP that would run pretty good, or pointing me in a direction to find MAPS for similar configurations. I am going to get it to run at least as good as stock then tune for more power when I learn how to set it up better. They told me at A&A that they would flash it but it will still need more tuning. I believe you started with their initial MAP also. Will it run on their flash at least as good as stock or will it run badly on their flash they provided? Stush

[@Toys4Life]

Hey, let's call it a tune file. What fuel injectors are you using and are you an automatic or manual?

[@dylanmartino7975]

Have a 04Z wanted to add a supercharger how much $$$ also how much wheel HP do you think I will I be getting also does that price include installation also is that changing from regular 91 to 85 well I have to change the Hood just curious please reply back as soon as possible. Thanks 😊

[@Toys4Life]

Hi, kit is currently around $5500. Install is around $1500 with a tune. Keep the same hood. You should be using 91 already - GM says so. Cheers!

[@joyroc885]

Just wonder but did your mpg change much after the SC kit?

[@Toys4Life]

Yes, but only because most of my trips are for fun and I'm on it. There is very little parasitic drag though so if I took a road trip a hundred miles, I think the mile per gallon might be down by maybe one quarter of a mile per gallon to 1/2 at the most.

[@joeljonn3758]

how are you getting 14lbs of boost on a 3.6 pulley, stock ls1 engine with 3.6 pulley should be 9psi

[@Toys4Life]

Maybe my engine's more restrictive? I have had two separate boost gauges on it over the last few years and they both read the same. Curious, where did you get the standard that a stock '03 LS1 with a V3Si supercharger and 3.6 pulley should equals 9 lb of boost (which is essentially restriction to flow)?

[@joeljonn3758]

@@Toys4Life just checked the email from a&a, 9.5psi on a 3.6 pulley on my v3 si for my stock 02 ls1 , your hitting 14psi so i am lost whats going on there.

[@Toys4Life]

What's the elevation above sea level where you live?

[@joeljonn3758]

florida@@Toys4Life

[@Toys4Life]

Is your exhaust system completely stock? I have stock exhaust manifolds stock cats and stock catback. Are you running the stock mass airflow sensor too?

[@vantharasc9967]

Is your boost gauge accurate is that almost 14lbs of boost I'm seeing??

[@Toys4Life]

Yes. I upgraded to this gauge from a lower quality gage and they both read the same.

[@alexmatheny9295]

Whats reliability like after cam swapping a c5? Ive heard things that make me kind of eery, like for example they lose all reliability once you get away from being N/A.

[@Toys4Life]

I have a stock cam with my supercharged setup, it gives me all I need. For the past several years anyway. Aftermarket cams need to make sure you have the right springs, measure your post rods, and they will be noisier because they close the valves quicker and harder.

[@darrylsjodin3962]

Does the same kit work on the LS6 and if so, what hp does it do?

[@Toys4Life]

Yes. 600

[@rhodycars6058]

My 02 C5Z has 125k on it. Been thinking either sell it for a C6z or supercharge it. Any thoughts?

[@Toys4Life]

my 2 cents. If money is no object, C6Z. C5 with a supercharger is fast as heck for a lot less $$.

[@clawmachinetime955]

I’m bringing you my 04 vett to put on the super charger and I’ll pay you will you do it

[@Toys4Life]

haha - Thanks man! Maybe someday I will get back into wrenchin for a living...

[@punk86]

I'm thinking about getting this kit. You said as long as you stay under 600whp you should be fine. If later I want to upgrade the engine. What would need to be replaced? Full rebuilt?

[@Toys4Life]

If I was going to go for a 900 horsepower, I would do a full forage piston rotating assembly and rebuild.

[@maxfly7079]

Do you have any stock c5 times, from the dragstrip?...thx

[@Toys4Life]

YES, 2003 C5 LS1 stock, manual transmission, high performance street tires - 13.35 seconds a@ 107mph in the 1/4 was the best it would do. Same track, same tires, A&A Kit, LS6 Valve springs, same street tires - 11.5 @ 130 is the best......so far ...

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Pretty stock motor... how about clutch, transmission, drive shaft and rear end? Stock tires or street slicks?

[@Toys4Life]

My clutch was getting tired and like most stock C5 clutches it didn't like to shift over 6k without sticking to the floor. Went with an aftermarket clutch. The stock clutch held fine so long as you did not try to shift like you were racing for a million dollars. Drag radials and aggressive launches at the strip you will want to upgrade some more parts that become the fuse. I stay with high performance street tires because I am on the street 99.8% of the time.

[@AZTrout]

Just be sure you know how to control a stock vette before you SC. Be heartbreaking to throw you ass around doing 70 shifting into 3rd.

[@Toys4Life]

Excellent point!

[@Seadog..C5]

Super cautious with your own vehicle? Do I need to ask the obvious? most C5 owners are newbies to Corvettes.. So take it to a reputable Corvette mechanic, and you won't have to worry about whoever's working on it treating it like it's not their car. I own a C1 through C7.. I am 70 years old and I bought a73 brand new have been hooked ever since. A couple a little mods on my 01 ZO6 and the damn things knocking on a hundred eighty. If you're not taking her to the track, how fast do you want to go. There's 700 to 800 pounds touching the ground at 180.. Pray you don't hit a pothole

[@Toys4Life]

If you don't do your own work, your mechanic has to be as trusted as your doctor IMO. Keep searching until you find "the one". I don't want to go super fast, but I do like to go 0 to 85 as quick as possible and it is a rush to go to 130 at the track.

[@kentshuster8927]

Should of Had a pro install it and your not making 600 hp with out blower cam or head work or headers or alcohol 🤔 put it on treadmill

[@Toys4Life]

Dynamometers lie. The car traps 130 mph in the quarter. For a stock weight car and my 200 pound body, I think that puts us at 600+... Furthermore, 2009 ZR1 runs 130 in the quarter mile. It has 638 horsepower.