SAVING A 10,000hp Producing Supercharger!

Follow along as I try and save a 10,000 hp producing 1471 supercharger. This video shows you how to re-strip a supercharger used in top fuel drag racing. This shows the technical side of rebuilding and saving a supercharger that others might throw away. This covers about 40% of what it takes to build in-service topfuel 10,000 hp Supercharger. There are so many steps in rebuilding one of these and little by little we will show you how it’s done!

[@SosopChabot]

Finally! Now I know what to do when I buy my 10 000hp blower, thank you!

[@robwendland]

Your welcome. 🤣

[@omisfitso]

🙄 never heard a joke like this before…

[@mr_steve_g]

This is so cool! In a world that considers everything a consumable, it's nice to see someone putting in work to save something. It's a lost art.

[@robwendland]

Throw away Society!!!!

[@cdoublejj]

a grass roots effort called right to repair or fight to repair is brewing

[@alreed2434]

@@cdoublejj Yup were all sick of throw away crap and a $1.50 part we cant buy because of whatever corp. So we get to buy another $1k whatever again... Total BS.

[@johnspurrier0001]

In a world of JIT manufacturing, near zero tolerance, and material cost optimization it's nearly impossible to appease both ends of the spectrum. Make it durable enough to last forever ($$$$), or make it efficiently as possible to get the job done until the next model comes out ($). Unfortunately, the only thing that hasn't changed is the price to consumers.

[@cdoublejj]

@@johnspurrier0001 I'd rather rspend more. People always chase the cheapest price. No wonder the US economy has been in the crapper for 50 years!

[@jayer-su3hu]

This is absolutely amazing. I was well aware the plastics had to be changed from time to time but I had no idea what all was involved in getting it right. Love this!!!

[@eltorro]

Instead of "How It's Made" they should make "How It's Maintained". You don't really think about this kind of maintenance on things until you get a random KZbin recommendation. Very well constructed video, informational and top notch commentary.

[@robwendland]

Thank you for the kind words!! Really appreciate it!

[@ripF5C]

Dude! You’re SO good at explaining how things work and what you’re doing. Awesome video!

[@robwendland]

Thank you!

[@oldschoolmotorsickle]

Great video! Now that is your old school hot-rod talent. I hate throwing high end equipment on the scrap pile just because it’s got a little ding on it. Good save.

[@robwendland]

Thank you!

[@jameswyatt1304]

Some of us pull from the scrap piles, but just wish folks would throw things into it more gently, LOL...

[@vmaxer001]

This is a lost art that needs to be passed down. Thanks Rob

[@dmeemd7787]

DEFINITELY not long winded!! LOVE this stuff! seeing PSI, vs. JFR, etc. is really cool (and JFR, or Prock anyway, have the guys restrip EVERY pass is crazy) -- back about 8-10 years back. 🤘🏻🤙🏼😊

[@robwendland]

They still do!

[@dmeemd7787]

@@robwendland I remember how happy the supercharger guys were when another car went out during eliminations...because one of the guys could come do one of the two rotors for them, haha

[@mattslater2165]

Stuff like this is what makes KZbin awesome. I'll never need to rebuild a top fuel blower but I enjoyed every second of this informative video. Great job. Thanks for posting!

[@digitald5851]

Rob, you're a true craftsman. Thanks for sharing this with us. Great lessons like these are dieing every day.

[@robwendland]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrEvtmazda]

Seeing those end pieces I now see how fidget spinners where discovered 😄

[@robwendland]

Good one!

[@TNW1337]

Cool video did not know this was done.

[@BryceAWD]

Beautiful. It still astonishes me that 10,000 HP can be pulled out of An engine.

[@robwendland]

It’s nuts. Shit doesn’t last very long for sure!

[@BryceAWD]

@@robwendland Isn't it, a rebuild after each run, and a complete new motor after 10-12 runs? 2 miles per engine 😆 I saw a video a while back of a top fuel injector for a single cylinder running in a visual display. It literally looked like Andre the giant was giving a bare hug to a 5 gallon gas can. Edit, I found the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rni3k4Srnc2fq7s

[@gullreefclub]

@@BryceAWD Every part on a front running Top Fuel teams car has run count limit if it was not FUBARed during a run

[@richardturner8630]

That blower takes about 900hp from the crankshaft at 8500rpm. Wrap your head around that, next consider nitromethane/10% methanol burns with 1 part fuel to 1.7 part air and the whole thing runs on the verge of hydrolocking. The flames coming out the exhaust? Oh thats the cooling system....

[@BryceAWD]

@@richardturner8630 The whole thing is an absolute marvel of mechanical engineering.

[@billjohnson6168]

I stumbled across your videos a couple days ago and I can not stop watching. I love understanding the fine details of how they work, including tools used. Love the videos and keep them coming.

[@robwendland]

Thank you!!

[@edwinfeldman8231]

I like that PROFESSIONAL description of the high-performance material "what we call PLASTIC!"...lol! Hahaha

[@robwendland]

🤣🤣

[@richardmondor1360]

Man, working on these cars is my dream job. Thanks for sharing!

[@MADTYGER66]

Holy hell the size of this beast is a monstrosity

[@robwendland]

It’s a big bitch! 🤣

[@bamajr8812]

That's what she said

[@thedistractedcanadian4355]

@@robwendland I’ve had to say that a few times in my life😂

[@anguismemes1666]

There are even bigger ones in industry applications like vacuum pumps

[@tdon6650]

Always interesting to see how other guys do this. My blower jig is at least 30 years old and I torque the case down to get that distortion out. Kinda like using a torque plate when machining a block, then you know if it's flat, then I check the manifold too. It's a bit of a forgotten check since we all use o rings to seal the blower to the manifold. I love the seal machining jig, I still machine them in the lathe. Had some shocking cases that had to have the rotors taper turned to get correct clearance front to back. That was a pretty nice blower to start with (I never get the nice ones!). Had a couple that had some big bangs go through them that needed all the clearances done and re dowel the front and rear plates, re pin the rotors, new shafts, the works. Cool video Rob, keep em coming.

[@robwendland]

You get it for sure! Getting end frames at the right height can be a real workout. This case never was bored correctly. We do check the manifold when it is bolted on the car. Make sure the blower is flat also. I taped cut the rotors bigger to the back. Just add a shim under the front bearing on the cutter jig and rip it across!

[@konkon7767]

I truly appreciate you sharing your wealth of knowledge and skills in these videos, Rob. I've been a Tool&Die Maker, Jig& Fixture Maker/Designer, Machinist, and Machine Mechanic for the past 40 years. You always post something that peaks my interest Racing Wise & Mechanical Wise. Thank You for that.

[@robwendland]

I wish I had your knowledge! It takes amazing skills to do what you do!

[@konkon7767]

@@robwendland Thanks for the compliment, Rob. I had a Phenomenal Machine Shop Instructor in High School that prepared me for the rest of my working life. He was a NAVY Machinist that served on a Repair Vessel at Sea. Instead of making the required projects. He had me repairing & modifying Machinery throughout the Trade School. His favorite quote was, "Anyone can make something from a Blueprint, but not everyone can take something Blown Up, Clean It, Measure It, Make The Parts From Scratch Without A Blueprint, and Make It All Work Together." He was teaching me before the Push Button Age started. We had almost all Manual Machinery, with the exception of 2 Tape Fed NC Millers. Then later on we got a Bridgeport CNC Miller donated to us by Textron. So, I have done my share of pushing Buttons, and CAD work. Ancient History. Looking forward to your next video, Rob. Take care.

[@jeffpickett9730]

Love this stuff. So damn interesting and I just have so much respect for your craftsmanship and absolute knowledge. I make it a point to enjoy the hell out of men of knowledge like you because as with everything you work on you are finite as well and the day will come when no more men like you exist. Only machines.

[@robwendland]

Thanks for the kind words I truly appreciate it

[@michaelmurray7199]

Since those blowers aren’t exactly cheap, I’m sure the work you put into saving these components doesn’t go unappreciated since it probably helps the race teams save a good bit of money versus having to put a brand new blower on their engine.

[@mikebaldwin9972]

I built blowers for 671s way back when and understand the headache of setting gaps. THANK YOU SIR FOR REFRESHING MY PAST!!!

[@robwendland]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@gullreefclub]

Years ago I used to volunteer as a crewman on several different Top Sportsman Dragsters and Alcohol Funny cars and remember the mad thrash of re-stripping the “good” blower between rounds on an old folding table next to the car trailer.

[@robwendland]

Yep! Those are my roots

[@watchguy79]

It is crazy that that is the most efficient way to blow air into an engine, you would think something like a fan blade or turbine from a traditional blower would be the best way. Pretty cool somebody figured that out

[@brianb5779]

Im liking how you know when my little bit of freetime is....

[@kinpump4696]

Facts!!

[@rosskrause3926]

I am so glad I clicked on your 11000 hp block repair video..I have watched 3 of them and had to suscribe right away..this is good stuff !

[@stevo68]

This is awesome. We hear the word supercharger all the time, but I'm only an engineer, so it's good to see what it's all about.

[@erinralston]

Oh it's like an apex seal kinda? I've seen small rotary engines and that's all I could think of. New subscriber here, started with building small engines (lawnmowers, miniature pulling tractors) I work on passenger vehicles now. My neighbor has a late model for the dirt track and when I saw his dry sump I needed to know more. I know Top Fuel is way different but man, you've answered so many questions I've had so far, especially about the rear end... I knew those things had to be SUPER narrow. Thanks for the videos, I enjoy every minute of them

[@mikeznel6048]

Man you have the coolest job!

[@earlmartin8309]

never saw the inside of a blower before. awesome and thanks!

[@robwendland]

You bet!

[@anonymousarmadillo6589]

This channel is going to hit at least 100k in the next month or so. It got recommended to me on front page first row even though I don't usually watch repair videos. Good work anyway man!

[@robwendland]

Thank you brother!! Truly appreciate it!

[@nobodynoone2500]

Great info, the second I pondered what the seals were made of, you said it. Thanks for sharing this!

[@jmc2567]

Awesome vid,I never knew they had replaceable seals on the rotors,last time I saw inside a blower I was a kid and didn,t pay too much attention,I always thought they were metal on metal even though I knew that would be harsh,and I had never thought about the ID seals either,so I,ve learnt a lot in the last 15 minutes,and even though I,ve put a few chev and fords smallblocks together,installed cams,valves,timing and everything else to do with engines,clutches and gearboxes,I've never had anything to do with supercharges,so thankyou for showing us and for the commentary and explanations and visuals. Awesome. Best wishes from,Auckland,New Zealand ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍👍👍👍👍💯🙂🙂😉😉

[@jeffsullivan3334]

First of all I would like to say big in the fabrication industry my whole life with wood metal and everything in between I'm in my 50s it's a pleasure to it's a pleasure to watch you. Kind of funny I was the first person to go to Frank Holly's drag racing school from the West Coast when the school opened up its original year. My my phone right now but I'm going to get in touch with you I might have a project you might be interested in I don't know can't be told no unless you ask I've learned that after all my years of working. Be in touch soon hope you have a great weekend

[@brianjames8309]

That OD cutter is awesome!

[@robwendland]

Right?! Badass!

[@b.shaffer2580]

Great video Rob. Really want to put a blower back on my car now. Those things just suck you back into them.... I'll be here all week folks 😋

[@michaelkeyes3856]

And i thought me rebuilding 453 and 6v and 8v blowers was awesome. Nice to see someone else doing em and making a nice video

[@robwendland]

Appreciate that I’m sure there’s some things you could probably teach me! 😜

[@frankthespank]

Bro, I know just how you feel! I installed a cold air intake on my Honda Civic and the box said I’ll get “up to” 15hp and…. yeah… I’d say that’s true! 🤓

[@r7kelley553]

The sand paper scratching method is pretty cool. It seems a lot like a guide coat when doing paint work. Good tip

[@mcgregor711]

That was awesome. I'm a new subscriber. I'm going to be going through all your video's. Thank you.

[@robwendland]

Thanks for watching brother!

[@henrykoplien1007]

Very good coverage. Never thought about so many details for such a simple thing. Thumbs up.

[@kh40yr]

Very Cool. Thanks Rob. One of my diesel tech final tests was to take 4 6-71 diesel blowers and make one good one out of basically junk rotors and cases. I knew going in that they were junk air movers,,but was a fun test to get everything right or close, as per Detroit Diesel. The 6-71 was out of a WW2 PT Boat. the governor/speed control lever had a "Battle Mode" detent,, for a extra 400 rpms out of the engine. Had to test that out once I hung the blower on the side,

[@robwendland]

Wow that’s a cool story but that was fun!

[@kh40yr]

@@robwendland Ha!. Just seen the Supercharger Salsa Maker. Brilliant!. Looked tasty!. That might need a revisit. A lexan veggie shield,,or chute, and a meat grinder style push-pad or pin, to properly process the proteins. The Worshams could bring the Mad Margarita Mixer.

[@iamroot1664]

Lovely workshop; great to see a professional doing precision work

[@joeestes8114]

WOW!, everything you explained in this video i absorbed like a sponge! Thanks for sharing and explaining!

[@robwendland]

Thanks for watching sure appreciate it!

[@indigowillow6020]

At least you are honest, and genuine, and have integrity about what you do. In real machining, it's NEVER "dead on", on the first run. Not in machining things when tolerance is the perimeter.

[@davidaarons2488]

Lots of work, I'm sure that cutter set-up cost a pretty penny. Great content, I know about stacking, used to do oil pumps on the Cadillac HT4100 engine the shafts would slide out the bottom, that was a fine ( cough cough ) engine, you would not believe the things I could do to it to repair them. Hey Rob, didn't see any of the handyman's best friend Duct tape. Keep them coming Jesus Saves

[@robwendland]

Thanks for watching brother!!! I’ll see if I can get some tape out! 🤣

[@ThePeopleVerse]

That was amazing ! ! Right tool for the right job... I caught myself with my jaw dropped when you were in there with an air drum sander. Yikes. Great tip on the scratches with the 36 grit. Thanks for that. It's funny, speaking of tools...my wife asks me all the time "think you got enough tools"? 5 tool boxes. I tell her NO! I am no pro and don't work on stuff for a living, but I do all our own work from mowers, motorcycles, Mustang, Avalanche, a freaking Fiat500, my 65 Chevy racecar and 2 trailers. Right tool for the job at hand and so...NO, I don't have all I need and I learn more every week and so need the tool for something truck I've learned to do. Really dig you shop and cool tools.

[@robwendland]

Thanks for sharing and that’s a pretty cool story. Sounds a lot like me

[@staceybrown686]

The first shop I worked at was right off the Mississippi and we'd get engine work from the workhorses pushing barges. We spray welded the shaft to build up and turn down and it too was from a 10,000hp blower, except the lobes of this guy were about 18" in diameter. It was a sight watching that huge part spin with a madman wearing torch glasses blowing a three foot flame into the fucking thing.

[@robwendland]

I sure would’ve loved to of seen that !

[@jimandskittum]

Some spring action in the channel to push the seal into tension against the case would be nice.

[@robwendland]

At that rotor speed, too much friction! Melts!

[@jimandskittum]

@@robwendland Thanks for the reply. I don't know how the mechanics of it would work but if the polyurethane survives I don't understand how spring tensioner behind them would melt.

[@sarethums]

These videos are incredible. I'm sitting here binge-watching your backlog.

[@nealelliott]

This is such cool information! Thanks for sharing this!

[@robwendland]

Thanks fir watching!!

[@brettspaulding5855]

Thank you Rob for taking the time to show us what it takes.

[@k4sbb829]

I’ve been around industrial blowers I work at a flour mill. The mill and grain elevator has blowers to blow the product around the plant site. I have rebuilt them the rebuild usually consists of bearings and seals on the end plates and new rotors

[@robwendland]

Are they mostly screw style blowers?

[@robertprice2108]

Still bet it will make some serious hourse power lol. Thnks Rob for sharing.

[@robwendland]

It will, just a couple of percent of overdrive more

[@speed6725]

I really enjoy your videos! I learn a lot from them and watch them as often as I can!

[@robwendland]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@steelwitness]

Just found your channel. Good stuff! Well spoken and you clearly explain what youre doing

[@JUNIOR43950]

Just found your channel by a KZbin recommendation but let me tell you I'm enjoying your videos and learning a bit more about this topic which I don't know much but it definitely iss very interesting.

[@boltonky]

Awesome video and full of knowledge, i have seen a couple re-built in person and the difference between a worn one and refreshed is wild but its like anything precision it has to be done right and that takes time and knowledge

[@joel.3112]

Wow I sure am glad to have come across your channel sir ! Very detailed, and you have a lot of passion for what your doing. Thanks for the videos!!

[@robwendland]

Thank you for watching!!

[@ch0cchip704]

What a awesome thing glad you saved it wasn't really alot wrong but on the right hands it's back in service

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

That's a bunch of heavy moving steel tuned like a Rolex. Impressive save. ✌

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it!!

[@572camaroguy]

Could you run a bit more fuel at the hat to seal up and cool those heated strips ? Great job. I am so glad I found your Channel. Take care.

[@mikemc7704]

You videos are awsome. I am learning alot!

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it brother!

[@jakecastle4426]

Wow, this was extremely interesting and informative. Good video, and good work!

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it!

[@andyb9994]

True mechanic, love watching techs as yourself. It shows me to just get in there and do it, whatever the job may be. 👍

[@robwendland]

100% right!

[@Parents_of_Twins]

Very interesting. 10k hp is insane especially out of such a small engine. I wonder what one of those giant Caterpillar 3616's or whatever would produce if fed nitro at a rate comparable to the engine size. Of course you would need probably 12" feed lines to push that much nitro and a 2000hp engine running the fuel pumps.

[@robwendland]

We would have to shorten up the stroke a bit. It would be a great video....😜

[@Parents_of_Twins]

@@robwendland It would be exciting that's for sure.

[@Crazyhorseracing461]

Very interesting on the steps and do’s and dont’s. Thank you for sharing this.

[@perryturpin766]

Just found your channel and you definitely earned my subscribe!!! You have so much knowledge and it just feeds my soul!!!!

[@robwendland]

Thank you for the kind words! Truly appreciate it!

[@scottscott6794]

Nice job I learned quite a bit thank you very much continued success.

[@sethhughes2163]

Excellent doc on procedure and tech... would love to build a cutter for use in the shop/build room!!! Thank you for the upper echelon's r&r.... Seth

[@frankensteincreations4740]

When your ready to scrap that beast you can send it my way. Lol. Looking to upgrade my antique weiand 6-71. Awesome video 👍

[@josephplatania5593]

Nice kid. I love superchargers. You did a nice job. I learned a lot.

[@robwendland]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@SC457A]

Is this one of the jobs Drew Mitchell did for the team a few years ago? I know Drew from racing with him locally.

[@robwendland]

It sure is I sure miss Drew!

[@Elbis72]

My good man I believe that "clover leaf" is called a fidget spinner (for the dense ones I'm joking)

[@masterSe7en77]

Lol 10,000hp fidget spinners lolol

[@stevelennox8575]

I'll volunteer to sweep the floors and clean up after you if you keep revealing these nuggets Rob....and i'm an expert with JB Weld. Pistons and blower cases soon to be a specialty .....

[@robwendland]

🤣sure appreciate it!

[@stevelennox8575]

@@robwendland Not nearly as much as we do. Seems to be a loyal and niche oriented comment section...a needed welcome in todays' internet. Thank you Sir ;)

[@dustinhurst9259]

Thank you greatly for your video's!! We love the knowledge you share and that blower might support enough air for my Briggs 8hp lol... all jokes aside thanks for taking your time to share the knowledge and experience you have!!

[@completemoney]

Such awesome in depth knowledge. This channel is very underrated

[@robwendland]

Oh will keep her going just please keep watching thank you

[@moparnut6286]

Great video and no it not long winded at all very enjoyable to watch you work!

[@aaronanderson7619]

Looks like the missus is feeding you good. Enough hotel nights and leftover spaghetti is a god sent. Thanks for the view man. Good God those are cool screws.

[@robwendland]

Dammit you noticed🤣🤣

[@aaronanderson7619]

@@robwendland I ran up and down california doing big money jobs, rental, ring, married, preggars, buy a house and have another kid. Work consumed me, family took more time off than I did for the kids. Last one was 245 miles a day, 14 months. Have you seen the big jumbo box of fruit roll ups. Gushers and fruit by the foot? Lost 50 a year but my little boy has a glove to throw at, not a toss back rig at 4 years old. More midgets needed. Take care stud.

[@greg_does_stuff]

This takes me back in time to where I was working in Bill Miller's shop making cases from sand castings, and the rest from billet. Setting the timing and pinning the 2-peace gears and pinning the bearing plates to the cases always took forever. It was cool to see one you made from scratch come back in for a rebuild and get it it back in a box, headed out for more track time. Just curious, why don't you turn down your OD plastic on a lathe?

[@robwendland]

We use to back in the day. The plastic changed and a lathe cut almost melts it now.

[@greg_does_stuff]

@@robwendland No kidding? We were using nylatron back then, warming it up in an oven before pulling it in the grove and capturing it with 10/32 socket head screws.

[@erniehenshaw4161]

Great Stuff Rob.

[@robwendland]

Thank you!

[@HappyHarryHardon]

I rebuilt roots blowers that didn’t have the strips. The rotors had a raised pad, if there was enough contact it got replaced.

[@robwendland]

Did few back in the day!

[@tedgerstenslager2949]

Great content. The real nuts and bolts.

[@josephplatania5593]

Trial and error and hours and hours. Nice job. I love your channel

[@desertlizard4723]

Very informative and knowledgeable great content.

[@markg1495]

Checking in before this channel hits the moon. Just got recommended to me-you know what that means

[@powellsa]

More nitro stuff...WOO-HOO! Thanks Rob! Still waiting for some "how to tune nitro" vids 😉.

[@robwendland]

I hear you! Have to walk before we run! 🤣

[@vehizzle]

Great video, really puts a lot into perspective. 👍

[@jasonhinton2562]

I loved this I actually feel like I couldn't do it now. Very informative thank you. Definitely subscribed now

[@SgtRock-cr2sh]

Great video!! Very instructive and very interesting!! Nice job!!

[@foghornleghorn8536]

Great video Rob, thanks for going to the trouble.

[@robwendland]

I enjoy this!!

[@alack1153]

Crazy how much goes into these beasts

[@bjj21]

That gauge you set to read the depth would be a much better trimming tool than that jig if it had a motor attached to it. You could run it across by hand and have exact depth set. Instead of spining a spine on a lathe. Much like a hand planner if that makes sense

[@jerrycoon3369]

Wow! Cool stuff! Do you ever have to check or set end play in the rotors or gears? Or would that only be if you were installing new rotors? Very interesting information. More please... Hahaha

[@bcbloc02]

Why not just rebore the case to give more clearance for the strips and to make it true again?

[@robwendland]

It’s actually bored like a football somewhat. Along with the tight spot, there are loose ones on the wrong areas. Say 4 and 8 o’clock. Rebooting the case is possible but a 5 hour process and it there’s a possibility it won’t be any better than it was.

[@natevanbynen6595]

I was thinking the same, even maybe lapping it with a custom lap to make it deadnuts and perfect along the length

[@natevanbynen6595]

@bcbloc02 havent seen a barn shop update from ya in a while ;-)

[@dmmdmm5435]

Thanks for the education. I've always wondered how those blowers are sealed and what does the sealing.

[@Bobby-fj8mk]

Thanks - I had never seen inside a super charger before. Wouldn't it be good to test it while running even at say 1000 rpm?

[@pablochavez9087]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Pretty awesome seeing a suoercharger being torn apart. Especially a 10,000 HP monster

[@robwendland]

Thanks bud!

[@rodcroan6304]

Good stuff. Thanks for your knowledge.

[@alant5757]

May be long winded... but very interesting. Thanks

[@robwendland]

Could of been 45 minutes easy

[@rescobar8572]

Wow!!!!! This was an incredible video!! Thank you!!! Very informative. Very intuitive in the repair. I am left wondering what a new case would cost. Are the rotors made just for that case?

[@robwendland]

$6k to 7k