Supercharger for my Apache

[diceman50]

I finally got all the fittings in for my oil lines. I am using push lock hose and fittings and they can be very difficult to install, so I decided to post some pictures and a demo video of a tool I made to make the installation easier. If you are planning on installing any of the aftermarket EFI systems (i.e. FAST, Atomic, FiTech, etc.) you are probably going to be using them.










https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkUt...m-upload_owner

[Advanced Design]

Great solution! Friend was doing this the other night and made a tool though yours is more elegant. And way less expensive than the one from Khoul tools.

What is inserted in the fitting and what does the end of the tool used on the 90 look like?

Cool my jets, it will probably be in the video....

[diceman50]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Great solution! Friend was doing this the other night and made a tool though yours is more elegant. And way less expensive than the one from Khoul tools.

What is inserted in the fitting and what does the end of the tool used on the 90 look like?

Cool my jets, it will probably be in the video....

Thanks,

When I am doing a straight fitting I screw a male adapter into the fitting to protect the female threads of the fitting. As you probably know it takes a tremendous amount of pressure to install these things. The 90 degree attachment is a flat plate with a "U" shaped cut out. All of the fittings I have seen have a collar on them to push against. The fitting I was doing in the video is a -8. When I do smaller 90 degree fittings I cut a notch in a heavy washer and insert it in front of the fork. It would probably be better to make a fork for each size. Sometimes I need three hands to hold everything in place. I usually put some tape on the fork to protect the fitting.

[Advanced Design]

Nice set up Dice. Thanks for the details. The video didn't have sound when I viewed it.

[diceman50]

My friend Pete who did the machine work on my engine recommends Comp Cams Break-In Oil Additive which I have used before. I have always premixed it with the oil before I put it in the engine because I was afraid it would sink to the bottom of the pan where it might or might not get picked up by the oil pump. I guess it would depend on how much space is under the oil pickup. I guess this fear goes back to my days working in a service station as a teenager. Back then STP was a popular product and we added it to many of our oil changes. I was instructed to add it only when the engine was running because if the engine wasn't running it would go to the bottom of the pan and sit there. As I was preparing to prime the oil system on the 261 I decided to test my theory. I poured some oil in a plastic measuring container and then poured in some of the additive. As I feared it sank straight to the bottom. This may or may not be a problem but, it is simple enough to mix it beforehand. Good news is it seems to stay in suspension once it is mixed up.

[diceman50]

Well I finally got everything ready to start my new engine. I called Z10 and EE to help me monitor everything and shoot some video. Only a couple of minor issues. The supercharger is leaking oil (probably a pinched "O" ring) and the throttle bodies need to be synchronized and the throttle blades need to be set for minimum idle. Attached is an edited 12 minute video. Total run time of the engine was 18 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rou8...m-upload_owner

[Advanced Design]

Sounds good and I like the whine...plus the open garage door.

What software is EE using on the laptop?

[RockinKees]

Yeah sounds like a Supercharger

When it's ready, do you have to go on the dyno also?

[Average Joe]

Engine sounds great. Thanks for the tip on pre-mixing the addative. I always add it between quarts when filling, but I will pre-mix now!

[FarmerSid]

Cool additive tip. Nice experiment. Supercharger sounds awesome

[OutlawDrifter]

Glad you got the fire lit!

[diceman50]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Sounds good and I like the whine...plus the open garage door.

What software is EE using on the laptop?

Thanks guys!!

Yes we have had beautiful weather here for the last few days. It was 65 degrees when we did that video.

EE wrote his own tuning software. Did I mention that he is a genius.

We tore down the supercharger and found a broken sealing ring on the output shaft. Guess I got a little heavy handed when I put it together. I happened to have a spare so hopefully that issue is resolved.



We also balanced the throttle bodies and set the IAC base idle air. Video attached.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQHA...ature=youtu.be

We also drove the truck about 50 miles. Ran great, EE did some data logs so he can fine tune the VE tables but he thinks it's pretty close now. However the truck did develop an oil leak in the front. Guess the timing cover is coming off. Dammit!

[ptc]

Sounds really good...!!!! I dont think you are gonna be sneakin up on anybody with the supercharger whine! ---

Are you going to run hard pipe when you get it all connected up to the carbs?

[diceman50]

Originally Posted by ptc

Sounds really good...!!!! I dont think you are gonna be sneakin up on anybody with the supercharger whine! ---

Are you going to run hard pipe when you get it all connected up to the carbs?

Thanks ptc, I haven't worked out the supercharger to plenum plumbing just yet. It will probably be some combination of aluminum tube and rubber connectors. I have a plenum already built, but EE doesn't like it. He wants to hide the idle air motor inside the plenum like we did on the air cleaner. After thinking it over I have decided he is right. Unfortunately, this will require a new plenum design. Probably something with a bolt on top. This may delay the finish of the project, but it's better to get it done right instead of faster.

[ptc]

Originally Posted by diceman50

Thanks ptc, I haven't worked out the supercharger to plenum plumbing just yet. It will probably be some combination of aluminum tube and rubber connectors. I have a plenum already built, but EE doesn't like it. He wants to hide the idle air motor inside the plenum like we did on the air cleaner. After thinking it over I have decided he is right. Unfortunately, this will require a new plenum design. Probably something with a bolt on top. This may delay the finish of the project, but it's better to get it done right instead of faster.

Yep thats the way! --- I may do the same on mine. Some type of sheetmetal (alum) intake system that emulates an EFI plenum look but just covers the entire carb with the input end like a throttle body. I like that look.

[diceman50]

As I said earlier I had a plenum built that fit on top of the throttle bodies with a tube underneath to connect to the supercharger. It basically was a welded up pressure chamber with velocity stacks inside. Since it was welded up solid it was going to require a remote mounted idle air control motor (IAC). I was planning to mount the IAC on the firewall and hook it up with 1/2" hose. EE really wanted to put the IAC and inlet air temperature sensor (IAT) inside the plenum like we had done previously with the air cleaner. After thinking it over I decided he was right. It will be a much cleaner installation. Rather than scrap the whole thing I decided to cut the top off of it and try to build one that bolts on. I didn't quite get through today, but hope to finish it up tomorrow and see what happens when we put some boost on it. EE already has a base 2 bar tune ready to go.

[Z10]

You've made some great progress over the past couple of days. I'll get over to the shop tomorrow. Can't wait to see some pressure in that thing.

[diceman50]

It's done!!! I finished the fabrication on the plenum and the tubing to hook it up today. Why I decided to put 48 screws in the top is unclear at this time. What a pain in the ass. Ninety-six holes to drill forty-eight holes to tap forty-eight holes to punch in the gasket. What was I thinking? Oh well, it looks pretty cool and I'm pretty sure it won't leak. A friend says it looks kind of "Steampunk".

[diceman50]

Attached is a video of the first startup and drive of the truck with the supercharger hooked up. All I can say is "WOW" what a difference! EE nailed the tune up first try. Don't get me wrong this truck is not fast. That was never the goal. However the difference is like night and day. Our goal with this project was to have a vintage vehicle with the convenience and reliability of modern EFI, enough power to safely travel with modern vehicles, and is fun to drive. It meets every expectation I had and then some. After I get a few more miles on it I will do some performance runs to compare with the earlier ones.

I also want to thank my good friend Greg (aka EE). Not only for all the hundreds of hours he spent working on the truck, but also for all the encouragement and for being around to bounce ideas off of. The truth is most of the really good ideas are his. Without his help this project may never have been finished. At the very least I know it would not be as cool or as reliable as it is.

https://youtu.be/XTO_Esao-cQ

[OutlawDrifter]

very cool diceman! thanks for sharing the journey. what a cool ride to have at your disposal.

[Advanced Design]

Nice job Dice, EE and Z10! The airbox modification looks good and all the screws almost look clocked.

What will the next project be?

[Valarius_Starchaser]

Looks and sounds awesome definitely above and beyond custom quality!

[diceman50]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Nice job Dice, EE and Z10! The airbox modification looks good and all the screws almost look clocked.

What will the next project be?

Thanks Guys,

The next group project is going to be installing FiTech EFI and possibly a Vintage Air system on Z10's 69 Camaro Pace Car.

My next project is probably going to be replacing a tired 350 Chevy engine in my 50 Merc. Too much raw fuel has been run through it for the flame throwers. I can't complain though since I have been doing it for nearly 20 years. I'm thinking I will use a crate engine with a vintage style 3 deuce EFI system. There is a company making Rochester 2G style throttle bodies now. Whatever it is it will be fuel injected.



I drove the truck about 20 miles today and it is running great.

Thanks again

[joedoh]

gorgeous sound, just great work!

[ejn74]

That truck sounds SWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!