I just recieve this email this morning .... Somebody forgot to tell this writer that they are moving (..closed their doors a month ago) ..... Going way beyond straight Hemi HP Techno roars out a new breed of blowers.Publish date: Sep 14, 2009 By: Steve Temple Source: Motor Age Email|Print|ShareDel.icio.usDiggRedditFacebook|Save|License12Next » The HEMI-powered Dodge Challenger is likely to be one of the more popular applications of Techco's Reverse Revolution twin-screw supercharger. Even with a moderate boost level for smooth drivability, there's plenty of power to break the tires loose. There's an old truism in the automotive business that horsepower is what sells, but torque is what moves the car. Well, offering a supercharger actually gives you a dramatic power-adder that can raise the performance of both a customer's vehicle and your shop revenues. Supercharging for automobiles has been around for more than a century, dating back to an engine designed by Gottlieb Daimler in 1900. Later on, veterans returning from World War II employed this proven aviation technology to hop up their hot rods. Today, this type of forced induction has come a long way, and is now a staple of the performance aftermarket, because there's no quicker way to produce big power numbers than bolting on a blower. Gains of 30 percent to 50 percent are not unusual, typically about 20 hp per pound of boost, depending on the fuel delivery and intercooling systems. And as already noted, superchargers are also a quick way to boost the bottom line. The principle behind supercharging is fairly simple: use a belt-driven pump to push more air into the cylinders so the engine can burn more fuel and generate more power. But not all blowers are created equal, as they come in a variety of sizes and configurations. And depending on the design, they also require modifications to the intake, fuel and cooling systems. High-Flow Installation The basic types of blowers are roots, twin-screw and centrifugal. All of them work well, but as market competition has increased, companies have come up with various innovations and refinements on these proven approaches. We'll focus on one in particular, Techco's Reverse Revolution twin-screw supercharger. This company has reassembled the former team that designed, developed, tested and certified the Saleen S7, Saleen S281 Mustangs, Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang and Saleen S331 Sport Trucks. The product line has been expanded from Ford engines to include HEMI-powered (5.7L or 6.1L) 2008-2009 Chrysler vehicles and GM's later-model LS engines for the Corvette and redesigned Camaro. As implied by the Reverse Revolution product name, Techco has taken an opposite approach to the twin-screw design. Usually the air flows into the blower case from behind and above the engine, where it's compressed between a pair of intermeshing rotors and then directed into the intercooler and/or intake manifold. On the Techco, however, the air flows through the front of the engine, and the rotors pump the air upward through a new type of intercooler with an A-frame configuration, and then directly into the intake runners. One advantage of this configuration is a lower profile, so the stock hood can be retained (saving money for your customer). This setup also provides a more direct airflow with fewer bends in order to minimize the buildup of heat, along with a larger volume of airflow at less boost. Typically the blower runs about six pounds of boost, and produces a gain of 90 hp to 120 hp on a HEMI (higher outputs are available as well). Also included with the system are an open-element, high-flow cold-air intake, CNC venturi, extruded aluminum fuel rails with larger injectors and an eight-rib accessory drive. A Diablo flash programmer changes the vehicle's fuel maps to compensate for the higher airflow supplied by the supercharger. We drove a Corvette and a Challenger, each outfitted with Techco's Reverse Revolution superchargers. The experience was exhilarating. In stop-and-go traffic, the car idles and motors smoothly around town, with no overheating or throttle-surging. Your customers won't believe how much performance you've wrung out of the engine. And you just might be surprised as well by how much more revenue these systems can bring into your shop. Steve Temple is a freelance technical writer and photographer with more than 25 years' experience. He has served as director of sales and marketing for Shelby American and as online editor for major magazines like Hot Rod, Car Craft and Rod &Custom. 12Next » About the Author Steve Temple Contributing Editor [email protected] Steve Temple is a freelance technical writer and photographer with more than 25 years experience. He has served as director of Sales and Marketing for Shelby American and as online editor for major magazines such as Hot Rod, Car Craft and Rod & Custom. Articles by Steve Temple
