Miles too high to S/C?...

Mac-MerC

Mac-MerC

Daily Driven 24/7 365
I've been contemplating a supercharger so I've decided to start saving (few dollars here and there)..... Would prefer a Vortech over Eaton.
My car currently has 158k something miles on it... daily driven. Not really in a rush for boost but eventually want it. Maybe sometime in the first quarter of next year I will be ready to make the leap but by then I will probably have a nother 10-15k miles on it... So lets say I will have 175k-ish miles before I am able to S/C it... is that too many? (what are the dangers)... I was really wondering who had the highest amount of miles before they decided to S/C and if they had any major issues?...
Or maybe since the mileage would be so high maybe i should get a teardown and rebuild of the motor to check the internals?....

Since this is my only vehicle I dont have the option to sell it and and use that as my starting point to get my bank up. Now after i save a few thousand I may be able to sell my vehicle.. (most likely not) but with the mileage it wont fetch that much and I will still not have enough to by a S/C'd car.... A decent mileaged S/C'd car that is.

Sooooooo pretty much the question is if I was able to S/C the car at around 175k should I go for it and not look back... or Just keep saving to buy one already S/C'd?.....
I know my car... I've had it for almost 4 years... I know its problems. I'm actually kind of terrorfied to purchase a car already boosted and be stuck with its gremlins and ****... thats why im contemplating boost at the high mileage.

I'm just seeking some nice opinions on the route that some of you all would take if you were in my shoes. Thank you before hand
 
I've been wondering also. I still have my Vortech in a box and am now at 150,000. Car runs great, well maintained, etc. I've had it since Feb 2006. Any reason to think it can't handle the added power? Or just plan on getting the engine checked/rebuilt before supercharging?
 
No reason.... I havent had any engine troubles... but im sure parts are wearing out. I Dont want to put $5,000 into this motor and then it breaks... You feel me?
I will feel like a pure fool, looking at the car in the drive way and me having to save up more money to get it rolling again. Every purchase i make in life right now has to be very well thought out. The tune and 4:10s have lost their spunk... honestly im getting somewhat bored with the car. Thats what im thinking this next move
 
I got mine installed and tuned at a speed shop at 62k. They said if it was over 80k they might have said no.

I think the thinking is that they don't know the condition and history of the motor and 80k's about where it's at real risk of dying if it hasn't been cared for for it's whole life.

If you know it's been loved and labored over, then you may squeek another 60-80 out of it with the supercharger.
 
I'm sure you will get good advice from the tech pros on this site, and I'm not a pro myself (shadetree mechanic only), BUT my gut is to say plan on a rebuild.

At that high mileage, wouldn't you rather have the piece of mind? I'm not doubting your maintenance or driving habits, but it would rather be safe than sorry.
 
Yes miles are too high. Ask me how I know.

You can find another stock engine with a lot less miles and you will be fine or build yours up.

I repeat, do NOT S/C that engine unless you want the function to be questionable anytime you turn the key.
 
How about this; buy a complete engine and re-build it. Install the rebuilt engine and SC on your MM. Sell your old engine to recover some $. Little downtime on your dd.

It is similar to what I am doing.


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First off, if plan to S/C, you should always plan for the worst possible issues that could come up and bite you, sometimes as early as your dyno appointment.

Second, I have seen rebuilt engines that were half assed and perhaps better before the rebuild.

There is no such thing as a good (or safe) mileage/age.

"It isn't if it breaks, it is when it breaks"


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"
 
Thank you all for your opinions and input.
Pretty much what I assumed, too high of mileage. I believe I have taken care of the car since it has been in my possesion but... time takes it tole.

About how much does a low mileage motor go for?....
 
Have an oil and trans fluid analysis done. I have good results from Blackstone.

From an August, 2013 post;
I now have 70K and 76 passes on the "new" engine. Total S/C miles ~125K.

540RWHP/70+K Miles/70+ 11 2nd Pases
BlackStone Lab Report
Wow, between the supercharger, the daily driving and the 1/4 passes, it sounds like you're giving this engine a run for its money. That’s okay -- it seems to enjoy the attention. Metals look great. This is one of the longer (not the longest, but close) oil runs across the page, but metals still look very good. Iron is a little higher than some other samples simply because of the longer run, but with other metals reading low, we know it's not making the oil abrasive. The TBN was fine (2.6), and sodium seems like additive (not coolant). Add 1,500 more mi to the oil.

You mentioned that you're concerned the transmissions life might be nearing the end. As far as we can see here, metals look great. They're lower than last time, but that's probably just because this oil run was shorter than the last. The oil was physically in good shape. Maybe there's something going on that's not related to poor wear -- like parts wearing out, perhaps? Just a theory. This oil can see more use, as far as we're concerned.

A Daily Driver that is driven to the track and run that way!

If you were blowing head gaskets something wasn't right. An S/C does not increase the peak pressure in a cylinder. It only increases the duration of the peak pressure.

Don't FEAR the Power!
__________________
 
Mac-MerC said:
Thank you all for your opinions and input.
Pretty much what I assumed, too high of mileage. I believe I have taken care of the car since it has been in my possesion but... time takes it tole.

About how much does a low mileage motor go for?....
Click to expand...


Don't be discouraged, it's just a question that can't be answered. Knowing your own car is a major plus, and I myself wouldn't hesitate, but that is something I simply can't recommend. Fact is when you play, most often you pay. Mileage has little to do with anything VS. how it was maintained. And sometimes even that proves wrong.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"
 
I have 145k on mine and went s/c. Results TBD, but the engine was clean as a whistle when I pulled the covers off.
If I blow up the engine, then so be it. It will sit until I find the money for the engine of my dreams.
 
You don't know for sure until you try it. Properly tuned and with an added rear cooling mod, I think it would last just fine.

But if it's your only vehicle don't do it. Upgrading to a blower will increase your downtime. Period.
 
I don't know how many miles Guspech has on his car, but he told me he has had 3 trouble free years Eaton swapped.
 
I installed my ProCharger at 84K miles and now have 254K miles on the original motor......just do it and don't look back!!:burnout::beer:
 
stevengerard said:
I've been looking and the price is all over the board lower mileage up near 2-3k high mileage under 1k sometimes even cheaper. Same motor listed for a Mustang is more than one listed for an SUV.
Click to expand...
WOW - Lincoln Aviator Motors with 90,000 to 140,000 miles are going for 1,800 to 2,400 dollars--.re cycle [junk yard]--:help: -Tasca Ford are listing around 3,600 for RMP motor [Reman motor product]
 
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