Jackson Racing Supercharger

[Anthochoritis]

Hello all,
just wanted to ask if anyone has heard from people who have put the supercharger on or know anything about it, etc. Any bad experiences? Does it compromise the stability of the car? Does it require any further equipment (i.e. different exhaust) to make up for the output?
One thing I don't understand that has me thinking is why the competition concept SVT Focus doesn't have the s'charger, but the previous SEMA concept does. Did they discover something we don't know? Any info is helpful, thanks.

-Christos

[helga123]

The availability of the Jackson Racing supercharger bears no relationship to what was projected, so I don't think we know yet.

This time last year I emailed them & the projection was "it will be available when the SVT Focus is available, in the Spring". My latest inquiry was Sunday to Summit Racing (who carries JR stuff) & the best they could tell was " Sometime after the 1st of the year".

Given upcoming plans (such as the turbo Cosworth deal in the latest Enthusiast), it's not clear when/where the next horsepower hit is coming from.

However, one of the articles (in the Enthusiast) (re)makes the excellent point that we could be tuning ourselves up with a driving school in the meantime!

[SVTfcs]

Do you have any more info on the "turbo Cosworth deal" (maybe a website or something)? I think that's exactly what the SVT Focus needs! A supercharer assists the Mustang and F-150 nicely. However, my Focus would rather have a big turbo that takes several thousand RPMs to spool. I don't even want boost until about 4800-5000. Then once it does start spinning you are thrown back into your seat while the sound from the turbine pierces through your ears. Don't you agree with me?

:rolleyes:

[Lemond2002]

I heard that Ford is working on a supercharged version of the Focus SVT for 2004.

[deactivated]

yeah you can be assured that if SVT is going beyond NA it'll be a SC. They just have more experience in that field than with turbos. while I think turbos sound cooler....SC will be in the future Focus.

[helga123]

Originally posted by Pdog0507
Do you have any more info on the "turbo Cosworth deal" (maybe a website or something)? I think that's exactly what the SVT Focus needs! A supercharer assists the Mustang and F-150 nicely. However, my Focus would rather have a big turbo that takes several thousand RPMs to spool. I don't even want boost until about 4800-5000. Then once it does start spinning you are thrown back into your seat while the sound from the turbine pierces through your ears. Don't you agree with me?

:rolleyes:

There was mention in the 9/16 issue of AutoWeek of SVT doing a Death Valley test of a Focus variant, without a lot of info as to what it contained. They mentioned our current motor was tuned with the help of Cosworth & commented that PERHAPS Ford was moving ahead with the 4WD 300 hp Focus Cosworth shown in LA in '99. Basically, "Who knows?" (The Enthusiast also ran some info.)

I completely agree with your comments regarding the turbo (or a centrifugal!) being a far better way to augment the Focus power curve than a Roots. The current car just does not need that much more bottom end. HOWEVER, no matter what power adder is eventually employed, the proof is in the tuning. The best system will be the best integrated. Progressive, responsive, predictable is where it's at, to have it be useable at the extreme- otherwise just add nitrous! I also agree the Roots is a great choice for the Lightning/Cobra- Lightning being an ungodly mass to move & Cobra needing a "big block" feel to support its muscle car origins... Plus, it is pretty porky as well.

[dynomite]

I think a Turbo is a better way to go.. boost usually kicks in around 3000rpm, and I find myself always driving around 3k anyways.

Sounds like Ford will be sticking in a turbo Mazda engine for 2004 though.

[SVTFocus02]

:tmb: :kiss: :tmb: :kiss:
i talked to Jackson Racing my self last week. they will not come out with the Supercharger until around March of 2003. right around the corner, and enough time to play with it until summer comes around. it will only come with 6 lbs of boost, which i think is just right. i dont think the engine will handle more than 10 lbs because of the 10.2:1 compression its got. 6-8 lbs will be plenty, definately when they told me that the first test with 6 lbs gave them over 230 hp at the wheels. cant wait. even though im smoking all the hondas out there, this would be nice to bring to the track
chuck

ps: about turbos....6 lbs from a supercharger is like putting 10-12 lbs from a turbo. also, with a supercharger,there is less maintanence, and provides power throughout the powerband. and if you are driving around with the car at 3000 rpm, do you really want the turbo to be on all the time. youll wear it out, or blow it up

[helga123]

[i]Originally posted b

ps: about turbos....6 lbs from a supercharger is like putting 10-12 lbs from a turbo. also, with a supercharger,there is less maintanence, and provides power throughout the powerband. and if you are driving around with the car at 3000 rpm, do you really want the turbo to be on all the time. youll wear it out, or blow it up [/B]


Sorry, but no...

If you discount turbo cars (particularly intercooled ones!) you'll be in for a rude awakening. Adding the Jackson Racing supercharger to the Focus will be great, HOWEVER, the only thing this MAY do is bring us up to a STOCK WRX or SRT-4. That's it.

Take either of these turbo cars and push them just a bit, and the JR equipped Focus will be toast. There are more efficient blowers than the Eaton and the lack of an intercooler represents another serious limitation on what the expectation should be.

I say this with every expectation of keeping my Focus & adding the JR blower- we just need to be realistic here!

[skatepunk]

Originally posted by SVTFocus02
:tmb: :kiss: :tmb: :kiss:
i talked to Jackson Racing my self last week. they will not come out with the Supercharger until around March of 2003.

Man they moved it again... when I called the told me end of December ahhhh

[SVTFocus02]

turbos are nice...dont get me wrong...but a supercharger is always there...there is no lag...too much boost from anything, supercharger or turbo, will blow this engine...i wouldnt put more than 10 lbs at the most...when i talked to JR, they told me they went up to 10 lbs of boost, then the blew the head gasket...there is too much compression...also, take the turbo off the WRX...what do you have...nothing but a fourwheel drive paper weight...they are big, and are more of a family sedan if anything...sport cars are ment to be 2 drs...if you want to really make our SVT Focus go fast, there has to be a lot of mods...it goes now, but im talking about under 12 sec quarter miles...i believe stock is like 15+ secs...anyways...JR supercharger can out run any turbo out there...everyone has hit this big turbo fetish since the "fast and the furious" movie...but they are worthless with all the maintinance that is involed...my buddy put one on his car, and was changing the intake manifold once a month...he knew what he was doing, but it was a pain in the butt...he never raced it either

[bubba]

Originally posted by SVTFocus02
turbos are nice...dont get me wrong...everyone has hit this big turbo fetish since the "fast and the furious" movie...but they are worthless with all the maintinance that is involed...my buddy put one on his car, and was changing the intake manifold once a month...he knew what he was doing, but it was a pain in the butt...he never raced it either

As for the "turbo fetish" since the movie, my brother was looking for a shop to do a twin turbo setup on his 84 mustang...five years ago. the supra was twin turbo and fast from the factory, granted at a very high price tag. and most new cars withing the past 15 years that use forced induction use turbos.
some cars like the thunderbird used a supercharger and the svt's use a blower.
And why was your buddy changing his intake mnifold once a month? Did he like to put the manifold up to the light and look through the runners to make sure they are still there?
Look at every semi truck and diesel on the road that has a factory power adder. A big turbo making too much boost for any gas engine less than 500ci. These engines go over as million miles with the turbo without being overhauled. I know a diesel mechanic who bought a new dodge ram with the cummins turbo diesel and he loves it. He says to stay away from the banks system because that is when he startes seeing those pickups in his shop because of too much boost.
Almost all new turbos are maint. free. An oil feed and an oil return are the only things you have to worry about with turbos these days.
reliable power, turbo whine, and that pop off valve are the three main erasons I like turbo. And when kenny bell comes out with the twin screw, I will have the only kenny blown svt focus on the block.

[SVTfcs]

helga123: I doubt that we'll see a 300 hp, awd SVT Focus. Who the hell knows what kind of price tag SVT would attempt to attach to this car. I mean, even if this car can break the sound barrier people would say, "You'd have to be crazy to spend over $25K on a Ford Focus!" The ONLY possibility of this would be a special edition SVT Focus R (along the lines of the SVT Cobra R) or something of the like. They wouldn't sell more than a handful of these.

I did not read that article in Auto Week. I would very much like to do so. Seeing as how I probably will not find it in print anywhere, would anyone know where I can find this article on the web?

One more time: That's the 9/16 issue of Auto week.

Or if you're really bored even type up the article in a post!

:kiss:

[Anthochoritis]

http://www.autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&content_code=09445937&Search_Type=STD&Search_ID=803443&record=2

[helga123]

Bubba,

My compliments on your perfect response to SVTFocus02's personal feedback on turbos... I have to admit to holding back big time. I'm assuming "youth" was the underlying reason for his comments.

Pdog,

I think you're right in what you suggest- that there's a high limit to what "most" people would pay, for say, a "Focus". Some product planners always shoot for "most" & what comes out of the other end of the pipe lacks distinction, i.e. lots of similar choices, and many times the effort is lost at sea.

If you consider HOW MUCH PEOPLE CAN SPEND WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS there will absolutely be significant numbers of $25K Foci out there (just like there are tons of $50K 'stangs out there).

My point is this: Why not a FocusR in, say, a 750 pc. run, that is 300 hp. AWD with a serious sprinkling of lightweight parts & decontented of frills? If we, as consumers, pay in accordance with what something does, vs. what it looks like it might do, they'll be more "doers".

I think the Lightning proves this. $33K for a shortbox 2WD truck is just fine BECAUSE IT RUNS 13'S STOCK & GOES AROUND A CORNER AND ACTUALLY STOPS. (Oh yeah, and it looks great too.)

The current SVT Focus is so cool @ its price point (I paid $19K fully loaded) that I would probably pay $29K for an AWD one that had the acceleration of a Lightning/Cobra. Perhaps it needs another 1/2 liter of motor, a 300 lb. diet, and an intercooled turbo to get there, who cares?

The whole hot rod concept revolves around taking the lightest thing you can start with and building it up. Isn't that the Focus?

We can leave those drive wheels on the wrong end as long as we add 2 at the right end, no?

[SoulAssassin]

Two words: Kenne Bell

[SVTFocus02]

how did you get info on a kenne bell supercharger...where can i get one...do they have a kit for it yet...i would like to go with a JR supercharger, but they dont have a intercooler hook up...im not sure if kenne bell will have this, but i would like to find out...thanks

ps-turbos suck...too much maitanence and work to make it worth your it

[bubba]

I got info on the kenne bell supercharger by going to their website and asking them.

Subj: Re: product availability
Date: 12/6/2002 11:48:51 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: kennebell@kennebell.net (kennebell.mail)
To: SpeedracerBubba@aol.com




We are definately doing the a Focus Twin Screw Kit -intercooled and non intercooled.
Available in March 2003. 40-70% more power with all the advantages of a Twin Screw.

One person with a ****py engine and you are against turbos. With all of these focus owners having problems, you must never want a single focus
I would rather have a turbo, but tom's kit aint gettin carb approval and is a little too expensive for me at the time.

[bubba]

I also went to the jackson racing website and asked them. All you have to do is ask the right people and you will get the correct answer.

Subj: RE: product availability
Date: 12/6/2002 6:39:21 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: mendezs@mossmotors.com (Mendez, Steve)
To: SpeedracerBubba@aol.com ('SpeedracerBubba@aol.com')



Jason,
Yes we are. should be out buy Feb-03. We will be using the m-62 blower on
the SVT application. Sorry I do not have any numbers yet...

We get a 62cu.in. blower rather than the smaler 45 cu.in. unit as found on the regular zetec kit.
I have also heard they are coming out with this before they do the big boost for the 45.

[SVTfcs]

Thanks for the link Anthochoritis!

helga123: I read an article in Motor Trend a while back that was titled, "Ford Focus vs. Chevrolet Corvette ZO6". As absurd as this sounds, the (304 hp) FR200 Focus actually produced faster lap times than the Vette! Granted Motor Trend estimated the modifications made to this particular Focus somewhere in the ballpark of 200 Gs. Their biggest complaint was the "front wheel drive" on the Focus. What I'm trying to prove here is that with an awd system and (maybe a little less drastic) 240 or so horse power to back it up, our SVT Focus R could rule the streets. And even more importantly, come with a price tag of around $28K. Then again just like you said: To "most" people this would be nothing more than a Ford Focus.

:p

[helga123]

A couple of comments (all in agreement with a Focus R):

$200K for prototyping something like the FR200 is not a lot these days. If this even remotely suggests that a 750 pc. (my number) run of these could be viable- cool!

A quick look under a Subaru and you can see how well integrated an AWD system can truly be- I always ask myself, "And why aren't all cars built this way?"

I would certainly see more value in a $30K 13 sec. AWD Focus than, say, a $55K BMW (especially because the same car without all the US bound **** we seem to feel we need is $30K US in Europe!).

I would have to add a weight proviso to the Focus R- it really shouldn't be more than 9 lbs./hp (wet) to be stellar.

** Take a 9 lb./hp AWD version of what you have now & ask yourself: What could possibly get past you on a back road? Keep up, I could think of a few, but get past you?

Note: None of the above is meant to take away from the cars we have now- they're really a nice piece. But, I do think planners tend to forget that there are a lot of people who would easily spend 50% more if all the extra went into the drivetrain/suspension- i.e. the part we use/care about. We're not a "6 cylinder's O.K. if it looks like a Viper" crowd!

[Anthochoritis]

I keep hearing people argue about how putting the JR supercharger on the SVTF wil only get it up to stock Neon SRT-4 and Impreza WRX.
Let me rebut: Let's not forget that the Neon has .4 more liters of displacement and an intercooled Turbo and the Focus with the JR supercharger will just surpass it with horsepower at the wheels.
Also the Subara has an intercooled turbo and the supercharged Focus will comfortably surpass that. The only issue is the reliability risk. Will our engine handle the blowing without giving us the ole blown gasket surprise. Time will tell.

[helga123]

I don't think we're debating which of the three would be the "king of the hill", since it's more of a "knoll". I lot of us also own 10 second hardware, and so forth, so the +/- hp numbers among these isn't really worth grousing over.

I think what's best (for us) is that the SVTF is great as we get it. A power adder DONE PROPERLY will make the thing REALLY great. SVT's strongest asset is that their upgrades are broad based- suspension, brakes, motor, trans, etc., and integrated. They do a really nice job for the $.

Conversely, a Neon or an Impreza (without the adder) is pretty toadly. Chrysler has a history of creating "if it wasn't for the motor this thing would really suck" vehicles. The Impreza (to me) is more of an '80's level design, though AWD is a fantastic thing.

My only complaint with the Jackson thing is the lack of an intercooler. The compression + boost + say, summer weather, is putting our toy in "burnt toast" category. Whereas, a simple reprogram of the SRT-4 (since it has the goods to begin with) is all that will be necessary to put it out of reach, IMO. Again, just a bit higher up the knoll, so we'll just have to drive ours a bit better to make up...

[gregc]

Just wanted to give the turbo doubters another data point. I have a 91 turbo MR2 in addition to the SVTF and have 158K miles on it with absolutely no engine problems so far, including the turbo. Not even burning oil or smoking. I've left it totally stock with the exception of a K&N air filter. I don't baby it at all when I'm driving but I do use synthetic motor oil (probably prevents build up or "coking" of oil near the hot turbo) and I make sure I don't shut it down with the turbo spinning- pretty hard to do anyway since the turbo only kicks in under a certain amount of load not solely based on rpm. Once you learn how to drive with and control a turbo motor the small amount of lag is something you automatically adjust to. I don't even notice it anymore.

[SVTCannuck]

Are any you guys worried about over stressing the SVT with the JR SC? Also, adding the JR voids the factory warrantee. How muchis the JR with the install?
thanks
JWB

[GETIMPACT]

Originally posted by SVTCannuck
Are any you guys worried about over stressing the SVT with the JR SC? Also, adding the JR voids the factory warrantee. How muchis the JR with the install?
thanks
JWB

How would 6 lbs overstress the SVTF? The bottom of the SVT build is more bulletproof than the standard Zetec motor (because the SVT has forged rods).

The JRSC is rated to put out 204 WHP on the SVTF.

Plenty of peeps pushing 200 WHP on the regular Zetec motor without problems, but the first thing to go at higher loads is the rods in that engine (regular Zetec are cast, which = more brittle).

I think we will be ok. Only thing to worry about is heat since there is no intercooler... might cause a bit of deto if things don't stay tuned well.

[MKeller1]

Originally posted by GETIMPACT
How would 6 lbs overstress the SVTF? The bottom of the SVT build is more bulletproof than the standard Zetec motor (because the SVT has forged rods).

The JRSC is rated to put out 204 WHP on the SVTF.

Plenty of peeps pushing 200 WHP on the regular Zetec motor without problems, but the first thing to go at higher loads is the rods in that engine (regular Zetec are cast, which = more brittle).

I think we will be ok. Only thing to worry about is heat since there is no intercooler... might cause a bit of deto if things don't stay tuned well.

---

The SVTF has a turbo/supercharger unfriendly compression ratio of 10:1. Typical forced induction compression ratios run in the 8 to 9:1 range. Too much cylinder pressure is the first problem when considering the need to run pump gasoline. The stock SVTF connecting rods are good forgings that'll take lots of abuse, however, the pistons are cast. Forged pistons that lower the static compression ratio are needed to withstand any serious forced induction use. Finally, the returnless fuel system and the way Ford controls it is driving the aftermarket folks nuts. Apparently the people that are not restricted to emissions requirements ("Turbo" Tom and others on the Focus pages/newsgroups) are having good luck with larger injectors and more fuel pressure but the folks that are trying to keep the car 50 state legal (Jackson Racing for example) are finding it challenging to keep the car legal AND deliver enough fuel to make serious power. Tom Lesparance (Turbo Tom) has more than a few street driven Foci out there with 250-300+ HP at the wheels.... apparently his drag car is putting out over 400 at the wheels....none of which run on pump gasoline.

The potential of these motors is there but 50 state legality and the need to run pump gas are the main obstacles if your looking for big power.


-Mike.

[Qwik93AWD]

I recently asked if there was a SC coming out too and here is what they said...

-------------
From: "Watts, Jim" <wattsj@mossmotors.com>
Subject: RE: Focus SVT Supercharger?
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 14:40:27 -0800

The SVT Focus supercharger will be released in March. The part number is 995-100 and you should contact our distributors for selling prices.

Regards,

Jim Watts
Jackson Racing Sales
Moss Motors, Ltd.
(800) 689-9306
(805) 692-2523 - Fax

[Qwik93AWD]

Someone was mentioning the problem with heat and the lack of an intercooler with a Supercharger. Best way to overcome this and to be able to run higher boost levels on pump gas would be to add a water injection system.

Many turbo cars run this, I run it on my Turbo 93 Talon AWD and have had great success with water injection.

Ron

http://www.bauerracing.org

[EscortIntoFocus]

Originally posted by Anthochoritis
I keep hearing people argue about how putting the JR supercharger on the SVTF wil only get it up to stock Neon SRT-4 and Impreza WRX.
Let me rebut: Let's not forget that the Neon has .4 more liters of displacement and an intercooled Turbo and the Focus with the JR supercharger will just surpass it with horsepower at the wheels.
Also the Subara has an intercooled turbo and the supercharged Focus will comfortably surpass that. The only issue is the reliability risk. Will our engine handle the blowing without giving us the ole blown gasket surprise. Time will tell.


Throw on a Vishnu TuningUpgrade Kit.. any stage even stage 0 and youll be whooping up on any supercharged Focus.

www.vishnutuning.com , or www.vishnuperformance.com

[Bluetoy]

Jegs.com has the SVT supercharger listed. Part number isa 538-995-100. Price is 3199...

[Black'02SVT]

Any news on a Big Boost Kit? I know I'd like to see ~250 whp and a decent bump in tq. I didn't find any expected HP/TQ numbers for it, and I don't know for sure if a "big boost" kit is going to be made for the SVT. I'm stoked that the SVT Kit is here (or almost), but I was hoping for just a bit more :)

[Bluetoy]

It is an M62 blower and it makes about 205 whp and 156 whtq. You can get it from summit racing for $2747. Order now but not get until mid march...