Kenne Bell efficiency

[GT Doug]

Hi, I am starting to get interested in supercharging my GT. I am curious to hear you opinions on the efficiency of the 2.6 KB vs the M122H. I have been told that in some instances the KB can be too powerfull, and when tuned down, can generate too much heat.
I understand there are 2 types of KB a S model for under 15 pounds and an H model for 15 plus. Which model do you use? Would the S model be better suited to applications under say 400rwKWs?

Thanks Doug

[XRQTOR]

The S & H models of the KB blowers are auctually the same blower they just run a different base plate, the H series has a smaller opening.

[GT Doug]

Originally Posted by XRQTOR

The S & H models of the KB blowers are auctually the same blower they just run a different base plate, the H series has a smaller opening.

Yes, but from what I have read, I believe they compress the air differently, for effeciency in different boost levels............

[XRQTOR]

Originally Posted by GT Doug

Yes, but from what I have read, I believe they compress the air differently, for effeciency in different boost levels............

Correct mate, i dont want to butt in here to much but Chris or Paul will answer all your questions.

[DarkXr]

Go for a twin screw blower like the KB or whipple. The roots type blowers are not efficient, check the respective websites out and note the volumetric efficiency spec of each blower. After research not really a fan of the KB units nor the way have been setup in the past (Leaving alt in original position).

[Aussie MustangGT]

Originally Posted by DarkXr

Go for a twin screw blower like the KB or whipple. The roots type blowers are not efficient, check the respective websites out and note the volumetric efficiency spec of each blower. After research not really a fan of the KB units nor the way have been setup in the past (Leaving alt in original position).

Do I understand you correctly when you said you are not a fan of leaving the alternator in the original position? I think Paul's setup of leaving the alt. in the original position is absolutely brilliant from an engineering point of view when it comes to using one belt to drive all components, with everything in perfect alignment and no chance of throwing the belt, unlike another kit on the market that is having more than it's fare share of problems in this regard. Other than the incredible torque generated by the KB setup down low, it hardly makes any whine with its helical cut gears which is something that pleases me no end. It makes a little bit just as it first loads up but then seems to be much quieter. An absolutely brilliant kit (with intercooler) and the best thing I have ever done to my "Henry". Congratulations Paul and Chris.
Cheers,
Ian.

[DarkXr]

Originally Posted by The Old Hoon

Do I understand you correctly when you said you are not a fan of leaving the alternator in the original position? I think Paul's setup of leaving the alt. in the original position is absolutely brilliant from an engineering point of view when it comes to using one belt to drive all components, with everything in perfect alignment and no chance of throwing the belt, unlike another kit on the market that is having more than it's fare share of problems in this regard. Other than the incredible torque generated by the KB setup down low, it hardly makes any whine with its helical cut gears which is something that pleases me no end. It makes a little bit just as it first loads up but then seems to be much quieter. An absolutely brilliant kit (with intercooler) and the best thing I have ever done to my "Henry". Congratulations Paul and Chris.
Cheers,
Ian.

I agree that in terms of engineering that this kit is great, and I have conveyed this opinion to Chris on a number of occasions, however in high boost applications, the blower will create a higher drive inertia on the crank pulley opening up the possibility of bearing damage etc. I believe this is why BPT moved the alterantor.

If the alternator could stay in its original position and allow the blower to run 20psi plus then I would have no drama, but if this level of boost caused damage to the FEADS then I would it be concerened, sorry to hijack your thread however it seems I going through a similar choice at the moment as you are. Hope Chris or Agro can help, by the way Agro when I wroe 'driver interia' i menat DRIVE INTERITA, which refers to "drag" and "pressure" applied to the accessorie drive. Cheers.

[AGRO]

Originally Posted by GT Doug

Hi, I am starting to get interested in supercharging my GT. I am curious to hear you opinions on the efficiency of the 2.6 KB vs the M122H. I have been told that in some instances the KB can be too powerfull, and when tuned down, can generate too much heat.
I understand there are 2 types of KB a S model for under 15 pounds and an H model for 15 plus. Which model do you use? Would the S model be better suited to applications under say 400rwKWs?

Thanks Doug

Hello Doug.
Firstly, a Kenne Bell when 'tuned down' does not create too much heat!
Discharge temps will ALWAYS be much lower then that of a Roots compressor, when used in the same configuration.
For a roots blower like the M122, they have to spin at a faster rpm than that of an equivalent size twin screw, to produce the same boost. The faster a supercharger spins, the more heat it will produce.
Efficiency is ALWAYS better (because of the design) with a twin screw than that of a Roots. Don't get me wrong here, there is still nothing wrong with a roots blower. They work! There are just much better options out there in the way of twin screw compressors.
Comparing the KB 2.6 to the Eaton M122? Well, there is no comparison. The 2.6 will win hands down in any area, be it with discharge temps, efficiency, higher boost aplications, less hp from engine to operate, etc, etc. But, you have to remember, the KB 2.6 is a larger displacement supercharger than that of the M122, so naturally it should be superior.
On our kits, the KB 2.6 is only working around 65% of it's ability, and that's at 6000 engine rpm. At 4000rpm, it's working around 50%. There is plenty of room to move in other words!
Yes, KB have the 'S' and the 'H' series superchargers. We use the 'S' series as our boost levels are below 10psi. The S & H series are almost identicle. They have the same internal rotors, and same size housing. The only difference is the exit port on the bottom of the supercharger. The 'H' series port is smaller, giving more time for the compression to take place. In high boost applications, this results in a cooler discharge temp, than that of the 'S' series at that same high boost level. The 'S' series is fine for 400rwkw, no problem.
Hope this helps with your queries.

Regards

AGRO.

[GT Doug]

Thankyou for your reply Agro, and yes, that answers all my questions, and some. The KB really does sound like an impressive blower.

Just out of curiosity, what is the most power you are making with the S model 2.6 at 15psi?

Thanks Doug.

[AGRO]

Originally Posted by GT Doug

Thankyou for your reply Agro, and yes, that answers all my questions, and some. The KB really does sound like an impressive blower.

Just out of curiosity, what is the most power you are making with the S model 2.6 at 15psi?

Thanks Doug.

Doug.
A 'S' series KB 2.6 on our intercooled kits make around these power outputs.
10psi 360-400rwkw.
12psi 450ish rwkw.
All on pump gas, but results will vary from car to car.
We see have seen very high 400's rwkw with race fuel on 12psi.
Now, before you say that's for me, remember this.
These results are from our own test cars (stock internals), including Chris's race car.
We have obtained some big numbers from our own engines, but know at any time, they could let go.
We much prefer to 'tone down' a customers car.
We aim anywhere between 350-400rwkw for a customer, depending on individual car setup prior to the kit being fitted.
A supercharger is only an air pump, and that's all.
The limiting factor we have is the engine and drive train, NOT THE KIT!

15psi?????
Well, follow the trend above, and take a stab in the dark at the engine work needed to prep a motor for that output, because I can guarantee you will need it.

Hope this helps Doug.

Regards

AGRO.

[DarkXr]

AGRO, what boost levels could you achieve with the H series 2.8L blower and how would the crank bearings etc go with the increase in inertia?

[AGRO]

Originally Posted by DarkXr

AGRO, what boost levels could you achieve with the H series 2.8L blower and how would the crank bearings etc go with the increase in inertia?

Hi DarkXr.
The 'S' and 'H' series blowers produce the same boost at a given rpm.
The 'H' series is just better suited for higher boost applications, say 15psi+.
Using a 2.8 over a 2.6?
Well, if a KB 2.6 kit has a 2.3:1 ratio belt setup, using the KB 2.8 in it's place might use around a 2:1 ratio. You don't need to spin the 2.8 as hard, as it is a larger displacement pump per revolution. Saying this though, we are no where near maxing out the KB 2.6 at this stage. So, at a quick calculation, a KB2.8 will be somewhere around 30psi at 6000 engine rpm.

Hope this helps.

Regards

AGRO.

[DarkXr]

Thanks Agro, whats your opinion on driver intertia with the BP system and high boost, what about belt slip?

[AGRO]

Originally Posted by DarkXr

Thanks Agro, whats your opinion on driver intertia with the BP system and high boost, what about belt slip?

Driver Intertia??????

As for belt slip, we have had NO problem what so ever.
We also have NO problems with belts being thrown. All accessories stay in original position, so this eliminates any possibility for relocated accessories to be out of aglinment.

Regards

AGRO.

[Jason50]

Originally Posted by AGRO

Driver Intertia??????

As for belt slip, we have had NO problem what so ever.
We also have NO problems with belts being thrown. All accessories stay in original position, so this eliminates any possibility for relocated accessories to be out of aglinment.

Regards

AGRO.

12,000Ks now on mine since the fit up and no issues with the belt or drive at all. I just take this kits quality for granted now as I just about only raise the bulge when mates want to have a look :evil3:

[DarkXr]

Originally Posted by Jason50

12,000Ks now on mine since the fit up and no issues with the belt or drive at all. I just take this kits quality for granted now as I just about only raise the bulge when mates want to have a look :evil3:

Thats good, I have no doubt the kit is quality, but what about at high boost, I dont think anyone is running this kit at high boost as yet. could be wrong.

[GT Doug]

I must admit, this concerns me also, somewhat. From all the pictures I have seen, all the US supercharged modular motors run 2 belts.

Please though, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[JOSH]

Originally Posted by DarkXr

Thats good, I have no doubt the kit is quality, but what about at high boost, I dont think anyone is running this kit at high boost as yet. could be wrong.

give me a couple of weeks and ill let you know, but with all their testing im sure it will be fine, if their was a problem with the set-up the boys from the states would have said something

[AGRO]

Originally Posted by DarkXr

Thats good, I have no doubt the kit is quality, but what about at high boost, I dont think anyone is running this kit at high boost as yet. could be wrong.

DarkXr.
What are you aiming for?
Define high boost?

One belt or two, it does not matter.
I can tell you that nearly every kit on the market in the world is designed around simplicity. What works for one, might not work for another. This might be because of the initial outlay of components, or built to a cost!
The BPR kits were designed to run with one belt. Limitations using a single belt is belt slip. Design it right, and belt slip is NOT A PROBLEM. I will be confident in saying the BPR kits will handle 20psi boost without belt slip, using a single belt.
IF the need ever arose where a customer needed higher boost again, and belt slip was the weak link, we would step up to an 8 or 10 rib belt, before ever going down the path of a second belt. For us, running a second belt is NOT an option, as it adds more components to a system....... more things to possibly go wrong!
Load on the crank???? Yes, of course there is extra load. You turn your Air-Con on...... that loads the crank. The load on the entire engine is increased with forced induction, being SC or turbo. Running two belts.......STILL LOADS YOUR ENGINE.
The fact is, these Boss engines are pretty strong. They can take a fair beating, IF IT'S DONE CORRECTLY.
Reliable power..... around the 350rwkw on stock internals.
Some customers are running around the 400rwkw, but they accept that this is beginning to push things.
Drivetrain????? Well, some are failing with stock cars. Double the standard power output with a KB, the chance of failure just multiplies. How much it multiplies.... well that depends on how you drive it!

Hope this helps with peoples questions.

Regards

AGRO.

[DarkXr]

sorry for spelling mistakes. its late.

[Bluepower]

DarkXR,

we have been really blessed with our setup - up to 14psi we have not yet seen an issue with it to the point where the base kit needs any change to the drive setup.

Having had the first Positive displacement blower kit running on a Boss motor is Australia, we have done extensive R and D to the point where we see the market trending towards the 350rwkw to 500rwkw.

Our kit is one of the few that by cleverness in design, will cater for this power range with all OEM components on the stock drive.

Most people that have been in other PD blown cars are literally stupefied by the torque our setup produces. There is not a turbo or competitors product in the country that turns slicks at half track like the KB does.

My car with 480rwkw is not driveable. Period. and it has seen 8000 rpm through the factory drive setup without problems.

Hope this helps, good luck with your setup, hope it suits your requirements.

Chris

[Aussie MustangGT]

Originally Posted by Bluepower

DarkXR,

we have been really blessed with our setup - up to 14psi we have not yet seen an issue with it to the point where the base kit needs any change to the drive setup.

Having had the first Positive displacement blower kit running on a Boss motor is Australia, we have done extensive R and D to the point where we see the market trending towards the 350rwkw to 500rwkw.

Our kit is one of the few that by cleverness in design, will cater for this power range with all OEM components on the stock drive.

Most people that have been in other PD blown cars are literally stupefied by the torque our setup produces. There is not a turbo or competitors product in the country that turns slicks at half track like the KB does.

My car with 480rwkw is not driveable. Period. and it has seen 8000 rpm through the factory drive setup without problems.

Hope this helps, good luck with your setup, hope it suits your requirements.

Chris

When I said in my post above..... "I think Paul's setup of leaving the alt. in the original position is absolutely brilliant"....... I meant.... "Chris and Pauls setup..........."
I shouldn't post so late at night.
Cheers,
Ian.

[Bluepower]

Ian, the engineering behind the kit is all Paul. I see some real genius in his work, I cannot lose when I have one of the best fabricator/engineer's on my team.

[Aussie MustangGT]

Originally Posted by Bluepower

Ian, the engineering behind the kit is all Paul. I see some real genius in his work, I cannot lose when I have one of the best fabricator/engineer's on my team.

I must admit, having spoken to Paul numerous times, that the genius tag is well founded.
But even more important at this stage, I want to know when the genius tuner is coming up to see me.
I know... I know..... when he gets some time. All I can say is patience Ian..........patience!!
Impatient Ian.

[superpursuit83]

You mean the sparky that does all the work, while you entertain the clients, don't you Chris? :

[superpursuit83]

Mmmm, I ran the super small pulley for 5,500km's and did not get any slip either. (only 8psi with my underdrives)

[DarkXr]

Does BPT's kit use two belts?

[Bluepower]

Originally Posted by DarkXr

Does BPT's kit use two belts?

I couldn't say for sure, although I am pretty sure Barry's kit utilises 2 belts. more information on Barrys setup can be found on his website, or by calling Barry, Im sure he will run through his setup with you over the phone.

[Aussie MustangGT]

Originally Posted by Bluepower

I couldn't say for sure, although I am pretty sure Barry's kit utilises 2 belts. more information on Barrys setup can be found on his website, or by calling Barry, Im sure he will run through his setup with you over the phone.

Hi Chris,
As you know I nearly bought his supercharger kit until I saw your kit which I immediately fell in love with for a number of excellent engineering reasons, particularly the use of the Kenne Bell supercharger and the non- repositioning of the alternator, but most importantly your reputation for tuning and the fact you always had time for me from the very first phone call. You may not be old but you are very much from the "old school" of how to look after your customers, treat them like they are important and make them feel like you have all the time in the world for them. But I digress (which is not unusual), but my memory of Barry's setup was that the repositioned alternator (down near the power steering oil pump) which was mounted properly and around the correct way had its own drive belt driven by a crankshaft pulley mounted to the original harmonic pulley via the three threaded holes that were used for extracting that pulley. I will also give Barry full marks for the way he went about setting up the FEAD system.
Cheers, Ian.

[lukep]

g,day chris,have you stuck one of these blowers on a 3v before and if so did it make enough power for what its worth,i did read that their wasnt enough of a market for you to produce them.im looking for other paths to go down to make more power as the engine rebuild from what we discussed would not be that good.Is the mouting bracket for the blower on xr8s the same as the 3v?(come to think of it i can make that if you got a drawing)if so i can make all the plumbing easy out of alu or s/s (what evers better)the one im not sure about is the sump pressure,ive heard that oil ****es out of the rocker covers somewhere,is this a hard problem to fix?Do these have their own oil supply or do you have to hook oil lines up?are the 3v bottom ends the same as the xr's?how much can you sell the mouting bracket and the kb blower and a longer belt for?sorry just realized something,does this s/c sit on top like a whipple or off to the side like a vortech?if it sits on top will it fit(apart from the bonnet)any info would be very helpful,thanks