Supercharger Update

Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2001 14:01:18 -0400
From: John Parker 

As it has been a while since I sent out an update on the supercharger project, I thought I should let you know where we are at the moment. Essentially, things are progressing well, but much more slowly than we anticipated in terms of turning prototypes into a commercial kit. 

The first prototype was not intercooled. Although it worked well, and the supercharger we use was specifically selected as the best one to use for a non intercooled application, the advantages of an intercooled system are so significant that we have committed to adding a water to air intercooler to the basic kit, rather than offering it as an extra cost option, and doing it without increasing the projected cost of the kit. To do this we have had to turn to outside suppliers, and have spent the last few months trying out different versions of the intercooler and dealing with issues of supply, availability and cost. Although taking more time than ever anticipated, we think the results will be worth the wait. We are presently committing to the purchase of the final version of the intercooler which will have custom modifications to give us the best fit possible for the various Volvo applications. 

One downside to the custom nature of the intercooler is that in order to keep the cost down we will have to purchase these in batches with a specific number in each production run. Thus, I need to get some idea of how many to order in the initial run. I know some of you have been waiting for several months to get a kit, and if you are in that category I should have your name down for one of the first run of kits, however, I am concerned that I may have left someone out. So to make sure we are on the same page, I am asking everyone who wants one of the kits before the end of the year to let me know by email as soon as possible so I can be sure to have a sufficient number of intercoolers made in the first batch.

At the same time as we are assembling the first production run, we will be verifying and distributing dyno test results of the final production version of the kit as tested on various Volvo models. As mentioned previously, we will give special consideration to the first purchasers, including free installation and testing for those of you who can get your cars to our garage.

Some of you have expressed interest in a fuel injected version. ( The basic production version will use single Weber sidedraft carburetor and can be used on cars that originally came with carbs or FI.) We have started work on the use of an aftermarket fuel injection system for this version that will use the stock Djet injectors, fuel line and fuel pump, but will replace the "brain" and sensors. The cost is projected to be in the range of $500 - $700 more than the carbed version. Only testing will show whether it will be worth the increased cost. In any case, the design of the basic system will allow it to be easily upgraded to FI once it is available. Thus, those of you with FI cars could start of with the basic carb version of the kit and later upgrade to fuel injection if it looks to be worth the additional cost. 

Please let me know if you have any questions. Now is the time to get them answered.

I look forward to hearing from you and letting you share in the excitement and fun of driving a supercharged Volvo. 

Regards, John Parker

Vintage Performance Developments
527 Buckingham Ave.
Syracuse, New York 13210
Phone: 315 478 1229 
e mail: jparker3@twcny.rr.com
www.v-performance.com