Supercharged 8.1

N900WM · March 22, 2004

I know this topic has been covered in the past and I know that there have been some problems.

But since then, there have been some other options that have appeared on the market.

Anyone with some first hand experience out there?

8100HD · March 29, 2004

Well as I can see it there are only 2 players in the game for those with the 8.1/alli combo...........Whipple and Paxton. After a few long winter months waiting for Kenne Bell to release their kit for the 8.1/Alli I have given up on them, they do not have a time frame for the release date of such a kit. So as much as I wanted to stick with a twin-screw kit, I just do not know if I trust the Whipple set-up in the long run, and do not like how one must tap into the factory wiring, I mean with all the technology out there Whipple can't provide ECM tuning with a handheld unit yet? Also I do not know why stick with supplement injectors instead of putting n higher fklow ones.

With all that said it looks like I may be spending mygreen on a Paxton, the only downfall as ,per my criteria, is that it is a centrifical charger rather than a twin-screw, other than that they have a very complete kit, ECM tuning done via a handheld programmer, 8 new higher flow replacement injectors, all factory components stay put(alternator), and an intercooler to boot. It appears to be a straight forward install, though more in depth/involved than a Whipple kit, more mechanical changes ie: A/C line, oil lines input/drain, and coolant lines, but I would rather have to tighten a fitting than splicing into my factory wiring harnesses and frying something electrical. I have not completely made up my mind yet, as I still have a few unanswered quesions, but should have everything ironed out in the next couple weeks. Stay tuned...........

N900WM · March 29, 2004

This is exactly where I am at as well. Thus the question.

I was hoping that there would be someone out there who has installed the Paxton.

I spent many hours and and many dollars on R&Ding for Magnacharger on their Ford system and it was never reliable for more than 10K miles. I don't want to play guinea pig again. I drive this truck for work as much as play and I'm introuble when it's down and out.

On the other hand, I realize HP cost money.

8100HD · March 30, 2004

I wish some others would jump in here and let us know there experiences, I know that Tbyrne has had great luck with his Whippled Burban, but may go Paxton in his HD.....guess I just do not want to be disappointed with the lower end kick in the pants from the Paxton

tbyrne · March 31, 2004

This is correct. It took some fine tuning to take care of codes and boost being bled off but things are now very good with the Suburban. The truck layed down 407hp and 558 ft-lb torque. I may go with the Paxton kit for my HD or a set of the new aluminum heads and intake. I talked to one person that is running a Paxton on his 2001 8.1. He's been very happy so far. Boost comes in fairly quick when he rolls into the throttle. This kit is complete with everything required including a hand held to take care of the computer and the install see,s to be better than the Whipple (you don't have to cut into the harness).

Tom

8100HD · April 1, 2004

Thanks for chimming in Tom, I've been researching the kits at great lengths, and really feel that I would benefit more from the instantaneous boost of a screw charger. I'm just very leery of a centrifucal producing the boost I'm looking for down low. Plus with the Whipple I know that there are a couple people on the board that are running them on the 8.1, and would probably help troubleshoot any problems and help steer me in the right direction.

Dlinzy · April 20, 2004

Well, for the past 5 months I've struggled with debugging my H2 and the Whipple Supercharger along with parts from Xtremeflow.

I've learned a ton from hands on tweaking, and seat of the pants measurements along with Digimoto's diagnostic tool with laptop in passengers seat.

My Experience follows:

Initailly I installed the "Kit" from xtremeflow with mixed results. The kit was comprised of Air filter, Muffler & Programmer. May should've stopped there. Got the most out of the system for what should've cost 1000, but that's another story i'll not share.

Everything ran "Better" but still fought with the Tq Mgmt.

Upgraded to Ceramic Headers and Pro Street SS Wires and the latest CAL from Whipple to no avail. but there was still fighting between the Stock GM ECM and the Programmer.

Finally bit the bullet and purchased the Whipple Supercharger kit from Maggie at www.RaceandStreet.com for the best price in the U.S. and had it all installed locally.

The results were lack luster and I spent countless hours with Whipple Tech support stabbing in the dark at possibilities related to everything from wiring woes, to pulley size, to Boost a Pump malfunctions to Tq Mgmt with GM to Programmer CAL's Etc. Etc. Etc. on and on for months I've tweaked something. Don't get me wrong Whipple Tech support was very supportive and even provided a programmer and latest CAL free of charge and did everything they could -over the phone to try to make it 100% all to no avail.

Kenne Bell to the rescue.

I was contacted by K.B. and offered a solution they will soon be offering to previous supercharger (Whipple) customers across the globe.

In a nut shell i can only say i'm 110% satisfied with my H2 and it runs like it should. and all it took was about 3 hours of minor tweaking of the existing system.

There is Nothing, let me stress, Nothing you can do from a Programmer/Muffler/Intake/Supercharger Etc. to make the Tq. Mgmt. and entire system work harmoniously 100% without the Kenne Bell solution. Trust me i've done everything possible.

The latest GM Cal reduces Tq. Mgmt. somemore however it's not enought even with the latest 2.43 CAL from Whipple released only last month! I got the 1st one and it makes the 1 - 2 shift point firmer even to the point of worrysome.

To install the Kenne Bell system, you simply attach the bypass connector to the wiring loom then upgrade the injectors ~45 mintues per side then remove the boost a pump and replace the bogus fuel delivery system at the intake, replace the fitting with a true temp sensor connect to the wiring harness easily accessable by the MAF and reinsert the ECM -reprogrammed by K.B. reroute 1 7" 1/4" vacuum line on the boost bypass system and you're done.

Let me tell you, words cannot explain the elation of knowing andthe feeling how well the system performs, well past my expectations.

The best part is this system will also work on all the G.M. Trucks too!

Contact Ken Cristley or Brent Morris for more info. Tell 'em Denny sent ya. www.kennebell.net 909-941-0985

Regards,

A Completely Satisfied Customer.