FEATURES :: HOW-TO...
How-to: Install a MagnaCharger RADIX Supercharger System on a GM 4.8/5.3/6.0
8/4/2003 10:25:00 AM
|
The
following installation overview is designed to give you an idea of what is involved
in installing a MagnaCharger RADIX Intercooled Supercharger System on a 4.8L,
5.3L, or 6.0L GM Truck. Special thanks to SuperchargersOnline.com customer Chris
Sandman for his help in creating this article on MagnaCharger Superchargers.
Installation
Info
Installer(s): Chris Sandman
Location: Brewerton, New York
Vehicle: 2002 Chevy Silverado ext. cab 4X4 5.3L
Supercharger System: Magna Charger RADIX Intercooled Supercharger System for
1999-2006 GM Truck/SUV w/ 4.8/5.3/6.0L (Silver
Stardust & Polished)
Selected Boost: 6psi
Ratings
(Scale of 1-10, 10 being the best)
Packaging: 10
Installation manual: 8
Ease of installation: 9
Appearance of system: 10
Quality of supercharger: 10
Quality of accessories/hardware: 10
Overall value of system: 10
Performance (low-end): 10
Performance (mid-range): 10
Performance (top-end): 10
Overall Rating: 10
Step-by-Step
Installation Overview
| 1. |
After
a complete inventory of the kit. I proceeded with the disassembly of
the engine. Here's how the MagnaCharger looked before I started.
|
 |
| 2. |
Remove
engine cover and disconnect the intake tube and throttle cables. The intake
tube gets set aside in the parts no longer needed box. |
|
| 3. |
Next,
I disconnect all the electrical connections associated with the intake
manifold. I labeled mine with tape to eliminate any confusion during reassembly.
Don't fotget to Drain the coolant. |
|
| 4. |
After
relieving the residual fuel pressure, disconnect the fuel supply and return
lines using the supplied tool. disconnect the vacume lines and anything
else connected to the intake manifold, and throttle body. |
 |
| 5. |
Loosen the intake manifold bolts and remove the entire intake manifold
assembly. |
 |
| 6. |
Next
I vacumed the engine clean, and taped the intake ports off so no dirt
and debries could get inside the engine. |
 |
| 7. |
After
I removed the belt and alternater I clearanced the alternater bracket
with a die grinder. Next I installed the coolant crossover pipe per the
instructions. I had to bend my tube just a touch to get around that bolt
head. A gentle touch and a little patience was all that was needed here. |
 |
| 8. |
The
MagnaCharger for the most part comes preassembled, which is great. I only
had to install the intake elbow using the supplied sealant, and the fuel
line connection block on the fuel rail. Its important to follow the instructions
very carefully when installing the fuel line connectors and the fuel pressure
regulator. make sure you get the o-rings and fittings in their proper
places. |
 |
| 9. |
Next
I installed the fuel vapor recovery solenoid, fuel line connector block,
manifold air pressure sensor, brake booster hose, intake manifold gaskets,
and any other vacume lines that can be preinstalled. |
 |
| 10. |
Now
for the hard part. With help, install the intake manifold and supercharger
assembly to the top of the engine. I found it easiest to actually sit
on the upper radiator support and straddle the engine. Making sure not
to damage the intake manifold gaskets, my help passed me the unit, and
helped move hoses and wires out of the way while I set it in place. torque
the manifold to spec. using a torque wrench. |
 |
| 11. |
Install
the throttle body and hook up the coolant line. Next I installed the new
belt tensioner bracket, alternator, supercharger snout support, and the
belt. |
 |
| 12. |
Using
the supplied wire and connectors, I lengthened the throttle position sensor
and idle air control motor wires. |
 |
| 13. |
Because
the intake air temp sensor in incorporated with the mass air flow sensor,
it is necessary to access the intake air temp sensor wires and lengthen
them in order to reach the new air temp sensor installed on top of the
intake manifold. Cover all the wires with black wire covering and thats
pretty much it for the electrical part. |
 |
| 14. |
Next,
I installed the new K&N air filter. Whew, that was a tough one. |
 |
| 15. |
Install
the new plastic intake tube, reconnect all of the electrical connectors,
fuel lines, and the throttle and cruise control cables. |
 |
| 16. |
Next, I removed the grille and installed the intercooler radiator. Just
a quick note, If your using a billet grille insert like I am (overlay's
should be fine), the intercooler radiator will not fit using the supplied
hardware. Just E-mail me and I'll tell you how I made it work. |
 |
| 17. |
Next, carefully following the instructions, I installed and connected
the supplemental fuel pump on the inside frame rail next to the fuel filter.
|
 |
| 18. |
Here is a view of the completed MagnaCharger supercharger installation.
It looks clean and something that might come from the factory. Nice! |
 |
| 19. |
Don't
forget to hook up the fuel pump. |
 |
| 20. |
Ready to roll. |
 |
Survey
We asked Chris the following general questions about the installation procedure
of the Magna Charger supercharger.
Question:
Please provide us with a general overview of how the installation procedure
went for the MagnaCharger.
Answer: The installation was very straight forward. I Just followed the
directions to the letter and really encountered no problems to speak of.
Question:
How long did the MagnaCharger supercharger installation take?
Answer: Approx 9 hours.
Question:
What was the most difficult part of the supercharger installation?
Answer: Installing the assembled supercharger/intake manifold. Its heavy
and a bit ackward.
Question:
What was the easiest part of the supercharger installation?
Answer: K&N air filter.
Question: Was the MagnaCharger supercharger installation manual easy to
understand?
Answer: Yes, and the color pictures definately help!
Question: Did anything about the supercharger installation process surprise
you?
Answers: No, Its very straight forward. Everything fit like it should.
Question: Were any strange tools required for the installation?
Answer: No, but a die grinder is needed to clearance the alternator bracket.
There is a list of tools required in the instructions, but nothing out of the
ordinary. Torque wrenches are a must.
Question: Let's say I have installed an exhaust system and air filter
on my vehicle myself without much difficulty. I am not a mechanic, but I know
my way around the engine. Should I attempt this installation myself, or should
I take it to a professional?
Answer: If you're confidant in your abilities I say go for it. Just take
your time and follow the directions step by step. But if you're apperhensive,
I would have a professional do it.
Question:
Please describe your first impressions of the supercharger's performance
after driving the vehicle for the first time with the MagnaCharger supercharger
installed.
Answer: Holy cow! Its amazing that a 5000 lb. + vehicle can get up and
move like that. It just keeps on pulling.
General
comments: First, I would like to thank the team at Superchargersonline for
their professionalism, and commitment to customer service. Also, I would like
to thank Kevin Gunn and the entire technical support team at Magnacharger, they
ansewerend all of my questions and actually ansewerd the phone when I called.
nobody likes voicemail when you really need to speak with someone that has the
ansewers. I thought the MagnaCharger supercharger kit was well thought out and
built very well. That also goes for the accessories. The use of OEM gaskets,
connectors, and seals was a welcome surprise. The components definately look
like their built to last the life of the truck. Most of all, The trucks performance
definately speaks for itself.
|