FAQ's

 

What is the maximum boost pressure I can achieve with a Ruf supercharger?

At the moment, the Ruf supercharger pushes up to 14 psi of boost. However, Ruf is working on developments to optimize the impeller angle and design to maximise performance!

 

At what boost levels do you recommend intercooling?

In general, we recommend an intercooler. In cooler climates, you can run up to 8 psi without any cooling. However, regardless of where you are based, at boost levels in excess of 8 psi (Stage 3 kits), intercooling is suggested!

 

Do I need to lower the compression ratio of my engine for supercharging?

Up to 8 psi, you will not need to reduce the compression. Maximum boost is achieved at the limiter. A supercharged car will never produce those critical high torque peaks a turbo charged engine produces. By cooling the IAT´s (with an intercooler or meth-injection) the engine is able to handle boosts over 8 psi. As stated, above, we strongly recommend using an intercooler for all boost levels over 8 psi to ensure the life of an engine, especially one driven at full throttle for long  periods. We also recommend lower compression in areas with lower octane fuel and/or areas with hotter climates, such the southern US or Australia! The alternative is to retard ignition timings, but this causes power loss and higher exhaust temperatures! It is better to reduce the compression and run sharp timings with low exhaust temperatures.

 

Do I need to reinforce components like clutch, axles, gearbox, etc?

No! Due to the linear power band of a supercharger, there are no torque peaks that may damage bearings or axles. As all 4-motion models run a 240mm clutch, there should be no clutch slippage at all. Of course, to be clear, you will exert stress on these parts of your car by doing regular traffic light races or 1/4 mile races!

 

Do I need a bigger brake kit?

Of course there is never enough brake power (or engine power!) and for your own security, we suggest a bigger brake kit. However, all our supercharger stages are designed for stock brakes so the car handling will not be affected.

 

Do I need to reinforce Engine components like Rods or Pistons?

No! All of the kits on offer are designed to run with stock engine components!

 

Is there an installation manual?

At the moment, there is only a manual for the MK5 R32 kit. We are working on that and we always, in any event, suggest installation by a competent tuning garage!

 

How much time does it take to install the supercharger kit?

We estimate 1 week for a properly fitted kit and the associated mapping to your ECU components. In some cases its necessary to do small modifications to the chassis and move original brakets to get the needed clearance for installation. If you also want to get different cams or an exhaust the installation times can variate.

 

Is there a regular oil change period for the supercharger?

As the superchargers are equipped with the newest ceramic ball bearings you need only check oil levels each 6 months. We recommend changing the oil once every 2 years.

 

Why not simply install an air/air intercooler instead of the more expensive liquid intercooler?

A supercharger’s boost is solely controlled by engine rpm (unlike a turbo-charged car, whose boost is also controlled by its wastegate and exhaust flow). As there is no boost control on lost pressure, it is extremely important to choose the shortest intake route and the most effective way to achieve this is with liquid intercooling (see the diagram below). An air/air intercooler, on the other hand, can cause boost pressure loss of up to 3 psi.

 

 

 

 

Are they dyno graphs for the different stages?

Of course there are dyno graphs for the different stages but not all people will see the same results. All engines are different and various other factors such as air intake temperature, exhaust temperature, sea level, etc will have a bearing on power. There will always, therefore, be some differences in performance yields.

It is possible to calculate the power of an engine by reference to the combination of fuel and air. As a broad proposition, a boost increase of 14 psi will double your engine’s power (less around 10% power dissipation, caused by intake temps and cylinder fill).

 

Is it possible to upgrade from a small charger stage to a bigger one?

Yes! Contact us so we can discuss the perfect new setup for your components and engine!

 

Does the water in the intercooler freeze at low temps?

To prevent freezing the water intercooler is supplied with Glysantin! As with your engine’s water-system, it will let your car run down to -25° Fahrenheit.

 

Do I need to warm up and cool down the supercharger like a turbo?

There is no harm in allowing a supercharger to cool down. However, there is no need to warm-up or cool down the charger. In fact, you may drive as you would a naturally aspirated car!

 

What brand are the chargers you use in your supercharger kits?

We exclusively use internal self greased superchargers by RUF, which operate with an extremely high degree of efficiency. Above all, you always get the newest revision of the supercharger. (Outdated ZR-2 chargers are no longer supplied).

 

Does the supercharger needs to be connected to the internal oil supply of my engine?

No! The RUF charger is equipped with its own self greasing oil chamber. You will not need to spot drill your oil pan/sump or use y-adapters.

 

I want to run 14 psi of boost. Is this possible with the Ruf charger?

In principle, yes. However, to do so, you will be required to gear the charger to run outside its ordinary and recommended operating parameters and as such, you will likely encounter problems with belt slippage!

 

Are there different chargers for different engine powers?

The only difference is the impeller design. You can currently choose between 12 or 14 wing impellers. The difference in boost between those impellers, at equivalent rpm, is approximately 0.2 psi.

Ruf is currently developing 16 and 18 wing impellers, which expected to be available in the near future.

 

 

How do I control boost pressure on a supercharged engine? Can I use a pop off valve?

As the charger is belt driven, its boost is dependent upon engine rpm. There is no boost control like on a turbo-charged engine. Of course, you can change the dump valve to an open pop off (provided the MAF sensor is installed pre pop off valve). But beware, the charger is belt drive, so running at high rpm and lifting the foot will cause a continuous SWOOOOSH sound!

 

What oil lubricates the chargers?

RUF chargers are usually lubricated  with an oil and silicone based oil.

 

I already run a ZR1 or ZR2 charger and want to upgrade boost pressure. Do you offer support for those old chargers?

Unfortunately, no support is available for those chargers. All Chargers manufactured pre-2010 are now obsolete and neither replacement parts nor upgrade options are available for them. Support is only available for chargers manufactured by Ruf post 2010.

 

What is the difference between Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 etc...?

Stage 1 is running original injectors, original maf and boosting 5.5psi.

Stage 2 is running bigger injectors, optional rs4 maf and boosting 8.5psi.

Stage 3 is running bigger injectors, rs4 maf and boosting 11.5psi. (additional fuel pump required)

 

Your Carlicious-Parts team!