I have a my04. I do not race and want a bit more punch. I have read through the mods and I am pretty sure I want to go with the comptech SC. I know the AC is better but is does it affect reliability? I drive between philly and DC often and would get it if it added reliability and would avoid if it decreased it. If it does not affect reliability is it worth hte extra money if I am not racing?

Thanks for any input

Mike

 

In all areas of my mind it seams ideal for it to increase reliability simply by decreasing the chance of detonation and or knock, but I could be wrong.

 

Comptechs have been running for years without an aftercooler. It's only when Vortech came out with their kit (with intercooler) that Comptech decided to "get in the game". An A/C doesn't so much relate directly to "reliability" as it does to "safe running" for a boosted engine. You should look at it more like "insurance". A cooler intake charge under boost gives a safety margin. This is not saying that a non-intercooled Comptech set up is "unsafe". It just increases that margin. In any case, it won't "decrease" reliability.
If you are genuine about the way you plan to use the car, then as long as you have the installation done properly and have it checked for a/f afterwards, you shouldn't really need to go the A/C route. If you plan on constantly driving the car hard or plan future upgrades to pump out more power, then the A/C will be a good investment.

 

As a previously non-AC'd and mow AC'd Comptech owner I agree with Xviper. The Comptech kit ran fine for ages before Vortech brough theres out with an AC. Of course this made the public think it was necessary so Comptech had to come to the table for marketing rather than mechanical reasons.

I ran my stock system for a while. I then upgraded to 8lbs and better engine management. At that point I decided I should use some charge cooling if I intended to track the car or develop any further.

 

Thanks for the advice. What is a/f?

 

Air/Fuel ratio. You don't want to run too lean when blown.