I've searched and read thread after thread, all containing a plethora of information. A lot of this info pertains to those looking to upgrade boost or who are running upgraded boost. This is not me, as you will see below. I wanted to run my gatherings and what I'm looking for by you guys in the hopes that you will set me straight with anything I mention.

Situation:
I have a 2002 S2000 with 25k miles that I use as a daily driver with occasional autocross/track visits, as well as the usual "spirited" driving that we all enjoy. The only modification is an HKS Hi-Power dual exhaust. I do not drag race and I do not launch the car, but VTEC-inspired highway runs or extended periods of high revs at the track are on the agenda. Another important note is that I live in Arizona, which means a maximum 91 octane is readily available and the summer temps reach close to 120 degrees.

Plan:
I want to add a supercharger kit to my car and have decided that the kit offered by Vortech appeals to me more. I am very concerned with the reliability aspect of this addition as this is my sole means of transportation. So, a Vortech kit can be had for somewhere under $5000. I have no desire to make 10,000 horsepower, or even 350 right now. I want to buy the SC, install it, and enjoy the car's new feel while continuing to daily drive and visit the track.

Questions:
So from what I have read, I will need nothing other than the kit. However, people always seem to mention the following:

1) "Upgrade your Clutch." I am not worried about the clutch since I dont launch. And from what I understand, the base kit does not produce enough power to slip the OEM clutch from simply mashing it from a roll unless the OEM clutch is already trashed. Thoughts?

2) "Get a stronger rear." Again, I dont launch and I plan to remain at stock boost for a while. Has anyone experienced/heard of non-launch related diff failures after adding a supercharger?

3) "Get larger fuel injectors." At stock boost this shouldnt be a problem. If I am not mistaken, the boost can even be upgraded slightly without maxing out the stock injectors, so on stock boost, there will be no problems. Thoughts?

4) "Get it tuned" or "Buy an AEM (or whatever)." From what I understand, if I plan to remain on stock boost, this is not necessary. The one concern i do have here is the stock A/F ratio with the Vortech. I have read about people running lean, but does this happen on stock boost or is it just when you start tinkering with the kit? Also remember that I live in AZ so a lean A/F combined with the heat here could spell bad news... Thoughts?

Also,
5) I want to add Boost and A/F Ratio guages for the reasons above. This should be pretty simple. Anything I should know here concerning the Vortech?

Lastly, long-term reliability:
6) At stock boost levels, the supercharger wont significantly reduce the life of the engine with proper care. Thoughts?


If theres anything I missed, or anything you would recommend for my situation, feel free to share!

Thanks for your help guys and sorry for the long-winded post...

 

If you stick with stock boost then only upgrade it looks like you would need is say the clutch.

 

Basically what Kyushin said.

Even if you don't launch your car, the stock clutch isn't designed to handle ~310rwhp. After a couple months, it'll start slipping.

 

Thanks guys, exactly what I was looking for. Anything else?

 

even if it does start slipping..... replace it at the first signs... you dont have to do it sooner.... thats if you want to do one thing at a time.

The Vortch kit is good. good power, just make sure you dyno it to make sure your AFR is good. get some gauges...

SoS in tempe has a dual pillar gauge pod for only a 100 bucks...

IF you're really worried about the heat, buy a koyo radiator like the CO in the AZ forums, that'll keep it nice and cool.. get teh AC kit with the Vortech (not sure if it comes with out)

 

Get clutched installed before you do supercharger. If you do it the other way around, you're gonig to have to take SC out, install clutch, and put SC in again.

but yeah, all you need is clutch kit and Vortech SC kit and you're good to go.

 

My stock clutch worked perfectly with the stock vortech kit. It only started slipping when I upped the boost. FYI ... the vortech sc has been on my car for 42k miles ... 26k miles under stock boost and 18k under higher boost.

I do recommend taking it to a dyno to check the AFR ratios.

 

Why would you need to take the SC out to replace the clutch?

 

Because you need to lower the engine to get the transmission out through the tunnel. Basically you don't have room to do what has to be done with the blower on the engine.

 

You cant just unbolt the rear of the engine cradle and angle it enough to get to the upper trans bolts?