2010 Chevy Camaro SS ProCharger Supercharger - This '10 Camaro Gets The Procharger Push
With The Help Of 12 PSI Of Boost, The Tune Time performance F-body Runs 10s.
HOT ROD StaffWriter
Once the Tune Time Performance 2010 Chevy Camaro SS broke into the 11s by swapping on a set of Mast Motorsports CNC-ported Black Label heads (Feb. '10 issue), the potential to move massive airflow through the motor became possible. In "The First Push" (Oct. '09), we used a Mast Motorsports cam (.573/.588 lift, 220/234 duration, 116 LSA), along with SLP headers and exhaust. All the above bolt-ons would help make the 6.2 L99 more capable of expelling the additional atmosphere we intended to pump into it. When adding a forced-induction system (turbo or supercharger) it's possible to add well over 100 rwhp. For those following the progressive push of the Tune Time Performance '10 Camaro SS, in this episode it gets blown-safely.
The power-adder chosen was ProCharger's new '10 Camaro SS High Output Intercooled System. There are four available superchargers (P-1SC-1, D-1SC, F-1, F-1R) to choose from, along with the choice of three drivebelt systems (8-rib, 12-rib, or cog-driven). In the middle of the mix is ProCharger's D-1SC supercharger with the 12-rib beltdrive system. This was the logical choice considering the mods done so far. For even more stealth, we opted for the new helical gearset option for a significant reduction in supercharger noise levels-the car next to you won't hear your supercharger.
Right from the introduction of the new Camaro, ATI was there, measuring and designing its HO Intercooler system kit. All of its homework paid off to make for a perfect fit and easy install. If you have a bone-stock LS3/L99, or one with minimal modifications (exhaust, air intake), the P-1SC-1 head unit is recommended and the stock fuel system is sufficient (though larger injectors and a fuel pump booster/amplifier is extra insurance). Since the Tune Time Camaro has a host of mods, upgrading the fuel system (larger injectors and rails, dual in-tank pumps, adjustable regulator, return system, pump voltage booster) became necessary to prevent lean conditions, which could severely hurt the LS engine. Tune Time keeps a close watch on the air/fuel (A/F) ratio during dyno pulls and tuning and will lift-off the accelerator if any lean conditions are evident.
Initially there were issues with high inlet air temperatures on the dyno, along with lean A/F conditions. The Tune Time crew worked them out by adding methanol injection and upgrading the fuel system. Once sorted out and dialed in with a safe tune, we witnessed a monster power increase. Then we hit the track for dramatically lower elapsed times.
The first order of business is to remove the air filter box, inlet pipe with MAF sensor before all the bolts, screws, fasteners, and pushpins that hold the lower splash panel and front fascia in place. Here, George Hatzinikitas and Jose Cruz of Tune Time Performance pull the front fascia forward enough to unplug the wiring harness before removing it completely from the car.
Tune Time replaced the factory balancer/pulley with this aftermarket, underdrive unit. An ATI balancer is used in order to mount the 12-rib pulley to drive the ProCharger. An 8-rib drivebelt system can use the factory balancer/pulley.
Next we installed the plumbing (tubing and hoses) from the supercharger, to, through, and out of the intercooler, and into the engine's throttle body. Notice ProCharger's ProFlow bypass valve (see the little air filter?) that dumps the boost when you close the throttle. This surge valve protects the supercharger head unit, throttle body, and prevents possible engine damage from too much air pressure when the throttle is suddenly shut.
Looking at these before and after shots, it's easy to understand why people like having a supercharger underhood.
STRIP TEST HISTORY
Mods - 60-Foot - 1/4-MILE / MPH
Baseline, Bone Stock - 2.05 - 13.25 at 106.42
Bone Stock With Tune - 1.99 - 12.94 at 108.39
Cam, Headers/Exhaust, Tune - 1.93 - 12.27 at 114.54
Heads, Tune - 1.86 - 11.81 at 119.27
Supercharger, Meth, Tune - 1.80 - 10.92 at 129.99
(corrected; 10.62 at 133.58)
Note: All strip testing prior to the installation of the ProCharger benefitted from 55- to 70-degree weather conditions.