Supercharging The Trans Am Ls1 F-Body: Twin Screw Style

twin screw supercharger for trans am ls1 fbody

The LS1 Trans Am is a dream car for many automotive enthusiasts, and some owners seek to enhance its performance with a twin-screw supercharger. While this modification is not the easiest to execute, it can deliver substantial power gains. The process is more straightforward for 3rd generation models, which offer more room to work with. Several companies market supercharger kits for the LS1 F-Body, including BoostDistrict, ProCharger, and Hawks Third Generation. These kits can provide power gains of over 130 HP. However, some owners opt for other types of superchargers, such as the ProCharger, due to the challenges of installing a twin-screw supercharger in the LS1's engine bay.

shuntool

Pros and cons of twin-screw superchargers

A twin-screw supercharger uses a pair of spiral rotors of identical shape but different sizes. The rotors are designed to mesh with one another and compress the air forced between them. This results in an increase in air quantity in the engine cylinder, leading to more combustion, horsepower, and torque.

Some advantages of twin-screw superchargers include:

  • More horsepower and boost can be achieved compared to a root-type supercharger.
  • They produce more horsepower throughout the entire rpm range.
  • They are more efficient than the roots type.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. For example:

  • Installation can be complex.
  • They can exhibit heating issues.
  • They may require supporting mods, such as drivetrain mods to handle the increased power.
  • They are bulky and can be difficult to package.
  • They may have belt slip issues.
  • They can be noisy due to bearing wear.

Overall, twin-screw superchargers offer a wide torque curve and are a popular choice for racing cars, but it's important to consider the potential drawbacks before making a decision.

shuntool

Installation guides and kits

There are a few options available for those looking to install a twin-screw supercharger in their Trans Am LS1 F-body. One popular choice is the ProCharger supercharger kit, which offers a DIY-friendly installation process that does not require any permanent modifications to the vehicle. ProCharger is known for its large power gains, cool charge air temps, and OEM quality and appearance. Their kits start at $7,649 and typically ship within 2-3 days.

Another option is the BoostDistrict LSA supercharger kit for the 1998-02 F-body Camaro/Trans-Ams. This kit offers power gains starting at 130+HP and can be customised to meet your specific power and driving goals. The base kit costs $5,050.

For those looking for a more powerful option, the Hawks Third Generation offers a TVS2300 Magnacharger Kit for the LS-based F-body. This kit includes a supercharger with a satin black finish, billet aluminium k-member spacers, throttle body to inlet plates, and 4" tubing. It is important to note that this is a tuner kit, and fabrication and assembly are involved in the installation process. The kit costs $275 with a fixed shipping cost.

When considering a twin-screw supercharger installation, it is important to keep in mind that mix-and-match parts may be required, and it may be a complex process that involves modifications to the vehicle. It is recommended to consult with a reliable tuner and carefully plan the installation process.

shuntool

Supercharger alternatives

There are several supercharger alternatives available for the Trans Am LS1 F-body. Here is an overview of some options:

ProCharger Supercharger

The ProCharger Supercharger is a popular choice for the LS1 F-body, offering a power gain of 40-55%+ HP with 5-7 psi of boost. It is DIY-friendly, with no engine or transmission removal required. ProCharger also offers tuner kits for those who want to customise their tuning and push the performance envelope. ProCharger has a strong reputation in the industry, with 30 years of innovation and the largest power gains, coolest charge air temps, and most wins and championships. Their kits are also street legal and made in the USA.

LSA Supercharger

The LSA Supercharger is a more affordable option, costing around $1,000-$1,500 used on eBay. It requires some mix-and-matching to work, and you will need to factor in the cost of a tune and supporting mods, such as drivetrain mods to handle the power. While it may not offer the same performance as more expensive options, it can still provide a significant power boost.

TVS1800 or TVS2300 Supercharger

The TVS1800 and TVS2300 superchargers from Magnusson are another alternative. The TVS1800 is recommended if you are primarily interested in the looks of the blower and want to keep the stock hood. However, the TVS2300 may be a better option if you are looking for more power, as it can get you close to 700 rwhp. Magnusson superchargers are more expensive, typically costing around $7,500.

Whipple Supercharger

Whipple is another well-known brand in the supercharger market. They offer a true twin-screw, intercooled compressor that is expected to be a great choice for those wanting a positive displacement blower. While Whipple has not released a kit specifically for the F-body, some people have successfully installed their superchargers with custom fabrication.

Turbocharger

A less common but viable alternative to a supercharger is a turbocharger. Turbochargers can provide significant power gains and are becoming more popular for the LS1 platform, with many kits popping up. However, they may require more specialised knowledge and modifications to the engine and fuel system.

shuntool

Cost and affordability

The affordability of a twin-screw supercharger for a Trans Am LS1 F-body depends on the make and model, as well as the power output desired. The cost can range from a few thousand dollars to over $7,000.

For example, a used LSA supercharger can be found on eBay for $1,000 to $1,500. However, additional parts such as a lid and fuel rail are required, which can cost around $600 and $500, respectively. A Magnuson supercharger, on the other hand, is priced at $7,500.

Another option is the ProCharger, with kits starting at $7,649. These kits are designed for 1998-2002 Camaro/Firebird (LS1) and offer power gains of 40-55%+. They include features such as a self-contained oiling design, intercooler, blow-off valve, and a hand-held tuner.

BoostDistrict also offers a retrofit LSA supercharger kit for the 1998-2002 F-body Camaro/Trans-Ams, with power gains starting at 130+HP. Their kits range in price from $5,050 to $11,100, depending on the options chosen.

Hawks Third Generation offers a TVS2300 Magnacharger kit for $275, which includes a supercharger, k-member spacers, throttle body to inlet plates, and a custom windshield cowl box. However, it is important to note that this is a tuner kit and requires fabrication and assembly, as well as custom heat exchanger lines.

When considering the cost and affordability of a twin-screw supercharger, it is important to keep in mind that additional expenses may be incurred for supporting modifications, such as drivetrain mods, tune-ups, and fuel system upgrades. These can add to the overall cost of the supercharger installation and should be factored into the budget.

shuntool

User experiences

One user with a 2000 WS6 Trans Am says that they want to add a twin-screw supercharger but keep the hood stock. They are unsure if this is possible due to height restrictions. Another user recommends an LSA supercharger, which can be found used on eBay for $1,000-1,500. However, this will require mix and matching, and the user notes that a twin-screw supercharger may not be worth it for the power gain.

Another user with a 2001 Camaro SS is looking for a twin-screw supercharger but does not want to make severe modifications to the cowl of the car. A reply suggests a Pro-Charger as an alternative. The original poster replies that they do not like how Pro-Chargers sound, and another user agrees that twin-screw superchargers sound better.

A third user with a 2001 Camaro SS is looking for a twin-screw supercharger and is aware that there is a Magnusson roots blower available, but it requires cowl cutting. A reply confirms that this kit exists but has been discontinued due to a lack of sales. The user also mentions a Harrop twin-screw supercharger, which costs around $5,000.

A final user with a 1999 S/C TA WS6 shares their experience with a twin-screw supercharger. They initially considered a Dragon Race Performance Whipple kit but decided against it due to negative reviews and the amount of modification required. They ultimately chose a ProCharger, which they say is a proven option.

Frequently asked questions

A twin-screw supercharger is a type of supercharger that uses two screws to compress the air, resulting in lower charge temperatures and greater efficiency.

Yes, there are twin-screw supercharger kits available for the LS1 F-body, including options from Whipple, Harrop, and Magnuson. However, they may require significant modifications to the cowl of the car due to the intake's position.

Some alternatives to twin-screw superchargers for the LS1 F-body include pro-chargers, turbochargers, and centrifugal superchargers. These options may be more readily available and cost-effective, but may not produce the same sound or performance characteristics as a twin-screw supercharger.

Twin-screw superchargers offer several benefits over other types of superchargers, including higher efficiency, lower charge temperatures, and the ability to generate boost at very low speeds. They also provide instant torque and have better sealing, resulting in improved cruise situations.

Some reputable companies that offer twin-screw supercharger kits for the LS1 F-body include ProCharger, BoostDistrict, and Hawks Third Generation. These companies provide detailed information about their products, installation requirements, and pricing on their websites.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment