Supercharging the convertible. What are your guys thoughts?

[ComvertibleUnderTheSun]

Anyone supercharged their convertible yet? I'm thinking of adding in the whipple from Ford Performance for the 810 hp.
Now I know what you're asking, but why on a convertible?
I wanna go fast with the top down. Hear the supercharge whine with the top down.
I have upgraded my factory wheels to Michelin Pilot Sports 4S.

Sponsored

 

[ComvertibleUnderTheSun]

 

[Q6543]

Ok… everything but the whine part, buy the roush if that’s something you’re into

 

[Neggytive]

When I decided I wanted a 2024 5.0 Ragtop I set aside $13000 to do the Ford Performance kit (Whipple) and once I got the car and started driving it I decided that for a street use garage Queen it was sufficiently quick for my type of driving.

In 5 months and about 2300 miles of mixed use driving, including a 500 mile single day road trip from NH to DC not once have I hit the gas and wished I had the extra 300+ HP at the crank.

Is there anything wrong with the Whipple kit? Not that I am aware of and I think if there was this forum would be all over it.

Do I think the structure of the car is strong enough for the extra power? Yes.

Do I think the engine is stout enough to handle the power? Yes I do and Ford does too, but there are some parts you can replace while doing the install that will make it more reliable, especially the oil pump drive.

Like any power adder there are things you'll have to watch out for, such as octane, those kits do not like anything but good quality high octane fuel, and the fastest way to damage that engine is to cheap out on octane.

Plus there is the engine oil it specifies and the maintenance of the blower itself including the oil level and periodic service.

You are not running to AutoZone for parts if a intercooler hose lets go 5 years from now either, make sure you know the belt part number too.

Oh ya, triple your tire budget, wheel slip is going to take some life out of those very expensive tires.

But if you want to do it, go for it.

Sounds like a lot of fun

 

[roket]

be careful and dont overdo it. remember what happened to the S550 Super Snake convertibles, and IIRC they only had 15 more horsepower than what the Stage 1 Whipple/Ford Performance kit gives you. the twist of the chassis from the power due to the lack of the bracing from the solid roof caused side skirts to get cracked and damaged, like what happened to Throttle House here

 

[MAT1955]

@ComvertibleUnderTheSun ...... Don't want to the the buzzkill here but on this forum we try to have each other's backs regarding giving our best opinions for our Mustang brothers/sisters. I would only put a supercharger on it if I stiffened the frame further. LMR and Steeda have, I believe, trunk, backseat and under frame stiffener bar kits. Having built engines from the bare block up my 2 cents is any engine is only as good as its weakest link. On the stock 5.0 that would be oil pump, timing chains (for example I think Comp aka HD timing chains are about $250.00) and of course, new rods. The rods are what I would worry about the most. The 2024 stock 5.0 is a beautifully engineered engine. The 5.0 DH is a cousin but a more evil one - meaning somewhat the same only MUCH more robust and balanced. I have a 2024 GT Premium Convertible and I would not SC it. IMO without some serious mods you would be into body/frame issues, fitment problems and rattles before long. Even, if done right, it will likely be as expensive as a DH without the DH's longevity. It's not the money, I have the money and my "family and I" have the equipment and expertise to do the work ourselves. I just see too many problems and pita events down the line.

 

[FredB618]

I had the Whipple Stage 2 installed by Evolution Perfomance about 2 months ago. They also changed the exhaust, tires, rims and few other things. I do not have pics of the motor right now but will take some tonight and give you more info as to what was done. I have had no issue except the fact that I do not want to get out of the car. It is over 800 HP of fun and well with it if you have the money set aside for it. Call Fred Cook at EP. He is a genius.

 

[Zuko]

I had the Whipple Stage 2 installed by Evolution Perfomance about 2 months ago. They also changed the exhaust, tires, rims and few other things. I do not have pics of the motor right now but will take some tonight and give you more info as to what was done. I have had no issue except the fact that I do not want to get out of the car. It is over 800 HP of fun and well with it if you have the money set aside for it. Call Fred Cook at EP. He is a genius.

I am curious as to where the skirt is from and what is going on with the headlights? Is that a midnight pony pack causing that with non black emblem up in front? Looks reaaaalllly nice!

 

[MidLifeManifustang]

My thoughts on getting the blower:

Pros:

• Being the alpha ~99% of the time vs. 2WD cars at stop lights
  • (??% vs. AWD)
• Having a reason to pop the hood at car meets
• Supercharger whine
• More power = more joy and fulfillment (obviously)

Cons:

• Every Whipple and Roush install I’ve seen deletes the strut brace when you need more rigidity, not less
• I drive with the top down whenever possible, and there’s a limit to how fast I can drive that way and still enjoy it
• The stock 5.0 and PP tires barely have enough traction as it is
• I get so few opportunities to let loose all the horsies I have now (and not get arrested), what’s the point of packing more of them in there?
• Something expensive is more likely to break
• There are about a million more responsible ways to spend that kind of money.

So yeah, I’m on the fence, too.

 

[ComvertibleUnderTheSun]

My thoughts on getting the blower:

Pros:

• Being the alpha ~99% of the time vs. 2WD cars at stop lights
  • (??% vs. AWD)
• Having a reason to pop the hood at car meets
• Supercharger whine
• More power = more joy and fulfillment (obviously)

Cons:

• Every Whipple and Roush install I’ve seen deletes the strut brace when you need more rigidity, not less
• I drive with the top down whenever possible, and there’s a limit to how fast I can drive that way and still enjoy it
• The stock 5.0 and PP tires barely have enough traction as it is
• I get so few opportunities to let loose all the horsies I have now (and not get arrested), what’s the point of packing more of them in there?
• Something expensive is more likely to break
• There are about a million more responsible ways to spend that kind of money.

So yeah, I’m on the fence, too.

I somewhat agree. Sometimes I’d pop off the hood to cruise around the beach and get some tan. Hearing the V8 , it’s fantastic. Driving through the canyons is also fun.


sometimes I’ll put the hood up and go fast on the freeway.

As for the tires, I recently upgraded to Michelin Pilot 4S and had 0 wheel slippage, it’s actually quite phenomenal even when I really get into it through corners.

 

[IFFV68]

be careful and dont overdo it. remember what happened to the S550 Super Snake convertibles, and IIRC they only had 15 more horsepower than what the Stage 1 Whipple/Ford Performance kit gives you. the twist of the chassis from the power due to the lack of the bracing from the solid roof caused side skirts to get cracked and damaged, like what happened to Throttle House here

If I were you, & I’m not,
I would purchase a new Corvette.
Then you just turn the Key.
The added Horses to your Convertible may, as suggested by others, may put undue Stress, Pressure Etc. on the Body & the Frame.
Your Warranty may also be Null & Void?
I don’t believe, I may be wrong, as usual but,
Will the Strut Brace still be able to hold the Engine & associated parts together when burning rubber off the line!
SPEED COSTS MONEY ,
HOW FAST Do You Want to Go!

 

[RLE55]

I would purchase a new Corvette.

Yea, but it won't be a Mustang.

 

[IFFV68]

Yea, but it won't be a Mustang.

You have a very good point.

 

[robvas]

Why not?

Too much overthinking. No reason not to, plenty of supercharged convertibles out there.

Buddy has an S550 vert with a VMP Gen3R, aluminator, etc.

It rips.

Sponsored