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Originally Posted by bonnevilleclub.com
Can I supercharge my SE or SSE?
"Can I add a Supercharger to my car?"
This is one of the most often asked questions on this and other forums. Having a NA (naturally aspirated, as opposed to force-fed) Bonneville and seeing a Supercharged car at a wrecker is enough to make anyone drool. Especially when you see just how easily that Eaton Blower comes off of there! Is it possible to just bolt one up? NO. There are other possibilites, though, and none are cheap.
The reasons this will not work are extensive. The L27 and L36 NA powertrains are actually quite different when compared to the L67 (SC). The heads are different, the lower intake is different, with different injector placement, the fuel rail is different, and the compression ratio is also different. And pushrods, lifters, and rockers. Now we get nasty. The L67 gets a heavy-duty Transaxle, too. Either the 4T60-E(HD) or the 4T65E(HD). Then there's the PCM. And the engine wiring harness to go with it. This doesn't even get into the little things. About the only thing these cars really have in common other than outside appearance is the Throttle Body.
So what are my options? First, you can find a salvaged drivetrain, and drop the whole thing in. Engine, Trans, wiring harness, and PCM. You can get one from a Bonneville or a Grand Prix. Very expensive by the time you're done. If you really want this, you could sell your car and buy a SC model for less. And alot less trouble.
Second option would be an aftermarket Supercharger. This mod will run you over $3000 US. You still have the problem of possibly killing your transaxle, 'cuz you still don't have the heavy duty version. Once again, you could sell your NA Bonneville, combine it with the $3000+ you would have spent on this mod, and buy a newer SSEi or SC SSE, SLE or SE (rare, but they're around).
Another option, which is more practical and a helluvalot cheaper is a Turbo. There's room for it, and they're easier to set up. It would have to be a custom job, 'cuz nobody makes a kit YET.
Note from 99bonnevilleSE:
"Just want to make a note, it would actually be about the same price to do a turbo kit and a supercharger kit. Just the turbo has more potential for power at the lower boost levels and can be under boost faster depending on how large or small you go."
Now what is REALLY practical? The 3800 NA is no slouch, and it has alot more potential than the little bit Pontiac took advantage of. For less money than we've been talking about, you could do the exhaust, intake, maybe a chip, and possibly still have money to work over the valvetrain. We have a couple members here that have done just that, and they spank stock SSEi's quite easily.
What's your preference? It'll have to be something other than just bolting up an Eaton M62 or M90, and everyone will choose a different path, but in the end, you choose the one that's right for you and your car.
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11-24-2005, 08:28 PM
I have the supercharger and fuel rail from a SSE. What will I have to do to make the conversion? Will it be difficult?
