Finally had some time today to work a bit on fitting the damn thing in there. I've got two problems so far, or rather concers. I lowered the radiator before, and I thought it'd be enough, but apparently it still needs to be moved. It is very low already, clears that notch in the core support next to the ac condenser. But there is no way in hell it's gonna clear the air intake tube to the sc. I am really hesitant to cut the fan shroud, but that's seems like the only solution at this point. Any tips ?

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech1.jpg

Second thing, I'm not sure if that's the right angle for the outlet to be at. Did you guys have it the same way ?

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech2.jpg

any comments appreciated.

Thats gonna rock!

Its looking good so far!

Try calling

Griffin Thermal Products 800-722-3723

They might be able to come up with a different radiator, one short enough to give you the clearance you need.

PLease try to document all the steps for this - Im going to be building a tech / how to section - and I would love to have an article on this. Pics Pics Pics!

I thought the aftermarket Griffin radiators were actually bigger? :confused:

Anyways, I hope you get an article out of this Joey, it would be a great how-to. But unless you have a helper, I find taking pics during a major job is usually the last thing I have time or patience for.

:L

Well, I moved the AC condenser forward about 1/2" or so. Just straighten the brackets and drill new holes from the bottom. I didn't know there was that much room left. I also cut the bottom support and bent it into an L shape = 2" lower and secure. It isn't the prettiest, but hey it's all covered by the bumper anyways. I already have about 1/4 of space around the inlet tube, I might cut the shroud a bit to give it even more extra play, since the engine does move quite a bit.
Aren't Griffins smaller only by a bit, but also a lot thicker at the same time ?

Aren't Griffins smaller only by a bit, but also a lot thicker at the same time ?
Im not sure how much smaller - but I thought they had one that was a bit smaller -- and maybe they could offer a suggestion to solve the problem-

Made some progress today. I would get it running, but my gf is already pissed I spent the weekend on it ... ;) ;) ;)

Here are some pics.

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech4.jpg

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech5.jpg

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech6.jpg

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech7.jpg

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech8.jpg

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech9.jpg

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech10.jpg

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech11.jpg

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech12.jpg

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech13.jpg

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech3.jpg

I swear everything on this car has to be custom made. the vortech kit if faaaar from a bolt-on. I ended up cutting the shroud 1/2" around the edge, moving the condenser forward and modifying the bottom support to clear the inlet tube. It fits fine now. If the k-member wasn't lowered the 1/2", it would be prolly easier. The return line is done, all the piping looks like it will fit, however the shock tower is in the way to make it a pefect fit for the TB to vortech tube. I still have to do the oil supply line, IAC hose, and the mighty bypass valve. Everything is a very tight fit, but I've already learned installing the cobra intake that this car is a challenge. I will need to lower the compressor a bit to allow the pro-m filter to fit in there. Look at the AC lines - talk about a tight fit.

Wow -- looking great!! Very tight fit I would say....... Good work!

Wow -- looking great!! Very tight fit I would say....... Good work!


THe Griffin's I have used on my mark VIII's are Universal Ford models. They are about 6" shorter, but have dual 1" cores. These need to have mounts welded to them, ect to get them to fit properly inside the car.

Looks very good. Was this a custom job?

Looks very good. Was this a custom job?
Most of the stuff had to be done custom. I had the car tuned last night and here are the results:

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/etrimdyno.jpg

How much of in increase is it? Is a M8 290hp out the box?

How much of in increase is it? Is a M8 290hp out the box?

That's crank 280 stock >>> usually about 220 rwhp. about a 100hp boost.

Sweet!

Looks very good. Was this a custom job?

Did you read what he wrote or just look at the pictures???

It looks like a loabor of love to me. Guy that runs a local dyno shop ran his stock Mark VIII and got 240/240 to the wheels, not to bad. Looks like you did well! How's it drive?

I missed the part where he said it was custom!

A couple of those pieces look familiar. :Beer

A couple of those pieces look familiar. :Beer

They found a good home, Chris. :Beer :Beer

Are you gonna be at the Carlisle ? Then I can buy you a real one !!!

It's running great. I need to change some TC parameters, but all in all I am a one happy camper.

Congratulations. Do you plan on taking it to the track anytime soon?

Did you read what he wrote or just look at the pictures???

It looks like a loabor of love to me. Guy that runs a local dyno shop ran his stock Mark VIII and got 240/240 to the wheels, not to bad. Looks like you did well! How's it drive?

never heard of a mark 8 getting 240hp to the wheels stock. Most will only make around 210.

never heard of a mark 8 getting 240hp to the wheels stock. Most will only make around 210.
Damn, A stock 5.0 typically gets around 190-195hp at the wheels....I would hope that an engine that was advertised with 60 more hp would run more than 25 higher on the dyno. I just double checked what was written and the owner said 241/231...that sounds right to me.

Damn, A stock 5.0 typically gets around 190-195hp at the wheels....I would hope that an engine that was advertised with 60 more hp would run more than 25 higher on the dyno. I just double checked what was written and the owner said 241/231...that sounds right to me.

241rwhp is very rare for a stock mark.

Like mentioned before, late models put down from 210 to 220.
Of course it all depends on the dyno and conditions.

Great project.

How is the economy? Can you still get decent mileage if you stay out of it? How is the seat of the pants diffrence? I am thinking of another mark8 or a cobra. If I get the mark 8 I would like to supercharge it with the money I save by not going cobra. Car will be daily driven to work. Need to maintain drivability.

i had always thought that there was no room for a front mount supercharger in these cars - i thought top mount was the only way to go. glad that isn't true.

hey I heard that one guy ran a cobra radiator??? I want to do the exact same thing to my 93 so if you can send me some details one a step of what you had to do? does it run good? how is the difference in the driving? accel...power...

Lookin pretty SWEET! Nice Work!

241rwhp is very rare for a stock mark.

Like mentioned before, late models put down from 210 to 220.
Of course it all depends on the dyno and conditions.
a couple of questions that might already have been asked. Where and how much is that cobra cam, that's awesome! Also, how much was the complete supercharger setup costing you in the end?

thanks,
scott

look at the date of this post, MOdpower doesnt even own the car anymore, it was sold to a member here with out the blower

I own the car. But, his current 97' is pretty kickass. He is also the same guy that put the aluminum cobra ratiator in his car. He is no longer active on this site, for reasons unknown, but you can find him over on the others with the user name, mad1stgen



Mike