AWD supercharger?

[drw2514]

I'm interested in getting a supercharger for my AWD vibe. I see that a couple of people have installed them on their AWD vibe/matrix and haven't had any problems. My main concern is low-end torque, which a supercharger would address. The trouble is that I just installed a CAI on my car (before learing about S/Cs on AWD Vibes). Would I be able to keep the CAI if i got a S/C? Or would I have to get rid of the $200+ CAI in order to get the S/C?Odds are, I would also be getting a Unichip. My question is: are these things considered plug-n-play? I mean, do i just install it and it's ready to go? or do i have to 'tune' it, or rather, have it tuned, before it'll be good? Finally, is the S/C considered a do-it-yourself job? What about the Unichip? Should i have a mechanic in a real shop do it for me? As always, all input and opinions are appreciated!

[wicked1981]

Quote, originally posted by drw2514 »I'm interested in getting a supercharger for my AWD vibe. I see that a couple of people have installed them on their AWD vibe/matrix and haven't had any problems. My main concern is low-end torque, which a supercharger would address. The trouble is that I just installed a CAI on my car (before learing about S/Cs on AWD Vibes). Would I be able to keep the CAI if i got a S/C? Or would I have to get rid of the $200+ CAI in order to get the S/C?Odds are, I would also be getting a Unichip. My question is: are these things considered plug-n-play? I mean, do i just install it and it's ready to go? or do i have to 'tune' it, or rather, have it tuned, before it'll be good? Finally, is the S/C considered a do-it-yourself job? What about the Unichip? Should i have a mechanic in a real shop do it for me? As always, all input and opinions are appreciated! I believe the Unichip when you order it you tell them your mods and they tune it to the mods. After that any other mods you would have to take to a shop to get it tunned but has to be a shop where tehy can tune it since not all shops can tune a Unichip. Not sure about the CAI you might want to instant message Larry since he has the SC in his Vibe but not sure if he has a CAI. Trdvibe has the Unichip not sure how to install it or if its "plug and play" but im sure she can give you more info. As far as installing the SC yourself someone here did it and I beleve if you know how to work on cars you can do it. Here are the instructions http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/pe...7.pdf

[AKLGT]

here's what ultraviolet says about how the unichip and FI/SC works:Quote, originally posted by ultraviolet »Thanks MadBill.Unfortunately for me its a little more complicated. First off, in order to use the Unichip with FI, you must purchase an additional boost module from Unichip. Also, Jack from Unichip only recommends getting a custom tune for FI applications. An existing map can be used just to get the SC up and running so that you can drive it in for the custom tune. For me, that would mean a 7 hour drive. So for my SC install, the safest, cheapest and most practical will be to use the TRD ECU with Split Second AIC-1 fuel controller.

[drw2514]

thanks guys. sounds like i'd be best of getting all the stuff on my car done before i get a chip so that i only have to have it tuned once. As far as the S/C goes, I don't really see any difference between the engines in a FWD base and the AWD, besides the exhaust. Can someone enlighten me? Why isn't the S/C approved for the AWD vibe if it has the same engine and the same transmission?

[satur9]

it has the same engine but not the same tranny.and i guess gm/trd is worried about breaking the tranny/diffs and etc. on a awd.there hasnt been a problem yet but then again theres only 2 out there.it supposedly voids your warrenty installing it on a awd.but thats if the dealer is smart enough to know that.the cia and supercharger will work with the unichip.

[joatmon]

at some point greenfire will stop in and let you know how his SC/CAI/AWD matrix is doinghere's his sig pic he had a lot of posts about it on matrixvibe.net, but that site is temp offline right now

[drw2514]

I look forward to his comments...seems as though what he did with his matrix (springs, s/c, strut tower brace, exhaust) is exactly what i want to do to mine...!

[Fialchar]

An AWD with forced induction? Why not go with a twin turbo? We could call it the Pontiac Vibe AWD STi, or the Evibe VIII. Or maybe even the Vibe R34 Falken

[drunkenmaxx]

i doubt the awd could handle a twin turbo w/out lots of $ added to it

[greenfire]

Hi Drw, and thanks Joatmon for the heads up. OK, this thread on MatrixVibe.net should answer a lot of questions. http://matrixvibe.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3815 My advice is to take this project one step at a time. Install your SC as per the directions with out the CAI. Install a boost gauge imediately. Make sure its all working correctly. Once all is good, put your CAI back on. Next you will want to get the set up tuned. My recommendation is an Air Fuel controller made by Split Second called the AIC1. Matrix peeps have seen better results with this unit as opposed to the Unichip for this application. Your challenge will be to find a shop the has a dynopac (4wd dyno) and is willing to program the AIC1.For other mods, exhaust has to be custom. I highly recomend a transmission cooler... matter of fact you should have one. And if you have any money left after all this then we can talk about springs Good luck post up if you need more advice

[Fialchar]

I was j/k, but I agree. You'd have to do some serious modification and reinforcing on the AWD to get it ready for that much boost.