Builders using LS9 supercharger

[jp455]

Hi all...Ive have started looking into a new LS engine for my Firebird (I know I know!) and saw this old article which made me wonder why more builders arent using the LS9 supercharger with bigger displacement blocks.

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com..._engine_build/

It seems to me that all other builds Ive seen use the magnusen supercharger. Is there a particular reason why? Is it maybe just down to cost and no actual benefit horsepower wise?

[Schwartz Performance]

Well, the LS9 sc is pretty ugly, and there aren't any other serpentine options available. Also the throttle body position is a bit far out, which puts the intake tube close to the radiator.

But in the grand scheme it's not a terrible idea

-Dale

[parsonsj]

I'm using an LS9 in my latest build (69 Camaro). I've got a serpentine solution that fits the DSE chassis, and my customer thinks the SC is beautiful. The throttle body is pretty far forward, but if you use the DSE mounts, it's not that bad. I'll be starting a build thread on it pretty soon.

[jp455]

Hi Dale...yes, very true that the Magnuson looks a lot nicer, and the serpentine arrangement with the LS9 supercharger is basically limited to that one factory model. But the performance sure is there! As for the throttle Id have to look, but I think with the long nose of the Firebird there wouldn't be any issues with it fitting. The big thing though is that the Magnuson isnt intercooled...so Im wondering why there arent more crate engines sold with the LS9 system.

[jp455]

I'm using an LS9 in my latest build (69 Camaro). I've got a serpentine solution that fits the DSE chassis, and my customer thinks the SC is beautiful. The throttle body is pretty far forward, but if you use the DSE mounts, it's not that bad. I'll be starting a build thread on it pretty soon.

Hi John...I wasn't even thinking there would be an issue with the serpentine hitting the chassis. Is this the case with the stock second gen as well??

[Schwartz Performance]

@jp455- the Mag has an internal inter cooler.

Yeah on a second gen you probably won't have an issue with the air filter/tube.

-Dale

[jp455]

I see. Does the LS9 one have a separate pulley/belt on the back like the Magnuson making it need less maintenance? Im just thinking a bit cynically that there has to be a difference besides just the looks.

[Schwartz Performance]

No the front pulley is direct on the LS9.

[jp455]

That for me would make the LS9 type simpler. The only thing I can think of then as to why the LS9 isnt used more is height. Is it higher than the Magnuson?