Which blower would you choose?

Hey all,

Picked up a new (to me) 2014 Mustang and I'm planning a different route for boost than my last car. My old 2013 was a Vortech car on E85 and while enjoyable, was very lazy most of the time and not a ton of fun to daily.

This time around I'm looking at a couple options:

VMP GEN2R
VMP GEN3
Whipple Gen 5 3.0

They are all very nice choices, I just cant seem to decide on what I want. The car has a stock motor for now but will get upgraded one day. Here is where I;m stuck:

What is the limit of the GEN2R? Is it worth more money for the GEN3 since it has more of a ceiling? Are the VMP choices better than the Whipple? Seems they have all been in the 8s now..

If you have had any of these, give me some feedback. Also if you ended up switching away from one of these, what did you go to and why?

Thanks!

Laziness will come from lack of TQ and a linear power band in my experience with blower cars on stock motors. Had the same issue with my 2.3 TVS which is why I wanted to go Turbo but thats just a personal decision.

Newer blower setups tho are much more efficient tho no doubt but like any power adder these days to get the most out of it u will need E85 which seems to be available to u.

Any reason why u haven't entertained a Turbo kit? I think the newer model Whipple or VMP blowers will get it done. Both seem to make similar power.

Although, the Kenny Bell liquid inter-cooled 4.2 (or maybe a 4.7 cant remember) did make the most HP I've seen to date at 1430 whp on E91 and 940 whp on 93 octane (No meth) on a Mustang Dyno. It was on a 5.4 motor tho build by BES. Kenny Bell isn't really talked about that often but they make some serious power!

GNBRETT said:

Laziness will come from lack of TQ and a linear power band in my experience with blower cars on stock motors. Had the same issue with my 2.3 TVS which is why I wanted to go Turbo but thats just a personal decision.

Newer blower setups tho are much more efficient tho no doubt but like any power adder these days to get the most out of it u will need E85 which seems to be available to u.

Any reason why u haven't entertained a Turbo kit? I think the newer model Whipple or VMP blowers will get it done. Both seem to make similar power.

Although, the Kenny Bell liquid inter-cooled 4.2 (or maybe a 4.7 cant remember) did make the most HP I've seen to date at 1430 whp on E91 and 940 whp on 93 octane (No meth) on a Mustang Dyno. It was on a 5.4 motor tho build by BES. Kenny Bell isn't really talked about that often but they make some serious power!

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I have not ruled out a turbo setup quite yet. Its just hard to beat the ease of install for a PD blower. I do like the GEN2 ON3 kit for price in comparison lol.

The Gen2R (2.3L) is a nice blower for a stock motor but if you are going to beef up the motor to make more HP then you might outgrow it.
The Gen3R could possibly work for both stock and built motors but if it were me I'd step up to the Whipple!

Go for the new gen 5 3.0L blower. The new technology should make it the most efficient.

If u have the funds I would steer u towards a Turbo kit. The new ON3 stuff looks greatly improved over their original design and guys making big HP with that kit. I would recommend going with a single Turbo kit. That way it doesn't cost u an arm and a leg when u wanna upgrade the Turbo.

IMO problem with blowers is if u want a bigger one u gotta spend a shit load of money to do so cause u need to buy another blower. Upgrading a Turbo is like $1800 bucks.

U didn't state whether or not ur auto or stick. The blower would probably be a better bet if u have an M82. Turbo's like auto's.

With todays Turbo technology spooling up so fast there isn't much advantage to a Twin Turbo kit till u start making 1500+ hp imo. Plus its double of everything which mean more weight on the front end and twice the amount of shit to fail or break.

I've had both a blower kit and a Turbo kit on an S197 and imo the Turbo kit is just far superior. I agree tho the ease of the blower kit is enticing but go on utube and watch FAST Mustangs racing on the hi-way. Most all will be some form of a Turbo kit either single or double.

I know, there are some really fast blower cars out there but most cant hang with the fast Turbo cars. The fact that u can use ur stock converter (If auto) is nothing to shake a stick at either! Makes for a much nicer ride for sure so the blower has its advantages for sure.

One thing to note is I got 12 mpg with my TVS 2.3 blower set up. I get 15 mpg with my Turbo kit. 3 mpg I know aint much but to me it was another benefit to going Turbo.

WIST2013GT said:

I have not ruled out a turbo setup quite yet. Its just hard to beat the ease of install for a PD blower. I do like the GEN2 ON3 kit for price in comparison lol.

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I have seven years of experience with various VMP TVS blowers on my car. The base kit went on and has been trouble free.

It really depends on how far you want to go ultimately. A Gen 2R will take you to mid 9's (6R80/stock converter) with a 69mm upper pulley and E85. Port the lower intake, go E85, add an ice tank and a 63mm upper pulley and 150+ trap speeds come, 6 rib, stock crank pulley, still netting <100* max iat2 temps on a pass. Ask me how I know.

I will say, the larger VMP blowers are more efficient and will ultimately make more power. I have dyno and track tested both of them.

One belt lasts all season. Maybe more, but I swap them every winter. I never have to work on it or even think about it. I get in and go.

Power output is as mild or wild as I want. All based on throttle input. I never have to wait for boost to build. And yes, even on my old school Gen 1 Coyote (stock heads/cams), it makes peak power at 7600.

Thanks for all the feedback on this dilemma. My car is an auto for the record.

I really would like to have a car that I can hop in and drive daily but still drive to the track and make a single digit pass and drive home. That's the ultimate goal for me as I see the track maybe 5-10 times a year at most. Id like it to be at least what my old car was (10.4/137) but more fun to drive as the centri left me wanting more.

Now if I get the itch to turn it up, I don't want to have to build a motor AND upgrade the induction at the same time so I'm hoping to make the right choice that will allow me to turn it up without double buying the power adder.

Thats why imo a Turbo kit is just better in so many ways. Wanna make more power when going to the drag strip just turn up the boost or turn it down when on the street. No pulleys to change and belts will never slip or fall off. U can set the boost wherever u want right now with a stock motor. If u build the motor then all u gotta do is upgrade the fuel system and turn the boost up. Turbo kit gives u room to grow.

I've been in ur shoes before and had the same questions and or concerns that u have which is why im recommending that u go Turbo cause Ive been there before and did the blower thing cause it was just more convenient but I regretted that decision the first time my buddy took me out for a ride in his Turbo Coyote. Rode around that night on pump gas/meth low boost (840 whp) and it was violent for sure and the following day we went to the track on E85 and turned it up (1060 whp) and he went 9.19 @ 149 mph in a full weight car weighing 4000 lbs with driver and drove it home (2) hours away. I was sold on a Turbo kit!

Considering ur car is a Street car 99% of the time controlling boost on the street is paramount. At the track who cares its prepped and sticky ur gonna dead hook. On the street ur not. Blowers dont have boost controllers, Turbo's do. Night and day difference on the street when u start making big power and wanting to control power.

WIST2013GT said:

Now if I get the itch to turn it up, I don't want to have to build a motor AND upgrade the induction at the same time so I'm hoping to make the right choice that will allow me to turn it up without double buying the power adder.

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OP - does having a stock converter matter to you? The TVS can and will flourish with a stock converter. The turbo setups will all be lazy without one. Just something to consider. I can't stand the part throttle driving experience with an aftermarket converter, feeling "slushy" amd all. I can point and shoot with my stock converter and it takes off like manual car.

Brett - My pulley swaps take 2-3 minutes. Thing is, I don't swap back and forth really, unless I'm going to pickle the fuel system.

We can go back and forth all day. It doesn't matter to me which one he ends up with. All good here.


If either of you want to know/see how simple an 8 second 5.0 car can be, fly into Indianapolis International for the day and I'll pick you up in my car and show you, bring you back and you can fly home. This is a real offer once spring comes.

11Sec_Lx - That is a great point. I do like the way the car drives with the stock converter in it. I went through some of your old threads last night and followed your build. I appreciate you documenting the changes and passes that the car made. It looks like a 9.x pass would be fairly simple with the GEN2R, E85, a good tune and some easy bolt ons. That feels like what I am looking for.

WIST2013GT - A gen 2R would easily get you there. Feel free to IM me anytime.

I vote Gen2R. I like when blower cars get it done!

For simplicity, I’d vote for bolting on a VMP kit.
With regular street driving and a stock converter, the car will give you nice manners and immediate boost response.
You MIGHT be able to get there with a turbo combo, it’s just more work and risk.
There’s always more to it than bolting on boost and running 9s, but your goals are definitely attainable these days easier than ever before.
The 2R will get you 700-800rwhp for now.
If and when you decide to take the car to the next level, build the lower end, swap to a 3R and have 1000rwhp potential.
For reliability and OEM quality, I prefer the TVS rotor pack.
-J

For simplicity, I’d vote for bolting on a VMP kit.
With regular street driving and a stock converter, the car will give you nice manners and immediate boost response.
You MIGHT be able to get there with a turbo combo, it’s just more work and risk.
There’s always more to it than bolting on boost and running 9s, but your goals are definitely attainable these days easier than ever before.
The 2R will get you 700-800rwhp for now.
If and when you decide to take the car to the next level, build the lower end, swap to a 3R and have 1000rwhp potential.
For reliability and OEM quality, I prefer the TVS rotor pack.
-J

04sleeper said:

Love my Hellion TT kit. I have a mild 2B Converter and it drives like stock. Don't listen to people with saying otherwise. My car makes over 1,000 RWHP with a touch of a switch and drives 100% stock. It's quiet as a stock car and no one knows it not stock until you hit the go pedal!

I installed a foot switch where the dead pedal is so I can easily go from 600,700,800,900,1000,1100 with a kick. I can benefit from traction available at any time with my left foot and my hands never leaving the steering wheel. You can NOT do this with a TVS or Whipple. It's all or nothing. It really makes it deadly on the street IMO.

Add the fact that you have ZERO harmonics added to the crank and NEVER have to worry about a belt is just a plus!

I have been running my TT kit for 7 years and have had no issues at all! Still 100% satisfied with my decision.

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Your car is awesome man.
I agree the Hellion TT kits are getting very close.
I know the VMP and Whipple kits aren’t cheap, but what does the Hellion kit cost to deliver your performance?
Also, any comparisons to that Holley kit over the stock manifold?
I’m building a single turbo kit and bought the same Holley intake.
-J

I don’t disagree that turbos would be best suited for over 1000whp. That’s what I would recommend if someone asked my opinion for 1000+wheel. 1000+wheel is useless on the street and overkill for a mid to high 9sec car. Btw. I’ve seen cranks snap on PD, centris and turbos so please knock it off with the scare tactics about the crank.

Totally agree about the stock converter! Circle D works great no doubt but if I could drive around with a stock converter I would in an instant!!!

But lets face one thing bro YOUR car is not the average blower car. Ur car is pretty much faster than any similar setup out there. U definitely got some magic going on there lol

11Sec_Lx said:

OP - does having a stock converter matter to you? The TVS can and will flourish with a stock converter. The turbo setups will all be lazy without one. Just something to consider. I can't stand the part throttle driving experience with an aftermarket converter, feeling "slushy" amd all. I can point and shoot with my stock converter and it takes off like manual car.

Brett - My pulley swaps take 2-3 minutes. Thing is, I don't swap back and forth really, unless I'm going to pickle the fuel system.

We can go back and forth all day. It doesn't matter to me which one he ends up with. All good here.


If either of you want to know/see how simple an 8 second 5.0 car can be, fly into Indianapolis International for the day and I'll pick you up in my car and show you, bring you back and you can fly home. This is a real offer once spring comes.

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The potential with a Turbo kit is only based on what ur motor and tranny can handle. That cannot be said with a Blower kit on average.

On average when a blower guy wants to go really fast (low 8's, high 7's) he's most likely gonna have to upgrade his blower not simply turn up the boost or swap a pulley. And that would mean he's gonna need a Ginormous blower to do so and that wont work all that well on the street.

But I think for 95% of the people out there the blower will get it done just fine AND do it with the stock converter which for a street car is priceless imo.

To me the TQ gained from a Turbo kit is what interests me the most considering my car is a street car and that extra TQ from a roll really makes it a lot more fun than my TVS set up was.

But if I had a car that performed as well as 11Sec_Lx I wouldn't change shit and keep it forever lol. Car is utterly Badass!!!!!

04sleeper said:

Just showing the fact you don't need to change anything to grow with your HP needs with the Turbo setup. We all "Think" we will never need more power until we have it and then want more.

Cheers

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Well since this thread accidentally got derailed into a turbo vs blower debate....

Have the blower guys driven both turbo and blower cars?

I honestly think my fox that put down 459/503 would have kept up or beat my Cobra when it was 590/540. Ya I know it was lighter but still, that’s a big power gap.

Typically you’ll see turbo cars trap faster/higher than a similarly powered blower car. Usually the same on the street.

I currently run a PD blower and love it, but I know I could unlock a lot more with a turbo. If I had much anything other than my Cobra that’s the route I would go again.

But back to the original question.

Whipple Gen4 or 5 gets my vote.


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