What's more, Mach 1 fuel systems rely on a single fuel pump, along with smallish (for the fuel flow) fuel rails. Keeping the fuel tank at least half full helps-aftermarket fuel rails and somehow opening flow to the fuel pump inside the tank are much better.
Bolting a blower atop this combination thus produces excellent power at relatively modest boost pressures, but it must pay a price in long-term durability and has precious little in the way of reserve strength should detonation occur. Driven with a modicum of restraint-uh huh-and fed a steady diet of high-octane pump gas, we'd wager the blown Mach is good for many tens of thousands-likely 100,000-detonation-free miles. But rodeoed at every light and it's more than likely a piston or rod will let loose. Our advice is to buy the aftercooled option, run good gasoline at all times, and take it easy in hot weather. This is one combination with which you want to avoid detonation.
ConclusionIt's amazing how complex and well-engineered the Ford performance hobby has become since the innocent 5.0 days. Vortech has been there for nearly all of it, and this newest Mach 1 kit shows all the detailing and sophistication for which Vortech has become known. That it can kick a stock Cobra squarely in the teeth shows just how excellent is its performance. Clearly this is a mid-12-second car in the hands of even the average stroke. That it comes from a bolt-on Mustang with a blower kit installed is remarkable.
In Other Vortech News* Vortech is now offering 10-rib pulley packs for 5.0 Mustang blower kits. The drive pulleys measure your choice of 2.75, 2.95, or 3.33 inches.
* Less expensive Tuner Kits for the Mach (and many other Mustang applications) are now available. Tuner Kits include mechanical items such as the supercharger, the mounting bracket, the oil feed and drain, the bypass valve, and the fasteners. They do not include a fuel pump, injectors, or computer tuning, as Tuner Kits are designed for professional installation, typically on vehicles where the supporting pieces are custom selected or already in place. Contact Vortech for Tuner Kit pricing.
* 2.0 Zetec Focus engines with LFQ0, LFQ1, and JFA7 computers will accept Vortech's new Focus kit. Other Foci are supported via Tuner Kits.
* Standard-duty, counter-clockwise-rotation V1 blowers can now be upgraded to T-Trim specs with a new volute, impeller, bearings, and seals. The conversion is done only at Vortech (ship your blower in), and the original three-year warranty will continue if the seals and standard pulley are intact.
Installation HighlightsBolting the Vortech blower onto the Mach 1 follows well-known Mustang supercharger procedures, but the Four-Valve engine, the in-tank fuel pump, and the water-to-air aftercooler makes sure there is plenty of wrenching.
As for the ram-air option, it involves little more than replacing the lower section of the ram-air scoop (the tray) and fitting a couple of air tubes. Because we shot Vor-tech's prototype Mach 1 installation, you'll see some handbuilt parts in the accompanying photos.
What And How MuchVortech's Mach 1 kit is available in several forms-nonaftercooled and aftercooled, and satin or polished. Even at $6,000, it's a way to exceed Cobra performance for thousands less.