Looking at buying a used S2000 with a vortech supecharger. Have ?s

[jrmotorsports55]

I found the car I have been looking for. It is a 2002 Suzuka Blue S2000 with only 12,000 miles. It was owned by a 70 yr old man, and is mint. The supercharger has 5,000 miles on it, and it also has a upgraded clutch, exhaust, and new tires.

I am planning on looking in to who installted the parts, as well as any guarantees, and hopefully will be able to pull the plugs to take a look at them. I was wondering if there is anything else I should look out for. Also, I heard that the early vortech kits had black box problems, and was wondering if there was any way to tell them apart, so I know if it has the good one. Also, does anyone know if I cah get the new black box, just in case, and how much it would be to buy.

One final question, I think it has the stock header, and I was interesting in getting the one form Rick's. Will I need to upgrade the FMU?

Sorry for all of the questions, I am new to the S2000 (but not forced air, as my current car is a 02 WRX).

Thanks

[Chris S]

It's not just blackbox problems, but the fact that Vortech doesn't stand behind their supplier's crappy blackbox. I'd only buy it if you were OK w/ paying for installation and tuning of an AEM EMS, which would cure the problem. The rest of the system seems OK.

[jrmotorsports55]

Yeah, I have heard of the Vortech problems, but I also figure I am screwed with Comptech since they are no longer around as well. I'd have no problems installing the EMS myself, and taking it for dyno-tuning.

[Satisaii]

And there is always the possibility that it will continue to work as is. Mine has been on for over a year with no problems, including 5 track days.

[jrmotorsports55]

Good to know. I jsut wanted to make sure I have options.

[repiv]

The first generation of Vortechs came out with Black Box issues. The car simply would not rev up. Drive the car and if it runs wells all the way to redline, chances are, it doesn't have one of those computers. Additionally, it's uncertain whether later versions of the Black Box was a problem since the written installation instructions for the wiring was (and still may be) incorrect. Only the wiring diagram should have been followed. Again, if the car drives OK now, chances are it was wired properly. Mine's been on the car now for over 4 years. It's run perfect from day one to present.

[jrmotorsports55]

Thanks

[repiv]

BTW, 5000 miles on a supercharger is nothing OR, it could be too much if it was tinkered with and was in a bad state of tune. I've had mine for nearly 30,000 miles. Check for abnormal bearing noise, oil leaks from the blower seals and aftercooler system function. The condition of the spark plugs should also tell you a valuable story.

[jrmotorsports55]

The owner is over 70 yrs old, so I am hoping it wasn't tinkered with too much. I want to find out who did the supercharger install and everything. I am going to request that I pull the plugs, and if it is not allowed, I will request a full inspection by a reputable shop.

Any word about the header? Can I install one without messing up the FMU settings?

[repiv]

Any word about the header? Can I install one without messing up the FMU settings?

I have a header and a cat back and did nothing to the Vortech, but each car is different. Whenever you make a mod like this when an invasive mod like a S/C already exists, it's always wise to monitor A/F ratios through the rev band.

[jrmotorsports55]

Will do, thanks.

[ILUVS2K]

Talked to Comptech about 1 month ago, they are still around!

[hecash]

I tried several headers and exhausts with my Comptech supercharger that I ran for about 50,000 miles and had no positive dyno results from any part or combination. I wound up back to the stock header and cat-back at the end. You will, however, be able to shave some weight. That does not show up on the dyno.