Routinely on the cutting edge of twin-screw supercharger technology, Whipple Superchargers is offering an early look at a new design for the 2015 Ford 5.0L engine that will be available in the next-generation Mustang and F-150 truck. Just a few weeks ago the company released a sneak peek at Whipple’s new offering for the 5.7L Hemi platform on Arrington Performance’s engine dyno.  

The Ford system will use Whipple’s 2.9L (175ci) twin-screw supercharger in a front-feed arrangement.

“The Whipple W175FFAX supercharger reaches 99% volumetric efficiency and features our oversized air-to-water intercooler for unmatched cooling capacity. This blower significantly outflows the older-generation rear-feed-based superchargers,” Dustin Whipple tells EngineLabs, noting this model is the company’s best design to date. “Previous generation applications had some areas we felt we could significantly improve on. Most notably, air distribution over and through the core, intercooler size, plenum volume, increased velocity runner shape, compatibility with 10-rib upgrade systems and ability to be easily upgraded to our massive 4.5 liter supercharger.”

Design Notes:

• An estimated 700HP with 91-octane fuel
• Massive air-to-water aluminum bar-plate intercooler with 15% more square area then previous generation
• Self-contained oversized oil system for dramatically reduced oil temps in even the most demanding conditions
• Industry leading reduction of burst knock and incredible fuel economy
• One-turn turn inlet allows for decreased induction losses when compared to rear inlet systems and 180 degree bends
• More boost at the “hit” than any other twin-screw
• Flat torque curve for incredible acceleration
• Optional 5-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty

Their earlier designs use a smaller intercooler, but as racers are pushing these systems to the absolute max, it was back to the drawing board for the Whipple team in terms of intercooler performance.

“We felt the minimal amount of water/coolant capacity of the previous generation was too small for the consistent high boost levels the engines are seeing, thus we’ve drastically increased the intercooler reservoir capacity to allow a significant jump in power and far more stable discharge air temps. This allows for less potential heat soak issues,” says Whipple.

Whipple has moved to a front-feed application for this fitment, necessitating the use of a jackshaft to drive the supercharger gearset in the rear of the blower. The use of this design allows them to create an unimpeded air tract for substantially greater flow and easier packaging of the inlet. The jackshaft sits off to the side of the supercharger’s inlet and a bit lower than the supercharger centerline. 

According to Whipple, at 16,000 compressor-shaft rpm (double engine speed), the jackshaft and helical-cut gearset only need about three horsepower to turn, which more than offsets the efficiency loss presented by rear-feed compressors. In addition, by using the jackshaft configuration, they are able to enhance the plenum for better air distribution to the intercooler core – which can be made larger also as a result of the design.

Using the front-feed design and jackshaft also makes the fitment easier to package, and has the added benefit of allowing Whipple to unleash more power.

“Every time the air must turn, you lose efficiency. And you can’t get a rear feed to be less than 120 degrees and it’s typically closer to 180 degrees to make the inlet work. Then because of firewall clearance, you can’t increase plenum volume, and then you have to sacrifice intercooler size because your pulley height is at the worst possible point in the vehicle front where the hood sweeps down,” explains Whipple.

As the 2015 Mustang and F-150 haven’t been released for sale to the public yet, Whipple has an excellent time advantage with getting this product just right before the dealer lots are stocked with willing boost-friendly subjects.

“We’re gearing up and have spent countless hours developing what we feel will be the most powerful pump gas supercharger package for the 2015 Mustang as well as the 2011-2015 Ford F150 5.0L offerings that fits under the stock hood and has an optional 5-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. We will be applying for 50-state legal exemption. We currently have our EO for the 2011-2014 5.0L Mustang and F150 and have every intention of continuing for 2015 and beyond,” sums up Whipple.