Supercharging has become the go-to modification for street going Mustang enthusiasts looking to make big, streetable horsepower. Superchargers are one of those modifications, where you open the hood and instantly gain respect from every other car guy around you.
For the last three decades, Vortech has been a mainstay as a Mustang supercharger innovator. From the Fox body, to systems for classic cars, and now the sixth-generation S550, Vortech has been there. It was no surprise to see a few prototype Vortech systems at the SEMA show last fall. With demand higher than ever for horsepower, Vortech is once again satisfying horsepower hungry Mustang owners, with their new kit for the 2015 Mustang GT.
Rapid Development
While the Coyote engine underwent mostly internal changes for the 2015 model year, getting better internals, and a new intake manifold, the S550 chassis is all new. This meant that while some parts of the S197 kit from Vortech would work, other parts required a new design.
The R&D process for kit hardware took around 8 weeks to complete. Development for complete kit calibration can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks. -Mike Reagan, Vortech
Reagan also told us that they were able to use some of the design for the 2011-14 (S197) system as a starting point. However, the S550 system is less complex than its predecessor, “The majority of the differences are related to the charge-air plumbing. Based on the changes in the 2015 chassis, we were able to shorten-up and simplify the air path as compared to previous model Mustangs. The cooling system expansion tank and air inlet ducting are new as well.” This means a supercharger system that should be easier to install than ever before.
Hardware
The standard 2015 Mustang GT kit includes Vortech’s V3-Si supercharger with a factory pulley good for 7.5-9 psi of boost. The kit is already available from Jegs.com as part number 933-4FQ218-064L.The V3-Si is a self lubricated supercharger, so there’s no oil lines to plumb and no hole to drill into your oil pan. It also has an efficiency rating of 78-percent, and is good for up to 775 hp with the proper upgrades. The kit is upgradeable to Vortech’s YSi or JT-trim supercharger unit, which will push horsepower into the 1,200 plus range.
Bringing temperatures down on the pressurized incoming air is one of Vortech’s charge air coolers. This air to air unit can support up to 900 hp at the flywheel. Its bar and plate design makes it highly efficient and durable. The charge air cooler also features cast end tanks and integrated mounting brackets. Mandrel bent 3-inch tubing, 3-ply silicone couplers, and Vortech’s attention to detail mean that this charge air cooler is not only high quality, but will fit behind the stock bumper with no trimming required.
No supercharger system would be complete without a bypass valve. Vortech doesn’t skimp on the hardware here either. Included in this kit is a Maxflow race bypass valve. This aluminum valve features a rolling diaphragm design which according to Reagan gives instant response. The captured o-ring design provides a leak-free seal, and the high-lift valve allows for excellent flow characteristics according to Reagan. Those going the more hardcore route will be glad to know that an upgrade to the Vortech Maxflow billet BOV is also available.
Enthusiast Driven
One of the cool things about the enthusiast level Vortech systems has always been that a competent enthusiast could install the system using tools in their own garage or driveway, over a weekend. “Our system for the 2015 model year GT is the simplest and fastest Vortech installation on a Mustang, including the Fox body. Very straight-forward,” says Reagan. We were on hand for this install and it was a single day affair at Vortech headquarters. Most enthusiasts should be able to have this kit up and running over the course of a weekend.
Upgrades
Our system for the 2015 model year GT is the simplest and fastest Vortech installation on a Mustang, including the Fox body. Very straight-forward.
Tuner or Complete
Whether an enthusiast is looking for a kit to bolt on their daily driver never having to worry about making another change, or they’re of the more hardcore variety, perhaps with many of the supporting parts already in hand; Vortech has them covered. “Vortech offers a few variations for the 2015 GT, all of which are upgradeable. Reagan mentioned, “The range varies from our basic Tuner kit, which is all of the hardware (bracket, drive, CAC, inlet, discharge), to a complete kit which includes injectors and a 91-octane calibration.”
Install and Test
We’ve outlined the installation highlights in our photos and captions throughout this story. The primary thing to remember here, is if doing this install at home, take your time and follow the instructions. If you get into a bind, simply contact Vortech’s tech support.
The test car for our installation is a 2015 Mustang GT equipped with a manual transmission. The car was completely stock, and sipping 91 octane California fuel. The baseline dyno pull was good for 371.6 hp and 330.7 lb-ft torque at the rear tires.
With the Vortech installation complete and the calibration loaded into the computer, the final dyno pull was made on the Dynojet. The end result was 528.7 hp and 428.8 lb-ft of torque. Gains of 157.1 hp and 98.1 lb-ft torque at the rear wheels.
Further scrutinizing of the dyno graphs shows that torque and horsepower are quickly outrunning the stock engine from 2,700 rpm all the way to redline. In fact, as RPM increases and the supercharger continues to spin harder, the numbers only continue to improve. From 4,200 rpm, torque is over 400 lb-ft and remains there all the way to the end of the test.
At 4,000 rpm there’s already a 50 hp difference between the stock and Vortech equipped numbers. The horsepower line continues to pull increasingly further away from stock and looks as though the engine would take some additional RPM, we think it could continue going a little more. This is just a testament to the supercharger’s efficiency and how it’s an excellent match with the Coyote engine platform.
Whether you’re looking to make your daily commute a lot more fun, or you’re wanting to break a few hearts at the next test ’n tune night, this Vortech system will do either for your 2015 Mustang GT.