SUPERCHARGER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What types of superchargers does Paradise Wheels manufacture and service? 

A1. We continue to manufacture the original 1965-1968 Shelby GT350 Paxton supercharger kits that were available as a option on the 1966, 1967, 1968 Shelby GT-350 Mustangs, and all kit parts are available separately if you have an original kit on your Shelby and need spare parts.  In addition, we offer parts and rebuild services for all Paxton ball drive units (SN60, SN89, SN92, SN93 and SN2000), and McCulloch VS series units.  

Q2.  What kind of oil should I use in a ball drive McCulloch or Paxton supercharger? 

A2.  Type F or FA automatic transmission oil only! No additives or synthetic oils. The ball drive units need to have a friction modified oil.  

Q3.  How much oil do I put in? 

A3. 8-10 oz. or to the top line line on dipstick.  

Q4. Why is the supercharger hard to turn? 

A4.  The McCulloch/Paxton friction ball drive superchargers have to have tension on the ball drive to turn the Impeller. It is a friction drive.  

Q5. My Mc/Paxton supercharger is making a whining sound. 

A5.  If your Mc/Paxton supercharger is making noise, it will need to be rebuilt. It must have a damaged output shaft, balls or outside races are spalled. All Mc/Paxton superchargers are silent blowers. There are no gears in them to make the typical whining sound.  

Q6. How much does it cost to rebuild the Mc/Paxton supercharger? 

A6.  800.00 includes parts and labor. We break in and test the blower before it is sent back to you. 

Q7. How much boost-horsepower will a Mc/Paxton blower make? 

A7. On a small V-8 (289-351ci.) it should safely make 4-7 psi of boost. Which is about 40-70 extra HP. You can make more boost with a small blower pulley, but it will shorten the life of supercharger.  

Q8. How much CFM’s or HP does the Mc/Paxton support. 

A8. 750 CFM’s or about 400HP. So if your engine already makes 400+ HP then the blower will not add anymore HP.  

Q9. Does a Paxton Supercharger require modifications to the hood? 

A9. All Paxton Superchargers are designed to fit inside the engine compartment without any hood or body modifications.  

Q10. What is a supercharger and how does it work? 

A10. A supercharger is an air compression device that forces air into an engine. The device allows more air and fuel to be forced into an engine than is possible under normal atmospheric conditions. The mixture of compressed air and fuel in the engine produces a higher compression ratio resulting in more horsepower and torque. A supercharger also allows a vehicle with a smaller displacement engine the ability to perform as a large displacement engine.  

Q11. Is the supercharger always working? 

A11. Paxton superchargers are working all the time and is a function of RPM. It is linear, At low RPM the blower is not making boost and the higher the RPM the more boost. It is a direct drive blower.  

Q12. Will the supercharger affect the gas mileage? 

A12. Fuel economy depends entirely on your driving habits and in some cases you may experience an increase in gas mileage. Under normal freeway driving, for example, the supercharger is not under boost but is increasing the efficiency of the engine by forcing air through restrictions like the air filter. When you are demanding additional performance from your vehicle it will require additional fuel. If you are a “lead foot” your fuel economy will decline because your car is working harder. If you are simply using the supercharger for occasional acceleration and passing performance, then your fuel economy should remain about the same.  

Q13. Will the supercharger affect engine life? 

A13. Demanding performance from a detonating engine will likely result in reduced engine life with or without a supercharger. Engine longevity is a function of your personal driving habits and how well your vehicle is tuned. If a vehicle is tuned properly and not abused, engine life should remain unaffected. Even a stock vehicle will show signs of premature aging if used under rigorous conditions such as racing and/or towing. As explained, a supercharger is an air movement device that forces increased air into an engine. While under boost, the additional air requires additional fuel to enrich the air to fuel ratio entering the engine. A pinging noise from the engine is a sign that your vehicle is not running properly and can indicate a variety of problems including a lean condition, a timing curve that is too aggressive, or low octane fuel.  

Q14. Does the Paxton turn smooth? 

A14. The McCulloch and Paxton Superchargers should turn over very smoothly but they should have resistance of about 20-30 inch-lbs rotational torque.