Super-Charger FAQ
Super-Charger Tuning FAQ

Super Charger FAQ

Q - How much power can be gained by adding the supercharger to my engine?

A - Power gains range from 15 - 30%. Power gains vary due to engine quality, pipe design, and supercharger setup (i.e. - overdrive pulley size, auxiliary power system, fuel, air filter, etc.).

Q - Can I use any super-charger on any application?

A - No. The systems are custom built for specific RC vehicles. Each supercharger is designed to install easily on each chassis with as few modifications as possible.

Q - Do I have to modify my engine to install the super-charger?

A - No, engine modifications are not required.

Q - Will I have to re-tune the engine after the super-charger is installed?

A - Yes, the addition of the super-charger requires the engine to be re-tuned accordingly. Each supercharger kit includes instructions that explain how to perform this.

Q - Do I need to break in a new engine prior to adding the super-Charger system?

A - The RB Innovations supercharger can be installed on a new engine. However, those who are less experienced in engine tuning may want to install the supercharger after the engine is fully broken in. This is because the supercharger increases air flow and will require settings different than those found in the engine manual. If you choose to install the supercharger on a new engine, it is recommended that you follow your engine manufacturer's instructions and keep the temperature and RPMs in check.

Q - Do the belts break often?

A - Typical belt life ranges from 3-4 months depending on the running environment. Drive belts are readily available and a low cost item to keep in your tool box.

Q - Will the engine still run if the belt breaks?

A - Yes, the engine will continue to run. However, the engine performance will suffer because it will be out of tune.

Q - Will a super-charged engine run more consistently than a stock engine?

A - Yes. A supercharged engine operates in its own atmosphere created by the super-charger. Because of this, the engine won't be affected as much by slight changes in temperature or humidity.

Q - What will the auxiliary pressure system do?

A - The auxiliary pressure system increases fuel cell pressure. The higher fuel cell pressure provides more consistent engine performance especially at lower RPMs. Increases in engine performance are noticeable from idle to full-throttle with this system.

Q - Can I use my stock air filter with the super-charger system?

A - It depends on the application. If you have a tenth scale on-road or off-road engine, the stock air filter will not work with the RB Innovations supercharger. You will need to use your own eighth scale filter or purchase on of our high performance filter and intake systems. If you have an eighth scale on-road or off-road engine, the stock air filter is compatible with the RB Innovations supercharger. For all 1/8th scale off road engine applications the filters will work on the super-charger. For all 1/8th scale on road engine applications the filters will work on the super-charger.

Q - Can you build a custom super-charger system for my application?

A - Yes, we can build a custom system for your application. Costs will vary depending on the application. Give us a call (315) 451-4440.

Q - Are the super-chargers available in anodized colors?

A - Yes, upon special request we can anodize your supercharger system.

Q - Will my standard clutch fit the custom flywheel included in the kit?

A - Yes, the stock system will fit the custom flywheel.

Q - Do you warranty the product and parts?

A - RB Innovations Inc. provides a warranty on all parts and products for 30 days. We follow strict workmanship standards and will repair or replace any parts that are found to be defective.

Q - Can the supercharger system be overdriven to boost power?

A - Yes, it is possible to overdrive the supercharger. We have a 50% overdrive pulley that is easily installed.

Q - What kind of finish does the stock super-charger have?

A - All supercharger system components are micro polished to a mirror like finish.

    Problem: What does it mean when the engine has great low end power but bogs at mid RPM and cannot rev any higher?

  1. Possible Root Cause: The engine may be running too lean on the high speed adjustment
    - Possible Fix - Adjust high end screw to allow more fuel to the engine at high speed
  2. Possible Root Cause: The auxiliary pressure system is not be used or improperly connected.
    - Possible Fix - Attach auxiliary pressure system and or verify the connections are made correctly.
  3. Possible Root Cause: The engine is getting too much air therefore flooding the engine with so much air pressure the fuel pressure cannot compensate.

    4. - Possible Fixes - To compensate for the inadequate fuel delivery to the engine the following can be done.
    1. Try a different exhaust pipe with smaller exit or multiple chambers that will create a higher back pressure thus more pumping pressure for the fuel system.
    2. Create a restrictor plate for the back side of the intake for the supercharger. This works well on many engines such as the Traxxas 2.5 as well as the sirio 3.0 engines with the pipes that have been drilled or pipes that have a large exit port. This larger exit port helps the engine to breath but sometimes this can degrade the back pressure thus lowering the fuel pressure and delivery to the engine especially at Mid to high RPM.

Fix and Easy Tuning Aide:

  • Pick up some thin lexan from your local hobby shop.
  • Lay the intake manifold on the lexan and trace the outside edge.
  • Mark the mounting holes as well as the center of the air intake port to the supercharger. Use template below!
  • Drill two mounting holes using 1/8" drill. Cut outside shape of restrictor from sheet.
  • The center orifice for the supercharger intake is what you can use to restrict the air flow. Create a few and drill in different sizes for testing and tuning. Start with size 3/16” and work your way up. For some 2.5 and 3.0 applications the 3/16” center orifice works very well even though it seems small. The super-charger can draw a lot of air through this small orifice at a very high pressure.

Install the restrictor between the intake manifold and the supercharger bracket. Start engine and re-tune.

More FAQ’s will be posted shortly.

If you have any tuning or assembly tips you want to share online, please e-mail us and we will have it posted up!
E-mail Techinfo@rbinnovations.com