Supercharger Bearing Question

jsupple90

Registered User
First, let me start off by saying that I did search through the forums looking for an answer to this question, but was unable to find one that seemed to answer exactly what I was asking.

I just bought a 1991 SC from a guy that works with me. He quit driving it because it started making a noise from the engine compartment, and he had it towed home and parked until I purchased it today for $200. No, that's not a misprint.....$200. I started it up while my brother looked at the engine, and we have determined that the only problem is that the bearing on the front of the supercharger snout is shot. We took off the belt for the SC, and the noise went away. It looks to have been leaking oil from the seal for some time, and that's probably the reason that the bearing finally gave up.

Anyway, what is the best course of action for resolving this problem? The rollingperformance.com website sells the snout rebuild kits with the bearings, seal, oil all together. Is this the best way to go, or should I buy the parts separately? I have a couple of bottles of GM supercharger oil left over from when I used to own an SC in the early 2000's, so I don't need that. If I do buy the parts separately, what are the part numbers needed for the bearings and seal?

Lastly, is this a pretty simple operation to accomplish? I'm mechanically inclined enough to think that I can probably do it on my own. I do most of my own repairs, and have all the necessary tools to accomplish it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Haven't seen that site but u can also get kits from eBay and spinningwheels.

There's a thread recently on rebuilding the supercharger. Either in tech or non-tech.
 
Sorry to jump in here, but I gotta quick question... what oil goes in the superchargers? Is there a change interval?
 
I use an oil the is designed for super chargers....

I'm not sure of the part#, but it is made by BP....

A search will reveal the part#......:rolleyes:

I know there is suppose to be an interval for changing the SC oil, but I just keep the oil level in check and change it when the oil color goes from golden clear to a hazy gray....
 
The oil from Ford is supposed to be lifetime, but it is very expensive. If you switch GM supercharger fluid, it is supposed to be changed at 30k.
 
Anyone?

Surely someone has an opinion on whether it would be easier or cheaper to do a rebuild vs. buying a used unit?

I read the supercharger rebuild article, but that doesn't mention price. Plus, I'm pretty sure the only thing I need to fix is the bearings in the snout.
 
If you want to save money and take the chance that the rotor bearings may or may not be any good, then buy a snout rebuild kit and do it yourself (or have a local machine shop do it).

On the other hand, if you can budget a few hundred dollars and want to be sure it is done right ... contact Embree Specialty Machine or Magnum Powers (or one of the other specialists) and ask for a full rebuild.
 
Surely someone has an opinion on whether it would be easier or cheaper to do a rebuild vs. buying a used unit?

I read the supercharger rebuild article, but that doesn't mention price. Plus, I'm pretty sure the only thing I need to fix is the bearings in the snout.

It's pretty easy to do...no special tools required, except a kitchen oven.
 
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