Supercharged Chevy Silverado SS - Super Chevy Magazine

Supercharged Chevy Silverado Ss Supercharger Kit

When intern Cody Wentz gave me the thumbs up, I swapped pedals and held on for the ride. With my go-foot mashed to the brand-new GM carpet, I was astounded at the effective power of the 5,000-plus pound pickup. As I neared the traps, the boost gauge read 7 psi and the speedo was just shy of 100 mph. Where's a Lightning when you need one?

Our test vehicle was no ordinary Silverado SS, but an SS wicked up with a Radix Magna Charger, followed by an intercooler. It represents the perfect relationship between brains and brawn, a stout, blown motor backed by an AWD system to put it to the pavement-kinda like a GMC Cyclone on steroids.

Project R speed shop owners, Brian Zacuto and Jeff Price, make a living installing these kits and quite honestly sell them as fast as they can get them. According to Zacuto, the Magna Charger is the most complete kit on the market and the only one with an available powertrain warranty. With these pros behind the wrench our SS went from stock to rock in two short days. The Magna Charger kit comes with everything one needs to supercharge the 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0 pickup or SUV. There are a few options such as a polished blower and a slightly larger intercooler, but with the exception of these options every nut, bolt and computer programmer are included. While the Magna Charger comes with detailed instructions, we've simplified the process to give you the general idea.

The engine covers are removed to access the motor.
The factory airbox and assembly is removed and set aside.
Drain the radiator from any orifice you like.

Before going any further disconnect the battery, then remove the alternator.
The fuel line, injectors, MAP, and a few miscellaneous vacuum lines are removed and plugged if applicable.
The fuel line, injectors, MAP, and a few miscellaneous vacuum lines are removed and plugge
The manifold bolts are removed and the manifold can be removed. This part is probably best to do with two people as access is difficult.
The manifold bolts are removed and the manifold can be removed. This part is probably best

The intake surface on the heads are cleaned and taped off.
We then removed the vent pipe assembly.
Going back to the supercharger, we removed the tape on the manifold, lubricated, and inserted the gaskets.
Going back to the supercharger, we removed the tape on the manifold, lubricated, and inser

’04 SILVERADO SS AWD
60-foot	2.05 seconds
0-30 mph	1.98 seconds
0-60 mph	5.91 seconds
1/4-mile	14.20 at 95.61 mph

Before we dropped on the manifold, we sprayed a bit of silicon lube onto the surface of the heads for alignment purposes.
Before we dropped on the manifold, we sprayed a bit of silicon lube onto the surface of th
Finally, it's time to set the blower in place. We found using one person on each side make the task a bit more comforting.
Finally, it's time to set the blower in place. We found using one person on each side make
With the blower down and bolted in place, we attached the throttle body and secured the linkage.
With the blower down and bolted in place, we attached the throttle body and secured the li

The new injectors are connected to the OE looms.
The fuel lines are reconnected as well as the electrical.
The Magna Charger kit comes with new idler pulleys, nose support, and serpentine belt.

The alternator is reinstalled.
Now is a good time to install the intercooler and reservoir, all the necessary bracketry is supplied in the kit.
Now is a good time to install the intercooler and reservoir, all the necessary bracketry i
The kit comes with a small intercooler but according to Zacuto it's a wise idea to upgrade to something a bit larger.
The kit comes with a small intercooler but according to Zacuto it's a wise idea to upgrade

We reinstalled the OE air box but used the new Magna Charger plumbing which actually fits quite well.
We reinstalled the OE air box but used the new Magna Charger plumbing which actually fits
Eeek, electrical! Don't worry, should you have any problems, Project R and Magna Charger provide great tech support!
Eeek, electrical! Don't worry, should you have any problems, Project R and Magna Charger p
Unlike many of the aftermarket speed products on the market, Magna Charger provides a custom tuned packaged inside a hand held tuner that installs in the press of a button.
Unlike many of the aftermarket speed products on the market, Magna Charger provides a cust