HELLO. I'M NEW TO THE BOARD AND WAS WONDERING IF THE SUPERCHARGER IS REALLY WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY? I'LL BE GETTING A NEW XTERRA SOON AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONES HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH THE SUPERCHAGER? THANKS!

First off, welcome to the board.

Second - hit your CAPS LOCK key so it's off, thanks - it's often conveyed as 'yelling'.

So far I haven't heard any technical issues w/ the S/C yet since it's so new. Though the only thing I hear is that the required premium fuel is kind of a bummer for your wallet.

I'll let the more knowledgeable folks w/ the S/C's chime in with more details though.

IT GOES FAST OR GOES FASTER.

Offset for inflation gasoline is the cheapest it has been since the 1920's...

That said, the SC runs great, and I have had no problems (12,000 miles logged) with it. Though the X is geared really low (so off the line acceleration is inherently good), the SC really kicks butt off the line! As well it tows excellent.

The only real downfall is the fuel mileage, I have seen a worst of 12mpg (non towing - 9mpg towing), best of 17mpg, and average 14mpg. This is on a stock truck with no mods (big tires,brush bar) to further kill the mileage. Though my friend has a 2001 Frontier that only gets 15mpg...so how much worse is it really?

Plus it just has the cool factor to be SC.

Power = Good
More Power = Better

Simple really.

Thanks everyone! Glad to hear no one has any real problems with the supercharger! I can't wait to get mine! Altho the MPG bit is kind of a bummer,I'd still like the extra power!!
P.S. no more yelling! Was that better? :rolleyes:

Yeah, the SC eats up more gas and I spend about 40 bucks more at the fuel pump each month, but hell, I spend that much for me and the wife at a movie! To me, the added boost that the SC delivers off the line and for sudden accelaration needed for highway entrance is worth it. BTW, I have not had any problems with it (4000 miles approximately).

No problems with the supercharger. Just have to pay more for gas and power. That's all...

I have had my S/C Frontier (same motor as yours) for over a year now. Pretty much what everyone has already said is the same for me. I have had no problems what so ever with my S/C. It is thirsty. I have seen a worst of 12mpg city and a best of 19 on the highway. I typically average about 15-16mpg per tank. I love the added power and the sound of the S/C spooling up is sick. My only real mods are an intake and exhaust and neither seem to have taken much of a toll on my mileage.

Had a 2000 Xterra auto trans, what a dog, had to get out and push a couple times. Traded for a 2002 SE/SC manual trans, what a difference. Don't have to wait for a spot to merge into traffic now and no problems going up hill.

As an after thought, does any one know if there's a way to get boost below 3k rpm's?

I have been happy with mine except for the Premium fuel thing!

Have to agree with everyone above. I love mine, the whine of the SC is a beautiful thing. Really, when you are spending that much money, the extra cash for the SC seemed worth it to me. It is not a racecar though, so don't expect too much from the forty extra ponies! Great truck, hope you enjoy it.

First of all Welcome to the club, I have 5400 miles log on my X no Signs of problem on the supercharger. took it to NY this weekend and hit 95 mph mark on the speedometer on the Delaware parkway...Im happy on the way the truck performs i have both speed, power and aggility when it comes to highway or Road use.

Bottom line: It's the shit.

Dude, get the supercharger. I had to wait 2 months for my 2002 XE/SC 5sp 4x4. It was well worth it! Plenty of power.
Sure it uses a bit more fuel but the n/a just can't cut it with just 170 horses.

~j

I was lucky..both the N/A and S/C versions were on the lot for me to test drive. No comparison..the rush of acceleration that starts at 3000 rpm is quite nice. Go for it..just keep in mind higher fuel costs (Premium) and lower MPG..worth every penny to me

Totally agree with the previous accolades. Those that say that the SC is not worth the extra money should really get a reality check (player haters).. Drive one.. There is a difference.. I owned a 2001 and now own a 2002 SE/SC.. Fuel economy with or without the SC is not great; We all know this...If you want more fun /performance, then get one...

I love It I think it just make the X that much more fun to drive If you want to save some money go with the 5 speed.
I was always kicking myself in the ass for not getting the Turbo Eclipse when I bought one. I wasn't going to do that again.

Is 3000 rpm when the supercharger actually kicks in?
or is it when the effect is felt most?

Is it healthy to have the engine revving much beyond 3000?

The engine redlines at 5800, and it's healthy to rev it anywhere below that. Mine spends a lot of time between 4000 and 5000 when trying to drive in the Colorado mountains.

The supercharger is always active, but comes on full boost at full open throttle, regardless of the RPM.

Mine's almost never below 3000!

The engine could actually spin past the 5800 RPM redline, but that is what is set as a safe limit that is guaranteed not to cause damage. Would be pointless to go beyond that anyway with this engine. Anyway, you can spin it all the way up there if you want and the rev limiter will kick in and cut the fuel, so there's no way you can reach damage casuing RPM's.

Just remember that you should always be easy on the revs and throttle before the engine is up to operating temperature.

Actually - it only builds 5lbs at full throttle (under 4K rpm's), and builds thereafter to a maximum of 7lbs at 6K rpm's/WOT.

As well it runs in "bypass" at lower throttle percentages and at idle to help fuel economy (ie. no boost, registers intake vaccum like a normally aspirated engine).

A boost/vacuum gauge gives away the mystery show...

i wish i had the extra HP. tired of feeling so sluggish when i'm trying to merge on the freeway.

Turn off the overdrive.

Yup

Every time the tach hits 3k RPM's is when I feel the xtra ponies. I just ordered the Cold-Air intake from Stillen. From what I've been reading here, this should help the low end a little.