I was browsing the pic gallery and noticed what looked like an electric clutch on a SRT super charger. I have a Limited so I am not familar with the SRT engine. Did I see correct? When is the blower engaged or not engaged?

I was really suprised to see that, since my expierence with diesel engine blowers are generally grear driven all the time (except when there is a turbo sitting on top of the blower, then there is a bypass valve, but it still turned )

James

 

Im surprised no one has answered yet. And I dont have the answers. All I know is yes its a clutch, and that I like it because theres no point in spinning the S/C all the time and wearing down the internal components. I like it.

 

You saw correctly. I forget at what RPM the clutch engages at but its around 2200-2300. It will also engage if you romp on the gas pedal.

 

This engine, for the most part, went into sedans. $60,000+ AMG Sedans are for older customers or UMC customers who wanted MB quality, reliability and logo, but with a little more get-up-and-go.

So when Fred and Wilma are merging onto the freeway with Barney and Betty in the back seat on the way to dinner (Brontasorus ribs anyone?) they need not be embarrassed.

By clutching the SC, the engineers squeezed better gas mileage, longer engine life (less warranty costs) – no need for bypass valves, etc…

This engine, the C32 Sedan, SLK32 or the SRT6 was never marketed for likes of you and me or performance/racing enthusiasts.
(well actually the Crossfire was never marketed period)

I doubt most SRT6 owners (even Limited owners) would have purchased one if they had to pay sticker.

I’m sure that most drivers who modify/race the AMG C32 purchased theirs used.

 

Yes, it is an electric clutch. The engine managment system engages the clutch at 3,500 RPM if memory serves. If not its around the 3,000 range.

Mine it's hard to tell unless I have a really clear road to stare at the tachometer.

Cheers!

 

See the following MB post on the subject

http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=1102

Taken from above post:

The supercharger engages only as required; when it is not being driven, the intake air flows through its rotors (ie no external bypass is fitted). Supercharger operation is dictated by the Bosch ME 2.8.1 engine management system on the basis of engine speed and load. However, the supercharger, which is driven from the engine's serpentine belt, will not engage at engine speeds over 3000 rpm - if this occurred, the belt stresses would be too high. If required, the engine can develop 400Nm from 2300 rpm to 6100 rpm.

 

Hey timelord I know you got that RPM info off this site but you had better recheck your info.
You are wrong on your 3500rpm statement...

 

"I doubt most SRT6 owners (even Limited owners) would have purchased one if they had to pay sticker."

A good observation.I visited a local dealer monday that has 2 new crossfires on the lot. One was 42g, the other about 38g. I still can't believe we found our SRT coupe last August with 80 miles at $23,500. Unloaded a Ford Excessive er, Expedition at a decent price in the deal, too. How often does that happen! Market conditions have brought together a unique group of enthusiasts for the Crossfire, and this website is their hangout. I couldn't be happier about it.

 

I sit corrected... it's definitely below the 3,000 RPM range... I was going from memory... which is not what it used to be.

 

Now you guys confused me. When does the S/C engage and when will it not?

 

It engages below 3000rpm, whenever you push that skinny pedal on the right down hard to go fast. If your above 3000rpm, it is on.

MikeR

 

I'm not sure if the operation on the C32 is any different from the SRT6, but from what I've learned while owning my car, the supercharger operates like this:

The S/C will engage immediately upon acceleration (even below 1,000 RPM) unless the accelerator is gradually pushed. However, even under gradual acceleration, the S/C will still engage by default at 2,900 RPM to prevent damage to the belt and related components from sudden engagement at higher RPM's. This way, if more acceleration is needed, the supercharger will already be locked in and ready to go. If for some reason the supercharger disengages above 2,900 RPM (usually happens due to traction control or ECU going into limp mode) it will not reengage until RPM's drop back below 2,900 RPM.

Another thing to note is that the S/C briefly disengages between shifts. One explanation I've read is that it reduces drive line shock by momentarily reducing power between shifts, but I've also read that this has something to do with the fact that our S/C has no bypass valve. Luckily, because it only disengages momentarily during shifts, the S/C WILL reengage even above 2,900 RPM.

 

I've never seen the SC engage below 1000 RPM

All the more reason to install a boost gauge. Make sure you get one that also displays vacuum!! (for when the SC is NOT engaged)

 

Okay, I double checked today just to be sure. Once my car is warmed up, I can get the S/C to engage at 600-700 RPM under load (I goosed the throttle while holding the brakes). I could hear the S/C clutch engage before the RPM even picked up. This seems to prove that S/C engagement is not RPM based.

Who knows though; the C32 software may differ from the SRT6.

 

I have a post on today to show the actual operting paramaters of the supercharger. it is listed as Do you know when your supercharger runs?...ALWAYS - Today , 01:41 PM .

Maybe some one will teach me how to add a link to save you the time to go to it, sorry.

Enjoy, Woody

 

Here you go Woody:

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ad.php?t=27113