Just had it weighed on Friday. It's 5,150 lbs (including me).

Edit: Had it weighed on another scale and it was 6,200 lbs including me.

 

The supercharger works GREAT on a 6 speed. puts out the most power, and is the funnest to drive on the 6 speed gearbox.

 

So no failures? I understand its rated at right around 300 lb ft so I'd think it'd be okay, but pushing its design limits.

 

Finally got a chance to Dyno the supercharged JK yesterday. The first three tests averaged 212 hp. Okay, so I'm about 30 horses short of what I was expecting. The technician did some tuning and was able to get the average of the next three up to 233 hp. One test hit 237 hp with 10 lbs of boost. On another test, the top speed was 109 mph and max torque was 254 ft-lbs. There is still room for improvement; as he says in the video, "the fuel was off the scale rich." We tried to get in touch with someone at RIPP to see if they could help us lean it up a little but no one answered. Left a message but no called back today either.

If by chance we are able to pick up an additional 10 hp, the numbers RIPP has been posting will be validated. Unfortunately, the Dyno test does not factor in vehicle weight so no matter what we do to get the numbers up, the Jeep will still be slow as Christmas. On the way home, I checked my 0-60 time with my wristwatch and it is still about 14 seconds. A stock Saturn with a rainbow sticker passed me while I was tearing through the gears. I know, I know it's not a Vette... Bottom line, this mod has been very expensive and frustrating for the minimal gains I'm experiencing on the road/trail. There are a lot of costs you don't find out about until after you send the check.

Advice to all those thinking about buying a S/C: Drive one before you buy it. Then go get a Hemi!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcFstATyjbU

 

I was interested in the Ripp Supercharger JoeBlob. What are all these hidden expenses that you list after purchasing the supercharger?

 

• The original kit was sent to me with a bad MAP sensor. It took a while to figure it out because RIPP kept telling us to check our wiring. After about six weeks of back and forth with them, they finally realized the MAP sensor they sent was bad from the beginning. That cost me about $400 extra in labor charges. They said they would overnight a new sensor to me but it didn't arrive for over two weeks. Lots of frustrating phone calls with that problem.
• They felt bad about the whole thing and offered me a free boost gauge for my troubles. Unfortunately for me, I had already bought one from them two weeks prior. I asked for a sticker instead but never got one.
• My S/C uses about 1/2 gallon of methanol every 1,000 miles. Methanol cannot be sold legally in GA so I have to buy it online from another state and pay for shipping. 4 gallons cost about $70. Also, the methanol goes in the windshield wiper reservoir so it goes a little quicker if I have to clean off the windshield.
• With the additional heat the S/C is generating, I have to change my oil/filter every 2,000 to 2,500 miles.
• A while back, RIPP announced that a "TRD fix" was in the mail to all owners. Mine, of course didn't come for a few weeks so I called them. They sent me an empty box a few days later. More frustrating phone calls and eventually I got the fix. I asked again for a sticker and this time they were definitely going to send one. Still nothing.
• The system is supposed to be pre-tuned so paying for a Dyno test was unexpected.
• To maximize the system, it requires premium gas. You can run it with regular unleaded but high octane is supposed to give you an additional 12 hp to 15 hp.

 

I just got my JK back with the RIPP SC today and will be doing a complete write up on the experience and reviewing it during and after the break in period. JoeBlob's experience in the customer service department seems to be an exception as opposed to the rule, as I've had all my questions answered very promptly, but that doesn't help him out any.

For those in the MD DC area who want to take a look at a RIPP SC let me know. I'm meeting up with a couple people sometime here soon and definitely don't mind other thoughts and opinions, positive or negative.

Like JoeBlob, I plan to have it dyno'd once it's been broken in. I plan to run a few passes without the supercharger and others with, to better determine my baseline HP and TQ. A local place has a DynoJet 248C/224X dynamometer which should provide fairly accurate results.

 

From what I've found out the secret to getting a Hemi in a JK for a reasonable is to buy the right engine and tranny from the right vehicle. That eliminates buying a lot of misc stuff on the front of the engine that cost several thousand dollars. The AEV kit for 5300 is a given add 2500 to 3000 and do the labor yourself and your incremental cost for the Hemi over the SC is MINOR.

But the increase in performance is MAJOR. If you have not ridden in or driven both the difference is huge. If you are capable of doing the labor on a Hemi install yourself the 5k on a blower is money wasted. Step up to the big dog!

I also understand that a tune that will allow the MDS of the 5.7 Hemi to work is coming. In that case the mileage of the Hemi should improve a good bit.

 

There's a smokin deal on a ripp supercharger right now on ebay!

ebay 380117966458

if anyone's interested!

 

It is now possible to run the 6 speed with the Hemi. I would caution you though that after riding in one I consider it a lousy match for the Hemi torque characteristcs. The 6 speed feels like it has too many gears. A 5 speed with a deep granny low, that you started in 2nd and with 5th a good OD would be better. It feels much faster with the auto and much more pleasant.