Q: Will the compressor affect engine life?
A: Engine longevity is a function of your personal driving habits and how well your vehicle is tuned. If a vehicle is tuned properly and not abused, engine life should remain unaffected. Even a stock vehicle will show signs of premature aging if used under rigorous conditions such as racing and/or towing. Likewise, premature engine failure is a possibility with any vehicle that is not properly tuned and a boosted vehicle is no exception. Pettit recommends the use of Protek-R, our fuel based rotary engine lubricant, even in non boosted cars, to prolong engine life.

Q: Will the engine ping with the compressor?
A: Detonation (a pinging noise from the engine) is a sign that your vehicle is not running properly and can indicate a variety of problems including poor fuel quality and/or elevated operating temperatures. If detonation occurs avoid that operating range until better fuel is obtained or the problem is corrected. Demanding performance from a detonating engine will likely result in reduced engine life or engine failure.

Pettit Racing FAQs

Q: What is a compressor and how does it work?
A: A compressor forces compressed air into the engine, more air than is possible under normal atmospheric conditions there by allowing more fuel to be added, thus creating more power

Q: How much horsepower will I get?
A: Pettit offers compressor systems with factory settings from 5-8 psi of boost pressure. This level of pressure typically results in a 35%-50% increase in horsepower, for the RX8 with our stage 2 kit aprox. 90 hp can be expected. Although, higher boost can be achieved by changing drive ratios, it is also necessary to make sure the management compensates for these changes. Pettit does not recommend exceeding 8 psi with the stock injectors.

Q: Is the compressor always working?
A: While the compressor is always spinning and moving air, it is not always producing boost. Our design utilizes a hi flow internal by pass valve which helps reduce charge temps as well as allowing the compressor to free spin unless there is a demand for power. When accelerating with either moderate or full power the by pass valve closes, instantly providing power and torque. The majority of time the compressor will be free spinning and not producing boost.

Q: Will the compressor affect my mileage?
A: Fuel economy depends entirely on your driving habits; in some cases you may experience an increase in gas mileage. For example, under normal freeway driving the compressor is free spinning but the intercooler is still reducing charge temperatures and increasing efficiency of the charge, this causes more efficient combustion which can improve fuel mileage. Clearly, you are not interested in more horsepower for conservative driving; when you demand additional performance from your vehicle it will require additional fuel. If you are a "lead foot" your fuel economy will decline because your car is working harder. If you are simply using the extra power for occasional acceleration and passing performance, your fuel economy will be affected respectively. During highway testing we achieved 20 MPG.

Q: Will it work for my model RX8?
A: The Pettit Supercharger system is designed to work with both the 6 port 230 Hi Power and the 4 port 190 model RX8. To use with the 4 port simply put freeze plugs in the manifold's six port runners. These can be removed later for use with a six port if the need arises.

Q: Is the Supercharger kit easy to install?
A: The kit is relatively easy to install if you are mechanically able and confident, and comes with a full set of instructions. A DVD of the installation process is also available. If you are worried, one of Pettit's UK distributors will be more than happy to carry out a professional installation for you.