Blown HEMI: SMS announces new 296 supercharger system
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Steve Saleen grabbed our attention when he announced his new company SMS Limited and gave us a preview of his upcoming versions of the Dodge Challenger, the 570TM and 570XTM. Since the preview only showed a rendering of the vehicle, we figured it would be quite some time before we saw an actual product. Our expectations were exceeded, however, when SMS sent us news of their very first product: the 296 Supercharger system for the 5.7L and 6.1L HEMI V8. The system features a massive 2955 cc of displacement as well as an internal intercooler, eight-rib pulley, by-pass valve, high-volume heat exchanger and more. The kit can increase horsepower by as much as 45%, all while fitting neatly underneath the stock hood. Follow the jump to see a full list of features and check out the gallery below.
Gallery: SMS 296 Supercharger
[Source: SMS Limited]
PRESS RELEASE:
Orange County, California. (August 7, 2008) Automotive icon Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are proud to introduce the first product in the SMS line of ultra-high performance technical parts, the SMS 296 Supercharger™, designed, engineered, manufactured and assembled in-house at our 150,000 square foot facility. Mopar owners of 2005 to 2009 HEMI 5.7 and HEMI 6.1 vehicles are now able to boost under hood horsepower by up to 45% with innovative new dual-screw supercharger (patent pending).
With over 30 years of racing experience Steve Saleen and the SMS design and engineering team have created the ultimate supercharger for Mopar enthusiasts. Now the aftermarket community can take advantage of the SMS 296 Supercharger™, which will be standard equipment on the highly anticipated 2009 SMS 570 Challenger™ and SMS 570X Challenger™, with power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower respectively!
The SMS 296 Supercharger™ is packed with innovative features created by SMS engineers to provide optimum boost in an exceptionally compact package.
At the top of the list is the Delta-Frame™ internal intercooler (patent pending), with dual thin-core intercoolers and single-pass coolant flow. The intercooler design provides for a considerable increase in surface area, which has the effect of minimizing pressure drop and optimizing thermal characteristics. The intelligent configuration also acts as a mechanical diverter for effective air transfer into the ports, while the angled manifold enables packaging of runners that are much longer than in conventional layouts.
The long intake runner optimizes airflow efficiency and provides the SMS 296 Supercharger™ with an extremely low profile. This arrangement means that it nestles comfortably within the V, and under the stock hood of all applications, as well as accommodating a bypass system for 3-way cruising off-boost.
At the heart of the supercharger are the asymmetric multi-lobe compressor screws, which are machined in-house by SMS on state-of-the-art CNC equipment. The screw concept is among the most efficient of all supercharger configurations. However, it is also one of the most challenging to manufacture.
In order to minimize parasitic losses, it is crucial to maintain incredibly tight tolerances between the profiles of the asymmetrical lobes. Running dry at speeds of up to 16,000 rpm, there is no room for error. In finishing the screw profiles, the SMS flexible CNC machining facility is working to exacting tolerances. The flexibility of the equipment also means that changes in the screw profiles can be accommodated for different applications.
The innovations on the SMS 296 Supercharger™ carry through to its exterior, with SMS Tailor Made™ custom finishes and powder coat color options to match most Mopar colors. Now enthusiasts can match the impact under the hood with the one at the rear wheels.
The complete SMS 296 Supercharger™ aftermarket assembly looks great and installs easily under the stock hood of all applications including; the Dodge Challenger SRT-8, Dodge Challenger R/T, Dodge Charger SRT-8, Dodge Charger R/T, Dodge Magnum SRT-8, Dodge Magnum RT, Chrysler 300C SRT-8, Chrysler 300C, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8, and Select 5.7L Hemi Dodge Trucks.
Please visit www.smssupercars.com for more information. For a broad understanding of the workings of superchargers please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercharger
SMS 296 Supercharger™ key features: Patent Pending
• SMS-2955 cc / 180 cu. in. Displacement
• SMS-Integrated Front Drive/Induction Combo
• SMS-Dual Screw Configuration
• SMS-Asymmetric Multi-Lobe Compressor Screws
• SMS-Delta-Frame™ Internal Intercooler Configuration, Patent Pending
• SMS-Remote Drive 8-Rib Pulley and Dampener
• SMS-Internal High-Volume By-Pass Valve
• SMS-Low-Profile High-Volume 10 Inch Long Runners
• SMS-Dual Thin-Core Intercoolers with low pressure drop
• SMS-Single-Pass Intercooler Coolant Path
• SMS-Symmetric CNC Intercooler Caps with integrated coolant passages
• SMS-High-Volume Intercooler Water Pump with recovery tank
• SMS-High-Volume Heat Exchanger with all hardware
• SMS-80 mm Venturi with high-flow air filter
• SMS-88 mm Cold Air Inlet Tube
• SMS-SuperTune OBD Compliant Calibration and Program Tool
• SMS-Extruded Aluminum Fuel Rails with upgraded fuel injectors where applicable
• SMS-Ultra-Light Weight Aluminum Construction
• SMS-Stainless Steel Fasteners
• SMS-Instruction Manual
• Utilizes factory throttle body and hood
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Russell 7:40PM (8/07/2008)
How about removing some of that weight, that will be more beneficial.
Reply
LCRacerX 9:48PM (8/07/2008)
Really, the weight? Check out this comparison of the Mustang Bullitt to the SRT8 Challenger by Edmunds.
What does weight matter when the heavier car is faster in a straight line, rides better, & is actually quicker in the slalom? Dodge did it right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yqT1rD1RUk
Before anyone starts talking about Supersnakes & GT500's, wait till the above super chargers are installed before making judgement!
Smeagle 10:09PM (8/07/2008)
Thats like saying the camry is really fast when compared to a school bus. Try setting your sights a bit higher.
Bungle 10:52PM (8/07/2008)
@LCRacerX:
That doesn't make any sense. The Challenger may perform well in spite of its weight, but lightening can only help. When talking about weight, comparing the Challenger to the Bullitt is apples-to-oranges. SO many other variables come into play aside from weight, and it's essentially irrelevant which car was faster.
Try this: install an SMS supercharger on a Challenger, then lighten another Challenger to the same power-to-weight ratio, keeping the stock engine. I'd bet the latter would come out on top in just about any test.
MajorGeek 8:34PM (8/07/2008)
Wow, a comment about the weight, how original. Troll. I might have to look at this, I am waiting for Dodge to announce theirs in November. I don't want to toast my engine, but sure do love Saleens stuff.
Reply
iQuack 9:02PM (8/07/2008)
Hard to see why anyone would buy any Chrysler vehicle now unless bargain priced.
This company is lost and might end up being a contract maker of Nissan cars and/or an importer of Chinese cars, too.
Nothing wrong with changing Chrysler's business model to reflect the times, but...........
Reply
Brent 9:39PM (8/07/2008)
You just gave reasons to buy a Challenger. Chrysler's last great car? Sounds like an investment.
Vintage 9:17AM (8/08/2008)
New cars make terrible investments. But go ahead, knock yourself out.
iQuack 2:47PM (8/08/2008)
I agree with Vintage. You'll wait for decades while you incur expenses garaging and maintaining your "investment."
Then, if and when you sell your supposedly classic car, you'll learn what it means to buy at retail and sell at wholesale.
Do you also think baubles from the Franklin Mint are investments, too?
mrbrown91 9:27PM (8/07/2008)
Its Dodge challenger, no Dodge challener :)
Reply
FroOchie 11:02PM (8/07/2008)
It's "not", not "no"... ;)
JasonV 3:07AM (8/08/2008)
Its "its" not it's.
71cuda 7:31AM (8/08/2008)
JasonV, check your grammar before correcting others. "It's" is a contraction of "it is" and is correct. You, sir, are not.
Ultima 8:19AM (8/08/2008)
lol... JasonV is an idiot..
mrbrown91 2:46PM (8/08/2008)
Sorry but my english its not the best :(
I am from Mexico, this is my second comment in autoblog english, and AB are the best hahaha.
Noidor 9:44PM (8/07/2008)
How about sorting out the handling? No? Still an understeery boat?
Reply
havoc 9:59PM (8/07/2008)
wow, a 296 blower? that's pretty big. looks like a nice setup.
Reply
Tony 1:04AM (8/08/2008)
@Russell
As beneficial as removing weight from Challenger would be, its alot easier and cheaper for SMS to add horsepower and increase the power to weight ratio than it is to remove weight from the Challenger.
Plus the Challenger is a outright muscle car which means that the main people who purchase this car(the baby boomer generation which grew up wishing they could own Challenger in high school) grew up in a era of drag racing and burnouts. If your race doesn't involve straight line then wanting a Challenger in the first place doesn't make sense. I'm not saying that the Challenger is boat that can't turn but the car was built with the idea going balls out stop light to stop light...so more power the better.
Reply
mroverlord 9:26AM (8/08/2008)
For all the whining about how "bad" the Challenger and Chrysler are, the car mags are giving this car high marks. Build quality, interior, performance are all very good for the segment. The biggest complaint I have read is that they want a different steering wheel, as the Challenger uses the one from the Magnum/Charger/300. Stop whining about how bad something is until you drive it yourself...otherwise you are just recycling other people's opinions.
Also, think before you whine about the comparison between the Bullitt and the SRT-8. They did that comparison based on MSRP. Both are rwd muscle cars in the high $30K price range (yes, I know the dealers are getting top dollar for the Challenger right now).
Yes, the GT500 would be a much better comparison, but that car is $10K more on the MSRP over an SRT8.
Reply
Christian 10:12AM (8/08/2008)
MSRP SRT-8 vs GT500 is about the same ($40k and $42K). The difference is the GT500 is a legit sports car with track cred in stock form; and has a sports car Manufacturers Championship on the exact same frame and driveline (against M3 and 997).
Challenger is an old E-class.