h-townxj,
You bring up a very good point about parts availability and also not asked but inherent in the question, system availablity. Right now there are 10 complete systems sitting waiting to be shipped. Parts to be stocked for spares are being identified based upon Sprintex data bases.
The extra injector seems to a mojor sticking point for folks. It would be simply great if it were possible to get the Chrysler PCM to behave itself. But that has not porved to be a fruitful avenue of exploration. Also consider that a CARB certification is in the works as well. This is needed so the systems can be legally driven on the street in California. Every aftermarket Sprintex SC sold has the extra injector, so the technology works. I'll be honest, a moist manifold seemed odd to me at first. But i can't argue with success.
As you pointed out machining the case out of billet is an expensive way to make the part. Hours on a CNC machining center. But it provides the best possible part due to the metallurgy. The graining of the billet aluminium causes the part to be inherently stronger than a cast part. This is why the case containing the rotors and their bearings are machined out of billet and the other parts are machined castings.
Unlike previous ventures, this system is backed by an OEM manufacturer. Sprintex is a world wide supplier just attempting to break into the US market. I am going to post here a copy from their web site:
"Sprintex is owned by ATG Automotive Technology Group Limited, an automotive engineering company based in Perth, Western Australia, which is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ticker: ATJ).
The origins of Sprintex began in the United Kingdom over 25 years ago where the first patented twin-screw Sprintex unit was produced. Since those beginnings, the Sprintex unit has been developed, evolving from the S102 twin screw to the current fifth generation Sprintex unit.
Sprintex is unique as it is one of only a select number of companies around the world that produces a twin helical screw type supercharger, for which it holds world wide patents. The patented Sprintex twin screw supercharger is a mechanically driven rotary compressor with two helical lobed rotors, which rotate in opposite directions. One rotor takes the form of the left-hand helix, the other the right hand helix and the two mesh together to form chambers which carry the air. The rotors never touch, but are timed by a pair of gears operating in a lubricated chamber which is separated from the rotor chamber.
As well as manufacturing their patented twin screw supercharger, Sprintex also designs supercharger systems to suit specific vehicles. All conversions are bolt on in nature allowing for easy installation and complete compatibility with the vehicle’s engine. The advantages of installing a Sprintex supercharger system in your vehicle are considerable with increases in power (35%), improved torque from idle (35%), absence of lag and of course improved driving performance. The high efficiency low boost nature of the Sprintex supercharger results in lower discharge temperatures and greater volumetric efficiency therefore ensuring maximum performance output without sacrificing the life of your engine."
With 25 years of constant development they understand the weak points. Every thing has a weak point. Spares will be available in the US. Sprintex is dedicated to making the US market a significant portion of their customer base. Full support is to be provided.
Referencing past systems (I'll say it again) is not relavant in any way, shape or form to what is on the market today. This is a new, to the US, design fabricated in Australia by a multi-million dollar company that provides OEM solutions to several car manufacturers. So, in a nut shell, this situation is completely different than anything that has happened in the US ever. Nothing comes even close.
As for me, I am in an unique position. And although my involvement has been, in fact, only a few months, they have been exceptionally intense months. I find myself interfacing with Senior Development Engineers at both the Sprintex and Davies-Craig companies. The Engineers I have been interfacing with appear to value my input as some of them are going into production.
If you had to put a label on me, it would be Consulting Engineer and what I am getting out of it is the satisfaction of positive contributions.
I am glad you are getting help from to resolve the Avenger issues. I looked into that system in 2000 but just could not see how the PCM could manage the fuel across the spectrum. I mean, I had problems enough finding injectors for the 4.7 that would not drown the engine when cold and in open loop. Plus I really did not want a hole in my hood... Folks I know here locally that have them have concerns about going lean at higher RPMs. Enough so they can feel the power drop off. Has this been your experience as well?