2003 Scion xB - Import Tuner Magazine

Within the world of superchargers exists three unique designs known as the roots style, twin-screw, and centrifugal system. Within the this trio, the roots (otherwise known as "blower" style) is considered the oldest of superchargers and dates back to the early 1900's when it was first used as an industrial air-moving device. What throughout its years has evolved through history to become steadfast in reliability is now commonly used as a forced induction system for automotive applications. With forced induction supercharging, understanding the advantages and drawbacks to using one specific type can be more than overwhelming for the average consumer. Fixed displacement, thermodynamics, internal compression ratio-it's enough information to send even the most mild-mannered individual up the wall.

To the delight of many xB owners around the world, GReddy helps minimize decision-making migraines by introducing the company's first supercharger kit for the 2003-on Scion xB (w/ automatic trans) with rave reviews. Designed using a "roots" style supercharger kit, the MP45 Magnacharger offers smooth, linear power with exceptional throttle response for those looking to induce some ponies on their ride. The Magnacharger is also equipped with an internal by-pass to improve response and minimize engine drag at light throttle. What is a roots-style supercharger you ask? Simply stated, the roots-type supercharger consists of two counter-rotating meshed lobed rotors. The two rotors trap air in the gaps between the rotors and push it against the compressor housing as they rotate towards the outlet/discharge port. Within each rotation, a specific fixed amount of air is trapped and moved to the outlet port where it is compressed. Benefits of using a roots-type supercharger include its ability to produce large amounts of boost while spinning at very low speeds and can often see full boost by 2000rpm, which makes it an excellent match for the often lackadaisical xB power plant. Perhaps the most important reason why GReddy used the roots-type system was for its simplicity of design (less internally moving parts), which attributes to fewer problems in the near future. When GReddy was challenged to design the kit, their engineers spent hundreds of hours fabricating and plotting a layout that put into account the limited space for engine modification and designing a specific unit for the xB, which uses close-coupled catalytic converters.

Has engine detonation or the thought of relying on a cheap, rising-rate fuel pressure regulators (FMU style unit) kept you tossing and turning at night? Sleep easier tonight my friend. The GReddy is one step ahead of their competitors, offering a pre-programmed E-Manage fuel computer with each of their kits. This unit was designed specifically as a plug-and-play piggyback ECU fuel computer which has been retuned and calibrated specifically for US-spec vehicles. "Our pre-programmed e-Manage systems deliver additional fuel to the necessary parameters while offering smooth and reliable power. The obvious advantage of using an e-Manage over the standard FMU style is consistent fuel delivery. FMU-style kits deliver inconsistent fuel often leaving a rich or dangerously lean condition at any given rpm," says GReddy Representative Mike Chung.

Offering a 30-percent increase in horsepower and 17-percent boost in torque at a rated 8.5psi of boost, the xB supercharger kit is just the ticket needed for those who love their Scions yet hate it's under achieving power. Stamped with a MSRP sticker price of $3280.00 for the bolt-on supercharger kit, GReddy looks into the pending possibility of CARB E.O. approval within the near future. With additional bolt-on products such as their stainless steel 4-1 SUS header (MSRP $409.00) and optional Airinx filter kit (MSRP $138.00) available for the Scion xB, horsepower limitations are bound only by ones imagination.