MPI Reliability

[dmaxx]

Looking at a low miles Apex with an MPI supercharger and would like to know how reliable this will be for trail riding. I don't do any lake racing or such, just would like a little extra running down the road. What should I look for when looking at. I think I read somewhere about a blow off valve should be used for trail riding. Thanks for any help.

 

[mpi xtx]

My experience was not a good one. I had approximate 1200 miles on my stage 2 kit on a Nytro and the blower needs new bearings. Not sure why it did not last but not happy. Cannot rebuild them and the cost of a replacement blower is very expensive.

 

[thor452]

I wonder if you got a unit with the "upgraded seals" that plagued them for a little bit untill they forced the manufacture to go back to the old ones? they say it either has a problem in the first few hundred miles or they last for a very long time and if it is bad right away you have the one year waranty. also they told me that the failure rate of their blowers is like 1 in 100. many people running their product with no complaints that is why I was happy to go with their product and every time I call I get waht I needed with out any hastle.

 

[mpi xtx]

I can agree with that but unfortunately for me I am the 1 in a 100. It happened out of warranty so no luck there. I am only speaking of my experience.

 

[thor452]

and that is all you can do sorry for your luck on that one I hope my experience is better than that no ofence.

 

[dmaxx]

My experience was not a good one. I had approximate 1200 miles on my stage 2 kit on a Nytro and the blower needs new bearings. Not sure why it did not last but not happy. Cannot rebuild them and the cost of a replacement blower is very expensive.

This is the information that I'm looking for. I know there is always inherent risks and maintenance when adding performance, I just hate to lose the reliability that I already enjoy. Thanks for any more information.

 

[Ratpack]

I bought a used Stage 1 blower in 2009. Have not had any problems. This first time it was taken out was yesterday because I'm pulling the motor to lower my compression. I love it.

 

[kinger]

My blower is a old one so I never had any of the issues with the newer ones. Its been dead stock reliable for going on 4 years of pounding at 91 fuel. What most neglect to say is that with the power while the motor and SC are fine everything else halves the maint schedule so that means I get 1-2 years (pending miles) on a chain it will stretch them out and it starts howling to let you know. When I pull them they will hang straight out! The suspension and brakes take a beating. You hit things a lot fast and slow down harder. Never wore out a brake pad on a 4 stroke until boosting it now its every two years. Change your oil more often, watch your bearings like a hawk, etc etc the list goes on. Every year my pre-ride maint and repair bill is hefty in time needed but once ready for the year I don't touch it all winter. Turn key and ride and everything seems to be able to make it to June of next year when I fix and start over with the maint haha. I think I have a oil seal on the mag side finally leaking so that will be my first SC related repair (and that is a very minor). Overall I love it and the power is addictive on the trail. Its instant and won't stop pulling until you let off. It will scare 90% of the riders that take it for a spin so bad they come back and can't handle it. Yes the vortech blow off valve is a nice piece. One caution once you ride one you can never go back to a measly 160hp again. Brand new iron feels like a 440 now. The apex is a special sled with the combination of the 4 cylinders and boost. Compared to a AC making more power then mine I'm still faster and it feels faster and more refined. Its like a Ferrari vs a Muscle car both are fun but you can't just add hp and make it the same as a Ferrari. Good luck!

 

[thamax]

MPI had issues with the builder and sourcing parts so if you do send it in for repair you might be waiting awhile. they sell replacements but not cheap at all. the biggest issue was the shaft breaking off the blower on the apex. seen 3 do it personally and it was not good and took a month to get it rebuilt.