How do high altitudes affect the supercharger on a 99 Grand Prix?

Question

I have a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. I'm moving from Pensacola, FL to Denver, CO. How will the higher altitudes affect my supercharger? Also, I have a Thrasher cold air system on it which already causes me some boost loss. Should I take it off before I go?

also, if you happen to know: I was told that there is some difference in the gas composition there... is that true? If so, what can I expect to have to modify to make my car run right?

Thanks to everyone in advance!

Answer 1

that car and most like it actually use a barometric sensor to calculate the density or elevation, so the relocation should not be a noticed event. as a matter of fact, the colder air might give you a surprising event. the colder that it is, the more dense it is. the more dense it is the greater the explosion potential. as i said before i think you will enjoy the  change, just be careful in the snow. depending on how efficient the cold air intake works, you might run into a problem with that, but i dont think that will be a problem given the fact that the fuel is balanced for the expected ambient temperatures.

Answer 2

The air is thinner, so it will not run as well. You need to limit the air intake or there will be too much air for the furl mixture since the air is so thin.

It will not make it run too much differently, it will still boost your HP by a lot, it just will nt be running to its potential

Answer 3

Any car with a turbo or supercharger will see a noticable power loss in higher altitude areas.  A while back there was a tech show where they tested on a dyno a Mercedes E55 AMG which has a factory supercharger in both Denver and in Seatle.  The Benze in Denver had almost 30hp loss at the wheels when compared to the test done in Seattle.  Also the Benze has a very sophisticated software and intake design to help compensate for changes in altitude and atmospheric pressures.  Something a Pontiac Grand Prix does not have so your supercharged Pontiac in Denver will have the power of a non supercharged Pontiac in Florida.  You can get a smaller charger pulley which will get you back the power, plus a little extra but its stressfull on the motor and your cutting the life of your supercharger by almost half.