OK! lets hear it and I will start off in the hole - why would anyone want to go supercharged vs. turbo. Flame suit on

 

 

Supercharger kits are usually easier to install since they don't require extensive exhaust modifications.

 

Turbo is more efficient, takes advantage of heat energy that would normally just blow out the tail pipe unused. Harder to package, more gain for the same increase of intake air pressure over supercharging due to the mechanical load super charging presents to the engine. Super charging requires less specialized packaging. No turbo manifolds required. Getting the drive belt to work properly can be a chore particularly if you are aiming for high boost numbers. Intercooling is more of a challenge if using an system that mounts in the valley between the heads. Throttle system becomes more complicated with superchargers particularly if you require a bypass. Turbo's usually need lube and cooling lines plus an oil return line, super chargers generally do not.

Pick your self up a copy of Corky Bell's Maximum Boost and Supercharging rather then base you decision on a poll of forum pundits.

One of the lessons you will learn from his books is that the turbo goes at the engine not the tail pipe!

 

That book is definitely a must read.

 

I have run both--turbo produces more heat than SC (DAH).

 

No comment

 

Basic motor question on Superchargers vs Turbochargers: Depends when you want your power to come on, off the line, or on the highway. Superchargers power comes on off the line, Turbochargers need to spool up in rpms to make FREE hp. Superchargers use some of its HP to make HP. Turbo's don't.. Good luck.. Figure out what your plans are first, that should help you make the right decision on which kind.. Enjoy the ride.

 

"On the highway?" Let's not exagerrate. That "off the line" supercharger power isn't reaching it's full potential until near redline. THAT is "lag". Most turbo "lag" is overrated. A well-designed turbo install will spool up quickly, and reach maximum boost pressure (and maintain it) at a much lower rpm than a supercharger. Besides, in the age of ball bearing center cartridges, anti-lag/two-step systems, trans brakes, etc., most turbos are making good boost at much lower rpms than people think. Everyone I know who drag races with a turbo car makes plenty of boost off the line...

 

I can reach and maintain 22psi by 3200 on my TT setup, all depends on what brand of coffee you like and how deep your pockets are

 

Nice! That's what I'm talkin' about! If a blower car can't reach 22psi by 3200 rpm, it is more "laggy", right?

Exactly! Different options for different buyers. Period!

 

I already bought my headers so I stuck with the supercharger. The turbo kits I was looking at were way more than what I would have to pay for my current set up. Its all based on opinion. You are going to get different answers with each fanboy. Just do the research and see what you want and what best suits you.

 

Thanks, will get a copy and I am sure it will be a learning experience. I have STS systems on both my cars and very happy with them just am always hearing negatives and am just looking for advice like this to become more knowledgeable.

 

Makes me think you made the wrong decision and are tired of being reminded.

 

NO, I think he's saying your too lazy to use the search function or go to the section that's all about this topic since it's been discussed 100's of times.

Kind of like oil or spark plug threads.

 

Have used search feature was just looking for additional/more current comments, like the book recommendation that would be helpful. Sorry, if this offended anyone!

 

Check out the Forced Induction part of this forum-you'll get all kinds of "opinions".

 

I've run both. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Which is "better" is completely dependant on your goals, budget and free time. Generally the supporter of one method has never tried the other.


This has been discussed repeatedly here over the years.

 

I went with a centrifugal supercharger. Everyone thinks its a turbo! Plus I didnt feel like spending 10k on a twin turbo kit let alone how much it would cost to install.

 

Quite true.

However in my case I've owned three different factory turbo charged cars, the last a direct injected 2.2 litre four cylinder running 16 psi and producing 280 lb/ft by 3000 rpm. Turbo lag is a design issue. In fact I'd add that it is often perceived lag as the power surge later in the RPM is viewed as lag earlier in the RPM. The truth is that there were large gains lower in the RPM band but the power curve is far from linear.

I've also built or helped build three different super charger systems and 3 different turbo systems.

For the average DIY guy, supercharging is the easier route. For the most power a well designed turbo selected with the intended goal in mind is the way to go. There are variable vane turbo's that effectively manage the lag issue as well.

The main flaws I've seen are lack of or poor engine management to deal with the boost. Lack of intercooling or poorly designed intercooling that robs boost, has longer then necessary plumbing, uses rubber hoses instead of hard pipe or is ineffective. Poorly designed pulleys and belt tensioner systems. Bad layout such as turbo's mounted at the opposite end of the car from the engine. Low quality clamps that lead to fittings blowing off. In one case a compressor style or whipple charger with no bypass that overheated causing rotor case failure.

But the biggest mistake I've seen is operators that have not taken adequate training to be able to deal with the vehicle they now have in their garage. Driver training is the first mod/upgrade every sports car should get!