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supercharger question?
i was always a fan of turbocharging but im trying to look into supercharging instead now. How similar is a supercharger to a turbo? Does it still have adjustable psi levels? Does is sound similar to a turbo? Can it still use a blow-off valve? Do you still need an intercooler and turbo timer? and how much do they usually cost in relation to turbocharger kits?
Ian-
Turbo chargers and superchargers are essentially the same thing. Now before all of the others jump in and say I am full of crap, let me explain.
Both objects are performing the same function. They are pressurising the intake system through means of compressing the incoming air through a "compressor". By the same token blowers are of this same ilk, they just have greater volume than that of a Turbo Charger or Super Charger.
Now, what the differences are is in how they get the same job done.
Lets start with the Super Charger. The Super Charger is a belt, chain or gear driven device that rotates a set of compressor blades inside a turbine housing. This turbine housing is connected to both your intake manifold and an external air source. The air is drawn into the intake port of the Super Charger then into the compressor, from there into your intake manifold where fuel is mixed, then the mixture is forced into your cylinders.
The cost in the case of a Super Charger or Blower is what is called a Net Result Horsepower. This is the amount of horsepower gained after subtracting the cost of its production. IE: if the Super Charger takes 15 Horses to operate, and it makes 100 Horsepower, your net gain is 85 Horses to whatever your engine is currently rated. Now I just use that as an example.
Now lets talk Turbo Chargers. Folks are going to be quick to point out an OLD ISSUE called Turbo Lag Time. This is true for vehicles equipped with what is known as a Single Phase Turbo Charger, (IE: Diesel Engines, Aircraft Engines). These older style Turbos were designed to assist engines after they were at their Peak RPM levels. Normally RPM's higher than 2500 RPM, (Automotive Applications), 1000 to 1500 RPM, (Commercial Diesel Applications).
Turbo Chargers are powered by your exhaust gasses. There is no physical connection other than to your exhaust manifold. The Compressor is turned by a Blower Vane that has been enclosed in a Turbine Housing that routes exhaust gasses into it. The exhaust gasses then turn the blower vanes which are connected via a solid shaft to the Compressor Blades. The higher the engine RPM the faster the Compressor Blades turn, the more pressure, (boost) is created.
The advantage with a Turbo Charger is that your achieved Horsepower is not net. If the Turbo Charger is rated for 100 Horses, that is what you get on top of your current engine horsepower rating.
So what about the Turbo Lag you mentioned earlier?
In today's automotive type applications, there is a new player on the scene. These are called Dual Phase Turbo Chargers. This means they have two sets of blower vanes in them. Essentially two turbos in one. One set of vanes and compressors handles the lower RPM bands so torque and horsepower roll on much sooner. Then as the RPM's increase, the larger set handles all of the high-end work.
Most of these new spoolers are computer controlled, and some are even programmable. Yep, so you can control the boost levels. HKS is one of those companies that can help get you pointed in the right direction.
Intercoolers are always a good idea for Turbo's or Super Chargers. These help cool the incoming air so they will have a denser Oxygen Charge.
As for cost, well there is two ways to look at this. Turbo Chargers are normally less time intensive and easier to install. Super Chargers are going to require bracket work, and normally an intake manifold change. With the bracket work, you are going to have to consider belt alignment and a few other trade tricks.
With a Turbo, its mainly plumbing and the install of an Oil Cooler, and lubrication plumbing to lubricate and cool the Turbo. However, again this install is normally only an adapter plate that is bolted onto the Oil Filter Plate.
So for cost, as far as I have seen, the kits are comprable in price, however, its the labor for installation that is normally the deciding factor, the Super Charger normally being more expensive.
As for the blow-off valve. That is a device that is a waste of time and money. They don't do anything as far as performance for the Turbo. They are merely a noise maker, and a Law Enforcement magnet. So that is definately something to consider, especially since most places have a Zero Tolerance Policy for Street Drags.
I know here in San Jose, (I belong to Scikotics Car Club), I hear the guys talking about removing those darn things because they are tired of Local Law Enforcment picking on them.
Had to add this too. Turbos are also equipped with what is called a Waste Gate. As the turbo spools up they can create more pressure than what is needed by the engine. They open up and allow the pressure to be released and spool the turbo down. As John D pointed out, they can spool upwards of 100,000 RPM.
The company I mentioned, (HKS), builds boost controllers. this allows you to hold the Waste Gate shut for a little longer increasing your boost pressure. But there can be a price. Some of these tuner fools hold the Waste Gate shut for too long. Doing this will destroy the Turbo AND your engine.
So be sure that you follow instuctions and do not exceed the recommended levels for that Turbo.
Anyhow I hope I helped you out!
Good Luck
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