[ST] Supercharge vs Turbo

["Robert R" <robertr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This is always a contentious one.

Supercharge:
Almost instant response
Usually heavier then turbo
Usually requires case mods to get a drive to the pulley
Sucks horsepower so the first bit of boost is wasted fighting mechanical
losses, varies depending if Rootes or vane type
Can put undesirable side load on case bearings not designed for the extra
pulley hanging off the end.

Turbo,
Very little wasted boost
Exhaust plumbing
Lag
Risk of overboost without a waste gate
Can have problems with shutting down if you don't let it spin down before
turning off the engine.
Modern turbos minimise the lag problem.

If you look at cars, Saab, Audi and others go with Turbo, Mercedes, GM
others go with Mechanical (though GM have also used turbo), so it comes down
to the Mfr in-house technical and marketing strategies. Fuel dragsters use
mechanical, Nissan and Ford used turbo in their group 'c' sedans that were
almost unbeatable.

Confused?

Cheers
R


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