Happy New Gear!
By Valery Huerta Posadas ('23)
To start this New Year I’d like to bring into discussion the subject of forced induction. Specifically the use of superchargers, versus the use of turbochargers. Forced induction is a way of using compressed air and forcing it into the intake of the engine to increase horsepower: superchargers and turbochargers are just two options for forced induction, whichever one you choose are entirely up to you. To help compare and contrast both, I’ll discuss their function in general but mostly their impact on LSX engines, which stands for LS Extreme. They’re small block V8 engines from the 3rd and 4th generation. Now let’s drive right into it.
The first form of forced induction I’ll discuss is that of the supercharger, mainly because it's less complex and way easier to install. Installing a supercharger is way simpler in comparison to installing a turbo, you replace the intake with the supercharger kit, run your accessory drive, fix up the fuel lines, and you're all set. Now the way a supercharger adds more power to the engine is different from the way a turbo does it.
A Supercharged Engine
Photo courtesy of Levittown Ford Parts.
Superchargers are belt-driven and it uses power the engine is already making, it takes power from the engine, passes it through a system of pulleys, and optional intercoolers before taking it back to the engine. Because of this, the supercharger is technically stealing a bit of power from the engine and limiting it a little bit. Superchargers provide an immediate boost, while turbos have to build up the boost, however, when the turbo kicks in, it pushes along with more power than the supercharger.
A Turbocharged Engine
Photo courtesy of Power Curve Performance.
Moving on to the other form of forced induction, there's the turbo. The turbo can have a bit of lag depending on the size of the turbo, so it'll take a few seconds for the boost to kick in. The reason turbochargers can push along with more power than the supercharger is because instead of stealing power from the engine to push more air into the engine to provide more power, turbochargers use the exhaust gasses from the exhaust stream.
As a result it works the turbine and the compressor. This process is completed on the hot side of the turbo; meanwhile, the cold side works on redirecting that air into the engine. This doesn't rob any power from the engine, making it more efficient, and gives more power to the engine especially at higher speeds due to the exhaust flow. This allows more room for control and adjustability on power to help throughout different road circumstances. Turbos are undoubtedly more intrusive because they require certain modifications to your exhaust system and intercoolers. Turbos are more fuel-efficient and put less strain on the engine, however, turbos tend to get very hot.
Overall both systems involve certain modifications and they both have different pros and cons. You could choose between lost time or lost power, or you can do what I did to my previous car and twin-charge. If I had to choose, I personally would prefer a turbo, but currently, the car I use has a Roush supercharger. It's mostly about personal preference. Keep these factors in mind in case you wish to input forced induction into your vehicle and drive safe out there.
Banner courtesy of Low Offset.
Cover photo courtesy of MechStuff.