Supercharger-Turbocharger differences on LT1

[Last Ride]

Hey gang--
I was wondering if someone could better explain to me the differences between the concept of a supercharged motor as opposed to a turbocharged motor. By this, I mean that there seems to be some differences in how people approach the motors. I know that they function differently, and that plumbing seems to be an issue with turbocharged motors. I guess my real question is, "Would a 700 HP supercharged motor be on the same power level as a 700 HP turbocharged motor?" I know turbochargers are the closest thing to "free horsepower". I am trying to decide the best way to build a monster while maintaining street manners. Thanks for your help, and I welcome any and all thoughts!

 

[Vettelt193]

Both do about the same thing... force more air into the engine, which of course give the engine more oxygen, which allows you to burn more fuel...

A basic explaination (there are exceptions to every rule, but this will get you by)

Turbos use exhaust gasses to force more in, superchargers are belt driven so, the boost on a supercharger is directly related to RPM of the engine (don't kill me on whipple chargers here guys!). Since turbo boost is based upon exhaust gas, you can build up more boost at lower RPM, and you can also have less boost while cruising (this is one of the reasons why big trucks use turbos... while cruising along the turbos hardly do anything, but if it goes up-hill, they will kick in, even though RPM does not change the power of the engine does, based upon the increased boost)

Imagine being in 6th gear at 2k RPM... if you floor it and have a turbo, boost will build, a supercharger will just produce a bit of boost, you really need to get the RPM up.

On Vette's, it is much easier to bolt on superchargers. AND since our cars don't require much RPM to get around and cruise, normal driving MPG isn't really changed, and if you want the extra power, you can drop a gear and get the RPM's up to use the supercharger.... So, supercharging is the cheaper and better form for aftermarket bolt on power IMHO. check out www.procharger.com for ATI's procharger... there are many good facts there about supercharging

 

[qwall]

very good explanation vettelt193, as far as big engines go, most use supercharger, maybe cuz of the ease of putting it on and the cost, turbos are more popular with 4 bangers and imports......althou twin turboed vette does have a sweet sound to it doesnt it?

q