Hey everyone,



Don't laugh at me, but I don't know the difference between a supercharger and a turbo. <img src=smileys/smiley5.gif border="0">



I know that there's a difference, but what is it? What are the benefits
to each? And I probably can look this up somewhere, but I figured I'd
spark a conversation in here with everyone, if that's okay.



Thanks!

 

ok, so here are the basics.</P>


both are a type of forced induction into the engine. they provide more air, as well as denser air (both make more power) to the engine.</P>


a supercharger is belt driven, as it has a pulley that is part of the belt system. the belt spins rotors that force the air.there are 3 types of superchargers; roots style (typical, such as what comes on the mecedes), centrifical (looks like a turbo, but is driven by a belt), and then i cant remember the last one to save me. (someone help me out here!)</P>


a turbo reaches the same end by a different means, only more so. a turbo is propelled by the exhaust, requiring special headers and a devive called a wastegate, which keeps the exhaust pressure from getting to high, and it controls boost. </P>


turbos usually boost power a little more than superchargers (though not always) but they are significantly more expensive (usually). </P>


i hope that helps, everyone else feel free to add to this cause im sure i missed quite a bit.</P>

 

Screw is the 3rd one that your thinking of, but there are actually more types. Your info is good enough to tell the differences. Superchargers are less likely to fail, but most do not provide the power gains that a turbo does. You increase the superchargers power by changing the pulley. Turbos are a little more flexible and they have better response, but because they are on the exhaust side they are more prone to problems and are not as easy to get to. Both are great, but a turbo is a little better. If you want more info and alot of info on this topic, click here: http://www.grapeaperacing.com/GrapeA...ech/supertypes .cfm

 

You guys are awesome. Thanks a lot!



Now if only I could harness the cash for either of those items...

 

What people also do not rally talk about is the fact that most times the rest of the drivetrain has to be upgraded when you start making serious horsepower!!

 

Yes, especially with nitrous. One of the reasons nitrous has a bad reputation is because it is an explosive kind of power, it hits instantly and when used improperly it will blow an engine apart. Most people get it because it is cheap and you can add great amounts of power with it, but then they put it on an internally stock motor and double the horsepower, blowing the motor to peices. Depending on the motor, you can run a 50-100 HP nitrous shot without any ill effects. Going any higher will need a stronger motor internally.

Turbo and superchargers provide the power whenever you want it and the power is added more gradually, making them a much better overall choice. Most stock motors can handle these, but just like the nitrous, you can only take it so far before you need to rebuild the motor to handle the power.

 

If you've got the money it is possible with a computer add in to have a Supercharger and a Turbocharger on the same engine. Volvo was the first company to do it if I'm correct.

The main difference I have noticed is that Superchargers add the power immediately at low RPM's while the Turbocharger kicks in later at higher RPM's. They have a chart and a list of all the Supercharger types as well as a Turbocharger and what they do. This is all at the Whipple Supercharger site.

"Why a Whipple Supercharger?"

www.whipplesuperchargers.com

 

I know that there are many turbo kits for the 3.0 stealth.
But what about my shadow 3.0. Its the same engine with different heads.(my blown shadow had stealth heads but i never bought a turbo for fear that it might not fit)
Do heads effect the availability of a kit or is it simply cause theres no room under the hood?
A custom kit is an option but that could run $7000. If there's another way ill take it.
ps. If you see a 3.0 turbo shadow on the net PLS post it.

 

I'm not certain, but I think all of the 3.0L Mitsu turbo kits are only for the DOHC versions.

 

Darn.