Comparing Turbochargers and Superchargers

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Comparing Turbochargers and Superchargers

When asking the question which is better turbochargers (turbos) or superchargers (blowers), the results are close. Based on the individuals' driving style and needs, he or she may want consider the benefits and the potential drawbacks of these two systems to decide which best suites each driver's needs.

When looking comparing Turbochargers and Superchargers there are several factors to keep in mind: power curves, efficiency, reliability, upgradeability, and value. The car enthusiast can be very particular about their own personal car and the way it performs. Both units exceed standard engines. They differ in the means by which they achieve those results. The units increase the pressure that goes into the engine. Normal or standard atmospheric pressure is about 15 pounds per square inch (psi) (Atmospheric Pressure). The job of the compressor common to both turbochargers and superchargers is to increase air pressure so that more air is forced into the cylinders. This is what car enthusiasts and racers call having a "blown" or "boosted" car. This increased air volume, or boost, is mixed with a proportionately increased fuel volume which, when burned in the combustion cycle, results in increased horsepower and torque production. However, this is where the similarities between the two types of systems end.

There are many differences between Turbos and Blowers. The first is the power curve. Superchargers build boost as rpm increases in a linear fashion, because they are belt driven from the engine crankshaft. This means that the supercharger is always on and achieves its maximum potential at higher rpm's. The faster the engine is going, the faster the supercharger is turning. T...

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...urbocalculator.com put it,

"You can see that it is difficult to say which is better. The main advantages to supercharging are low-end response and simplicity. The main advantages to turbocharging are efficiency and the realization of maximum power. It is up to the vehicle owner to decide which solution is best for him or her" (Turbocharger or Supercharger).

The enthusiast driver has to know their machine and their own personal limits when considering these two units. Although they are very similar, turbos and blowers are also very different.

Works Cited

"5.0/4.6 Mustangs." Summit Racing Sept.-Oct. 2005: 270-271.

"Atmospheric pressure." Bartleby. 5 Dec. 2005 .

Ciccotello, Nick. Telephone interview. 6 Dec. 2005.

"Superchargers." Perfect Power. 2001. 5 Dec. 2005 .

"Turbochargers vs Superchargers." Turbocalculator. 4 Dec. 2005 .

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