What are the main differences between Superchargers and Turbochargers

[07CivicMD]

There is almost no question that we get more than, “what are the main differences between Superchargers and Turbochargers, and which one do we recommend for each application. They both have obvious similarities, like the fact that both are air compressors, but what are the main differences between the two.

Very simply put, one of the biggest differences between a turbocharger and a supercharger is in what provides it with its power. There has to be a power source to run the air compressor. A supercharger has a belt that connects directly to the engine while a turbocharger receives its power from the exhaust stream.

But, more about that later, first lets talk about more of what both do. Both superchargers and turbochargers are forced induction systems and use compressors to increase the amount of air forced into the engine. One of the simplest ways to increase the horsepower of an engine is to increase the amount of air and fuel that it can burn. Normal engines will experience reduced power at high altitudes because for each stroke of the piston, the engine will receive a smaller amount of air. Both superchargers and turbochargers allow an engine to burn more air and fuel. By compressing more air into the cylinders this allows more fuel to be added. This creates more power from each explosion in the cylinder, in turn leading to more horsepower. The typical boost produced by these units is 6 to 10 pounds per square inch (psi). Normal atmospheric pressure is 14.7 psi at sea level, so you are getting about 40 to 50 percent more air into the engine. From this, you can expect around a 40 to 50 percent increase in horsepower.

The turbocharger is bolted to the exhaust manifold of the engine. The exhaust from the cylinders spins the turbine, which in turn spins a compressor forcing air into the cylinders. The turbine is connected to the compressor by a shaft. The compressor pressurizes the air going into the cylinders. The exhaust from the cylinders passes through the turbine blades, causing the turbine to spin. The more exhaust that goes through the blades, the faster they spin. On the opposite end of the shaft that the turbine is attached to, a compressor pumps air into the cylinders. The compressor is a type of centrifugal pump in which it draws air in at the center of its blades and forces it outward as it spins.

In theory, a turbocharger is more efficient because it is using the "wasted" energy in the exhaust stream for its power supply. This means more overall power from the same amount of boost. Another advantage to turbochargers is the incredible number of units available. This means the size of the turbo can be easily matched to the demands of the engine. This can allow instant boost, and peak levels over thirty pounds of boost.

On the other hand, a turbocharger causes some amount of backpressure in the exhaust system and tends to not create immediate boost when you accelerate. It takes a second or two for the turbine to spool up before boost is produced. This results in a feeling of lag when you accelerate, and then the car lunges ahead when the turbo spools up. This surge cannot only be damaging to the engine, but it can create loss of traction and a loss of drivability. A supercharger is connected directly to the crank pulley, so you are able to produce boost without the lag time. The root and screw type superchargers are able to create boost at an even lower rpm range. The supercharger does not create backpressure because it has no interference with the exhaust system.

The supercharger is bolted directly to the intake manifold or on the side of the engine by the means of a bracket. The supercharger drive pulley is attached to the internal impeller by a shaft. The drive pulley is attached to the engines crank pulley via a belt. As you increase the rpm’s of the motor, the supercharger’s internal impeller spins faster. This allows the supercharger to compress air inside of its casing before it forces it into the engines air intake. The speed at which the impeller spins, determines how much boost can be produced. Changing the drive pulley is a simple way to increase or decrease your boost.

Superchargers are far easier to install and maintain than a turbo because they have fewer parts. A turbo requires far more engine modifications and have a greater number of parts than a supercharger making them far more difficult to install and tune.

One can determine that both turbochargers and superchargers are a simple way to create large amounts of horsepower through a single part. Superchargers on average tend to better suited for the average driver, however turbochargers will always remain a favorite for those guys that desire insane amounts of boost.

Cost is relative between a supercharger and turbo chargers. Both versions have their kits that range from $3000-6000 dollars depending on Brand name and WHP output. Have to make the determination to which will fit your need.

Tuning has been the issue in the past and present but the future looks better. Hondata, AEM and Haltech are bringing newer technology in the coming months that will give broader range of tuning.

Hope this helps. Do a search and you can compare cost between S/C and Turbo kits on the market and relative information on total cost that can be excepted in the long haul. When boosting or N/A just remember things will break so remember to have extra $$$ around for repairs.

[Kurt]

Nice.

[silverspoon1996]

Turbos require more plumbing.. and usually has more upkeep/problems.

[maximo61170]

nice write up. +virt. rep

[07CivicMD]

Mod? Could you sticky this information. please!!

[crazykid3437]

do turbos tend to be carb legal like a supercharger or at least the comptech one is?

[07CivicMD]

Originally Posted by crazykid3437

do turbos tend to be carb legal like a supercharger or at least the comptech one is?

Depends on the company but would guess that would be a "NO" for most.

[Harry]

Great write up! +rep if I could.

[07CivicMD]

Here you go!