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Supercharger
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Superchargers
do not suffer lag -- a term used to describe how much time
passes between the driver depressing the gas pedal and the
engine's response. Turbochargers suffer from lag because it
takes a few moments before the exhaust gases reach a velocity
that is sufficient to drive the impeller/turbine. Superchargers
have no lag time because they are driven directly by the crankshaft.
Certain superchargers are more efficient at lower RPM, while
others are more efficient at higher RPM. Roots and twin-screw
superchargers, for example, provide more power at lower RPM.
Centrifugal superchargers, which become more efficient as
the impeller spins faster, provide more power at higher RPM.
Installing
a turbocharger requires extensive modification of the exhaust
system, but superchargers can be bolted to the top or side
of the engine. That makes them cheaper to install and easier
to service and maintain.
Finally,
no special shutdown procedure is required with superchargers.
Because they are not lubricated by engine oil, they can be
shut down normally. Turbochargers must idle for about 30 seconds
or so prior to shutdown so the lubricating oil has a chance
to cool down. With that said, a good warm-up is important
for superchargers, as they work most efficiently at normal
operating temperatures.
Superchargers
are common additions to the internal combustion engines of
airplanes. This makes sense when you consider that airplanes
spend most of their time at high altitudes, where significantly
less oxygen is available for combustion. With the introduction
of superchargers, airplanes were able to fly higher without
losing engine performance.
Superchargers
used with aircraft engines work just like those found in cars.
They draw their power directly from the engine and use a compressor
to blow pressurized air into the combustion chamber. The illustration
above shows the basic setup for a supercharged airplane.
Supercharger Disadvantages: The biggest disadvantage of superchargers
is also their defining characteristic: Because the crankshaft
drives them, they must steal some of the engine's horsepower.
A supercharger can consume as much as 20 percent of an engine's
total power output. But because a supercharger can generate
as much as 46 percent additional horsepower, most think the
trade-off is worth it.
Supercharging
puts an added strain on the engine, which needs to be strong
to handle the extra boost and bigger explosions. Most manufacturers
account for this by specifying heavy-duty components when
they design an engine intended for supercharged use. This
makes the vehicle more expensive. Superchargers also cost
more to maintain, and most manufacturers suggest high-octane
premium-grade gas.
Despite
their disadvantages, superchargers are still the most cost-effective
way to increase horsepower. Superchargers can result in power
increases of 50 to 100 percent, making them great for racing,
towing heavy loads or just adding excitement to the typical
driving experience.
Supercharger
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questions about kits, parts, installations or services are
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e-mail bishop@bishopsales.com
and we will respond promptly. If you're in the neighborhood,
then drop by the shop at 1130 West 15th Street North Vancouver
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the fun with other performance enthusiasts who want to take
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