Qube
09-06-2006, 10:08 PM
Nice article regarding the title topic. If you're too lazy to read it all, I've chopped out the first and last comments to get you started. So, Jon K, why did you dismantle your super for a turbo again? Just wanna extract all the juice out of the engine eh? :)
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/101-Projects-22-Supercharger/101-Projects-22-Supercharger.htm
A lot of people think that turbocharging and supercharging are the holy grails of power increases. While it’s true you can extract a large amount of power from them, people incorrectly assume that any aftermarket supercharger tossed on a BMW engine will instantly generate heaps of horsepower. As with any good, reliable means of generating horsepower, the addition of a turbocharger or supercharger needs to be carefully coordinated with your engine’s design and your desired performance characteristics...
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...Which forced-induction unit you install really depends upon your overall goals, which should include ease of installation and budget limitations. If you ask 10 different enthusiasts what their preferences are, you will get 10 completely different answers. There are those who are turbo fans, and there are others who are die-hard supercharger recruits. Obviously, this project can only scratch the surface of what’s involved in designing and implementing a turbocharger or supercharger system.
Some closing remarks regarding the relative performance of these two systems: If you want a drag car with lots of power off of the line, you should probably go with a supercharger system. It will give you boost at low rpm and a predictable power curve. If you’re looking for top speed on the Autobahn, where you want to squeeze out all the power you can, I recommend a turbocharger system. It will give you maximum power at the higher end of your rpm range. With most supercharger systems, you will achieve maximum boost only when you’re at redline. With a turbocharger, you will have nearly full boost all the way from about 3,000 to –4,000 rpm to redline. If you like to feel the rush of power and want the ability to create gobs of peak horsepower, go with a turbocharger. Turbo systems are also considered to be more flexible in that they can often be designed to fit most owners’ requirements, while superchargers can be a bit more limited. If you want your car to feel somewhat stock with a big push on the high-end, then go with a centrifugal supercharger. If you just want more even power across the entire rpm range, then install a positive-displacement (twin-screw) supercharger.
In terms of installation ease, the supercharger systems win by a mile. Turbocharger systems can be made to perform better, but they generally require more time, money, and installation effort to achieve this end.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/101-Projects-22-Supercharger/101-Projects-22-Supercharger.htm
A lot of people think that turbocharging and supercharging are the holy grails of power increases. While it’s true you can extract a large amount of power from them, people incorrectly assume that any aftermarket supercharger tossed on a BMW engine will instantly generate heaps of horsepower. As with any good, reliable means of generating horsepower, the addition of a turbocharger or supercharger needs to be carefully coordinated with your engine’s design and your desired performance characteristics...
<cut>
...Which forced-induction unit you install really depends upon your overall goals, which should include ease of installation and budget limitations. If you ask 10 different enthusiasts what their preferences are, you will get 10 completely different answers. There are those who are turbo fans, and there are others who are die-hard supercharger recruits. Obviously, this project can only scratch the surface of what’s involved in designing and implementing a turbocharger or supercharger system.
Some closing remarks regarding the relative performance of these two systems: If you want a drag car with lots of power off of the line, you should probably go with a supercharger system. It will give you boost at low rpm and a predictable power curve. If you’re looking for top speed on the Autobahn, where you want to squeeze out all the power you can, I recommend a turbocharger system. It will give you maximum power at the higher end of your rpm range. With most supercharger systems, you will achieve maximum boost only when you’re at redline. With a turbocharger, you will have nearly full boost all the way from about 3,000 to –4,000 rpm to redline. If you like to feel the rush of power and want the ability to create gobs of peak horsepower, go with a turbocharger. Turbo systems are also considered to be more flexible in that they can often be designed to fit most owners’ requirements, while superchargers can be a bit more limited. If you want your car to feel somewhat stock with a big push on the high-end, then go with a centrifugal supercharger. If you just want more even power across the entire rpm range, then install a positive-displacement (twin-screw) supercharger.
In terms of installation ease, the supercharger systems win by a mile. Turbocharger systems can be made to perform better, but they generally require more time, money, and installation effort to achieve this end.