Turbochargers vs Superchargers Essay Example

9 psi. (http://auto. howstuffworks. com/supercharger1. tm) Since a turbocharger is driven by exhaust gasses, its turbine must spool up before it begins to turn the compressor’s impeller. During this time the turbo is creating no boost. Turbochargers utilize a wastegate to reduce lag while preventing it from spinning up too quickly. The wastegate is a valve that allows the exhaust to bypass the turbine blades. The wastegate sense boost pressure, if it gets too high, it can be an indicator that the turbine is spinning too fast and it will bypass the exhaust around the turbine blades, causing the blades to slow down.

A supercharger connects directly to the crank so there is no lag. It produces boost at a low RPM. A turbocharger is more economical because it is driven by the potential energy in the exhaust gasses that would usually go out the exhaust pipe. The turbo’s impeller is powered only under boost conditions so there is less parasitic drag while it is not spinning. Turbochargers do create exhaust backpressure and additional exhaust flow interruption. Superchargers are a bit more reliable that turbochargers. When an engine with a turbo is shut off, oil inside the turbo’s bearings can be baked by the heat of the engine.

This problem with the combined with high RPM’s (up to 150,000) can cause problems with internal bearings and shorten the life of the turbocharger. Turbochargers also require aftermarket exhaust manifolds. Superchargers require few fuel and ignition upgrades and normally require little or no engine tuning which make it a better method of forced induction for street and race vehicles. They also provide a much broader

powerband that has no lag. It is much easier to install and tune, so it makes it more practical for an everyday mechanic to install on their vehicle.