Turbo and Superchargers
Turbo Superchargers – How do they work?
The term ‘turbocharger’ is a shortened version of ‘turbo-supercharger’, which is its official name. Essentially, these components pressurise air intake and raise it above atmospheric pressure. These systems then increase intake by compressing air without creating a vacuum, which forces more air into the engine, providing a boost. And we all know that with more BOOST comes more POWER.
Can I Put a Supercharger on Any Engine?
Yes, you can install an aftermarket part to any vehicle. However, you need to be extremely certain that your vehicle is suitable for supercharging, or you’ll need to put in the work to make it suitable first.
The right choice for your vehicle will be based on numerous aspects, which may include:
- The make and model of your car
- The year, size and type of the engine
- Legality and passing standard street-legal deliberations
Remember: If you’re after high-performance racing, then a racing package might be for you.
Consider the Type of System You Want to Use
You have three basic options for choosing a supercharger for your car:
- Root: These are the oldest type of supercharger system on the market. It uses large quantities of air in the intake manifold and delivers on quick bursts of excess energy. This type is popular in racing vehicles and is generally more inexpensive compared to the other types available. Generally, it is mounted on top of the engine and is quite large – so this should be factored into your considerations.
- Twin screw: These systems work by pulling air through then lobes. This air then becomes trapped in the rotor housing. From here, it is compressed through a cone shaped taper. It’s important to note these are often more expensive than other systems, and can be noisier.
- Centrifugal: This uses a powered impeller to draw air into a compressor at high speeds, which can easily reach speeds of 60,000 RPM. As the air draws in, it is converted into a high-pressure air that is pushed through the system. These are the most efficient systems available, and are best for high performance and race cars. These aren't as popular due to the expense and skill required for installation, so bear this in mind.
What are my Installation Options?
The way the supercharger is installed depends on the type of kit and supercharger accessories that you buy.
Some turbocharger kits may be easier to install than others. A root supercharger needs more room, along with a specially cut out hood. Meanwhile, a centrifugal model is going to be the most complicated to install due to its intricate fit and is, therefore, best left to professionals (like ours in Australia).
What are the Pros of Installing a Procharger Kit?
As well as that beautiful boost we touched on earlier, you can also expect:
- Increased efficiency: Turbochargers run off energy that is typically lost in naturally aspirated engines, therefore the retrieval of this energy improves the total effectiveness.
- A significant upsurge in horsepower: In fact, a turbo can increase power output by up to 25 percent – sometimes more.
- Better fuel economy: Smaller vehicles use less fuel to idle, and have less rotational and reciprocating mass, which improves fuel economy.
- Size vs. Power: Kit installation allows for smaller engine displacements to deliver much more power relative to their size.
Check out our range at Pro Speed Racing today – we have all the parts, components and accessories you need to lift the performance of your ride. For all enquiries, get in touch with our professional team today.