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Superchargers - Blow some airJun 22 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Superchargers are great, if going fast or hauling big loads are your goals.
A lot of times you'll see cars advertised as either supercharged or turbocharged. What does this mean, really? Everyone knows that both make your engine more powerful, but how do they do it? It's easy, really. They blow air. That's why you'll sometimes hear a supercharger referred to as a blower. Turbochargers and superchargers perform the exact same function, but go about it in different ways. Today we'll talk about superchargers and how they work. There are two types of superchargers available: 1. Accessory Mounted 2. Manifold Mounted The accessory mounted type is connected to the engine just like any of the other accessories on your car; i.e., alternators, power steering pumps, etc. This type of supercharger is widely used in small car applications and when under hood space is at a premium. The manifold type is mounted directly to the manifold. This type of supercharger is only used on V-type engines because it must be mounted in the centerline of the block so that a belt can be attached. But what does it DO?? The technical term for what a supercharger and/or turbocharger does is "Forced Air Induction". All this really means is that a supercharger does nothing more than pump air into the engine for more efficient combustion. In normal operation your engine uses a fuel/air mixture which is ignited and burned. This is what provides the power that makes your engine turn. Typical fuel injection systems and carburetors can only get in a mixture of about 19% - 21% oxygen. Of course, oxygen is one of the main components to fire, so the more oxygen you can concentrate in the combustion chamber, the more gasoline you will burn. A supercharger forces more air in than is available normally, thus increasing the amount of oxygen available for the combustion process. Have I confused you yet? Think of a campfire. If you light it and watch for a while, it will kind of sputter and flicker. But if you lean in and blow on it a little, it'll flare up and burn brighter. Same thing for a supercharger. So, if they're so great, why don't all cars have them?? Great question! The answer is, not all cars need them. The average grocery-getter has more than adequate power for it's needs. A supercharger is a high-performance add-on for the top-end sports cars in most car makers' line-ups. Diesel engines are almost always supercharged or turbocharged, because diesels are called on to perform heavy-duty tasks that require the extra power produced. Also, because of the chemical composition of diesel fuel, and the limited power range of diesel engines, turbo/superchargers make the difference. Drag race cars use forced air induction as well, but NASCAR does not. The downside to supercharging is reduced engine life and high cost. A powerful engine is a lot of fun, but all that power takes it's toll. Also, supercharged engines require high-octane fuel. With the price of gas these days, that is not a small thing. Finally, superchargers are expensive, and require professional installation. Most people who have installed one, however, would tell you that these drawbacks are insignificant compared to the extraordinary power gains achieved. I hope this has helped explain the function of a supercharger.  |
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