What is the difference between superchargers and turbochargers?
A lot of time and effort goes into designing an engine. The engine’s displacement capacity and functionality go a long way in determining its performance capability. But for those looking for ways to enhance the overall power output, additional components are integrated into the engine, one of the popular ones being the supercharger. How does a supercharger work? What is the difference between superchargers and turbochargers? Well, we at Bluff Road Auto Sales in Columbia, South Carolina, have put together this article to give you a better idea.
When it comes to performance-enhancing components, we can get into a lot of technical talks. But that would require a sizeable amount of time along with a lengthy write-up. Hence, we are going to break it down into simple terms. Thinking of buying a new pre-owned vehicle? Contact us today to schedule a test drive.
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What is a Supercharger?
A supercharger is an air compressor that increases the pressure of air supplied to an internal combustion engine. This helps in increasing the power output as the engine gets more oxygen in each of its intake cycles and hence, results in the burning of more fuel. They can either be powered mechanically by means of a belt, shaft, or a chain connected to the engine’s crankshaft. These are the two types of superchargers that are available – positive displacement and dynamic compressors.
In simple terms, the positive displacement superchargers deliver a constant level of pressure increase at all engine speeds (RPM). On the other hand, Dynamic Compressor superchargers do not put out as much pressure at lower speeds but deliver exponential speed pressure above its threshold.
Superchargers vs Turbochargers
Here it is, this is the most legendary competition in the automotive industry and does not have any outright winner. Both these components have their own advantages and have loyal fan bases of their own. At the end of the day, both have the same result, which is to feed the engine with more cool air that helps the engine to burn more fuel and produce more power.
Turbochargers work on the velocity and energy of exhaust gases that are expelled from the engine’s cylinders to spin the turbine which powers a small compressor to pump more air back into the engine.
A supercharger, on the other hand, is powered mechanically by the engine via a belt that runs off the crankshaft or in some cases, an electric motor.
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