05-31-2007, 12:46 AM
Superchargers are great in drag racing. All of the top fuel dragsters run superchargers because its instant power. And 1/10th at the beginning of the 1/4 mile is worth 3/10ths at the end (roughly).
However with todays variable vain turbo's, antilag systems and fueling curves you can pretty much get instant boost with a turbo. There will always be some delay though.
Cetrifugal chargers are simply a turbine intake impeller casing mounted to a wheel chair transmission (really, thats what the first centrifugal supercharger was, though now its all custom built exclusively for automotive purposes). And a centrifugal supercharger does take time to make boost, unlike a whipple or roots type supercharger.
A big single turbo makes more power but takes longer to spool. Two smaller twin turbo's can spool faster and make the same power, but are heavier (extra turbo and piping).
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Very simplified boost equation to figure out how much extra power an engine can make under "x" psi of boost.
(14.7 + xPSI) / 14.7 = E
E * (stock HP rating) = HP under xPSI of boost.
Example: 1998 LS1 from a corvette. 350hp n/a.
(14.7 + 7psi boost) / 14.7 = 1.476.
1.476 * 350hp = estimated 516hp at the crank under 7psi of boost.
This is an estimate. There are many variables not taken into account. Its just meant to give someone an idea of how boost affects an engines air flow.
However with todays variable vain turbo's, antilag systems and fueling curves you can pretty much get instant boost with a turbo. There will always be some delay though.
Cetrifugal chargers are simply a turbine intake impeller casing mounted to a wheel chair transmission (really, thats what the first centrifugal supercharger was, though now its all custom built exclusively for automotive purposes). And a centrifugal supercharger does take time to make boost, unlike a whipple or roots type supercharger.
A big single turbo makes more power but takes longer to spool. Two smaller twin turbo's can spool faster and make the same power, but are heavier (extra turbo and piping).
__________________
Very simplified boost equation to figure out how much extra power an engine can make under "x" psi of boost.
(14.7 + xPSI) / 14.7 = E
E * (stock HP rating) = HP under xPSI of boost.
Example: 1998 LS1 from a corvette. 350hp n/a.
(14.7 + 7psi boost) / 14.7 = 1.476.
1.476 * 350hp = estimated 516hp at the crank under 7psi of boost.
This is an estimate. There are many variables not taken into account. Its just meant to give someone an idea of how boost affects an engines air flow.
[SIZE="1"]Big Toy:'89 GTA LT1/4l60e, spohn this and that, needs a few more things.
Little Toys: Hyper One Seven | Inferno GT | Jammin X1cr | Jammin CRT Pro | 1989 Batmobile Replica
[/SIZE]
Little Toys: Hyper One Seven | Inferno GT | Jammin X1cr | Jammin CRT Pro | 1989 Batmobile Replica
[/SIZE]