Whether you are an engineer, a speedster, or an auto enthusiast, you have certainly looked at methods to improve horsepower and speed.
A more powerful engine is also bigger, more expensive to maintain, and has more cylinders and normally aspirated displacement, which increases horsepower.
Using a supercharger is one of the most well-liked methods to increase an engine’s power without spending a fortune or adding a lot of weight.
Depending on the engine, superchargers deliver a 30–50% power boost rather than a set number of horsepower. The crankshaft powers the supercharger, which functions as an addition to your engine since it only increases the amount of air in the combustion chamber by the amount it can handle. When fitted correctly, it should not harm the engine in any way.
What Is a Supercharger?
An engine burns fuel and oxygen in a combustion chamber to generate power and drives a piston with the expanding gases. The combustion chamber can burn more fuel and generate more power if more air can be pumped into it.
The supercharger is used to increase the amount of air. A belt attached to the crankshaft powers the air compressor, which is mounted on top of or next to the engine.
The compressor forces more oxygen-rich air into the combustion chamber, which pressurizes the engine’s air. As a result, the engine can burn more gasoline and generate greater power.
How do superchargers work?
Because the engine’s crankshaft drives the supercharger, it only operates while the engine operates. The air entering the engine is compressed by the compressor, increasing air pressure.
The engine may burn more gasoline and create more power due to the increased pressure of oxygen-rich air entering the combustion chamber.
The size of the compressor, the kind of supercharger, and the engine’s efficiency all affect how much power an engine can get from a supercharger.
What Determines the Gain in Horsepower?
As we previously explained, the supercharger does not produce a set number of horsepower. About the initial horsepower of your automobile, the power is increased. The amount of horsepower gain you will get from a supercharger depends on a few distinct things. These are a few:
1. Compressor Size
The most crucial element in deciding how much power a supercharger can provide is the size of the compressor. The more air the compressor can push into the engine, the more power it can generate.
2. Supercharger type
The amount of power that a supercharger can add depends on its kind. Superchargers come in three primary categories:
- Roots Type – The most often used kind of supercharger today is the Roots Type, which the Roots Brothers created in the 1860s. A positive displacement blower draws air into the engine using two meshing rotors. Larger engines like V-12 and V-16 often employ this kind of supercharger. Consequently, it will significantly boost power, but it is also the most costly kind of supercharger.
- Centrifugal Type – Like a turbocharger, the centrifugal-type supercharger is driven by the engine rather than by exhaust gases. The air is drawn into the engine and compressed by centrifugal force. Smaller engines like four- and six-cylinder engines commonly employ this supercharger. Although less costly, it will enhance power less than a Roots-type supercharger.
- Twin-Screw Type – Like the Roots Type, the twin-screw supercharger employs two screws instead of rotors. The air is compressed within the engine by the screws. Additionally, this supercharger is often fitted to bigger engines like V-12S and V-16s. Although its price is more than the Roots kind, it will significantly gain power.
3. Engine Efficiency
The engine’s effectiveness also affects how much power a supercharger can provide. Compared to a less efficient engine, a more efficient engine will generate more power for the same air volume.
This is so that the air may be compressed more before it enters the combustion chamber, which is possible since a more efficient engine would have a greater compression ratio.
The advantages of a supercharger
Adding a supercharger to your engine has several advantages. The gain in power it offers is the most noticeable. Depending on the kind of supercharger and the compressor size, a supercharger may provide 30 to 100 horsepower.
It also has the potential to increase fuel efficiency. The supercharger’s additional air supply enables the engine to burn more gasoline, improving efficiency.
Last but not least, a supercharger may make your engine last longer. The supercharger’s additional airflow aids in cooling the engine and keeps it from overheating. Doing this may keep your engine from becoming damaged and increase its lifespan.
Turbochargers vs. Superchargers
Turbochargers must be mentioned while discussing superchargers. Like superchargers, turbochargers are driven by exhaust gases rather than engines.
As a result, they can improve power more than a supercharger can, but they are also more costly.
The fact that turbochargers are more efficient than superchargers is another distinction between the two. This is because the engine does not power them. Therefore they do not make it work harder.
Lastly, bigger engines like V-12s and V-16s generally require turbochargers. Although superchargers may be utilized on any size engine, they are most often employed on four- and six-cylinder engines with fewer cylinders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you switch a Supercharger on and off?
No, a supercharger cannot be turned on and off. Once installed, it remains on constantly. A belt attached to the crankshaft powers the supercharger, which is located on the engine.
What Supercharger Brand Should I Buy?
Your budget and the kind of engine you have will determine the brand of supercharger you purchase. A centrifugal-type supercharger from a firm like Vortech or Paxton will be an excellent option if you have a tiny engine.
A Roots-type supercharger from a firm like ProCharger or Whipple will be a better option if your engine is bigger.
How Much Does a Supercharger Cost?
Depending on the brand and kind of supercharger, a supercharger’s price will change. A Roots-style supercharger may cost between $3000 and $4000, while a centrifugal-style supercharger can cost between $500 and $2000.
Is Investing in a Supercharger Worth It?
Yes, if you want to boost your engine’s power, a supercharger is worthwhile. A supercharger may increase your car’s horsepower by anywhere between 30 and 100, significantly improving performance.
A supercharger may also increase fuel efficiency and lengthen the life of your engine.
Does My Car Need to Be Tuned After a Supercharger Is Installed?
Yes, tuning your automobile is necessary after adding a supercharger. To avoid causing engine damage, you must modify the fuel map and timing curve to account for the additional air the supercharger provides.
Either get an expert to tune your car or buy a tuner and do it yourself.
Conclusion
There is no predetermined horsepower output from superchargers. The crankshaft and functions drive the supercharger as an extension of your engine by only increasing the amount of air in the combustion chamber it can handle.
Because the power is increased in proportion to the initial horsepower of your car, supercharging cannot provide a set level of horsepower. The usual increase with a supercharger kit is between 30 and 50%, depending on the performance of your engine.
