Turbo or Supercharger
Turbo or Supercharger
I have an LS3/T56 in my 91 camaro. Swapped it three years ago, but now I want more power and more fun factor haha. Ls3 is already cammed with a little head porting/valve springs/headers, etc. nothing too major but it goes good for what it is.
Now I've been reading some stuff about about turbos lately and am leaning towards one over a supercharger now, mainly cost is the biggest thing.
What's the pros and cons to each?
What will my ls3 really hold up to until I stroke it as well?
Don't worry about the trans/diff/driveshaft, etc as everything will be getting built before I make big power, I just wanna get all my ***** in a line before pulling the trigger here.
Car is mainly a street car/fun toy that sees little miles. Might take it to the track occasionally if I ever find the time.
Now I've been reading some stuff about about turbos lately and am leaning towards one over a supercharger now, mainly cost is the biggest thing.
What's the pros and cons to each?
What will my ls3 really hold up to until I stroke it as well?
Don't worry about the trans/diff/driveshaft, etc as everything will be getting built before I make big power, I just wanna get all my ***** in a line before pulling the trigger here.
Car is mainly a street car/fun toy that sees little miles. Might take it to the track occasionally if I ever find the time.
Re: Turbo or Supercharger
From my research:
I have only seen one company that makes a centrifugal supercharger bracket to fit a LS powered 3rd gen and its expensive.
You can put a roots charger on the LS motor and there is its pros and cons...( I went this route)
I wanted the power through out my RPM band which is why i made this choice... the cons it seems like it can make less power for the money you put in it
Turbos... its seems alot of people who want more power on this board go with a turbo... probably cause its cheaper(alot) and they like the power gains more. If it wasnt for crowding the engine bay and taking the chance in getting rid of the AC turbo is better for more power as I see it...
Good luck these are my observations and Im sure someone may disagree.
I have only seen one company that makes a centrifugal supercharger bracket to fit a LS powered 3rd gen and its expensive.
You can put a roots charger on the LS motor and there is its pros and cons...( I went this route)
I wanted the power through out my RPM band which is why i made this choice... the cons it seems like it can make less power for the money you put in it
Turbos... its seems alot of people who want more power on this board go with a turbo... probably cause its cheaper(alot) and they like the power gains more. If it wasnt for crowding the engine bay and taking the chance in getting rid of the AC turbo is better for more power as I see it...
Good luck these are my observations and Im sure someone may disagree.
Re: Turbo or Supercharger
I prefer superchargers. Bottom end torque is intoxicating
If you're seeking a number, turbos are generally the better route as they deliver better peak results most times. Dont think that they are cheaper unless you DIY for everything
If you're seeking a number, turbos are generally the better route as they deliver better peak results most times. Dont think that they are cheaper unless you DIY for everything
Re: Turbo or Supercharger
ProCharger
I much prefer the power curve of a SC rather than the spool of a turbo. Plus the sound is just badass.
Either way you're going to have to replace your cam to make proper use of forced induction.
I much prefer the power curve of a SC rather than the spool of a turbo. Plus the sound is just badass. Either way you're going to have to replace your cam to make proper use of forced induction.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 2
From: North Salt Lake
Car: '86 Camaro, '94 Camaro, 3 others
Engine: LG4 ->L29, L32->LR4, L36, LG4, L31
Transmission: 700R-4, T5WC, 4L80E, SM465, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, WTB/WTT 2.93
Re: Turbo or Supercharger
You don't have to swap cams nor give up a/c to enjoy a turbo. An A/R around 0.81 will spool up well on a 6.2, for daily street you really shouldn't need a 0.96 or larger, you'll already not be able to hook a pair of 315-width drag radials. My 4.8 will be starting at 0.81 and may well end up with a 0.67 A/R hot-side.
The Superchargers tend to do better on emissions then front turbos, but you can do your own rear turbo, as I am working on for my '86 Camaro, and that makes it technically legal, so long as what comes out the tailpipe is clean enough.
With the supercharger you should run headers, but with the turbo you should use the '01-'02 Z28 exhaust manifolds, especially for rear-turbo. For front turbo you may have to give up a/c and need a custom header on one side. The other side should still be a manifold.
The costs are less for turbo. Either way you need injectors. If you're running a stalled auto you don't need a blow-off valve, but you must use one if you have a T56.
For a 6.2 you'd be better off with 2 small turbos than one big one, but with rear turbo, STS, who pioneered this, claims you don't have to go so big, so a T76 might suffice. Also, IIRC, they use smaller A/Rs for rear-mount. And no intercooler needed because of the long feed from the turbo to the TB.
The supercharger may help with getting a "canned" tune to work, but if you exactly copy someone else's combo you can buy a copy of their tune also, whichever way you go.
If I had your engine, I'd sell the heads and intake, use LQ4 heads and LS2 intake, to help spool-up even more.
The Superchargers tend to do better on emissions then front turbos, but you can do your own rear turbo, as I am working on for my '86 Camaro, and that makes it technically legal, so long as what comes out the tailpipe is clean enough.
With the supercharger you should run headers, but with the turbo you should use the '01-'02 Z28 exhaust manifolds, especially for rear-turbo. For front turbo you may have to give up a/c and need a custom header on one side. The other side should still be a manifold.
The costs are less for turbo. Either way you need injectors. If you're running a stalled auto you don't need a blow-off valve, but you must use one if you have a T56.
For a 6.2 you'd be better off with 2 small turbos than one big one, but with rear turbo, STS, who pioneered this, claims you don't have to go so big, so a T76 might suffice. Also, IIRC, they use smaller A/Rs for rear-mount. And no intercooler needed because of the long feed from the turbo to the TB.
The supercharger may help with getting a "canned" tune to work, but if you exactly copy someone else's combo you can buy a copy of their tune also, whichever way you go.
If I had your engine, I'd sell the heads and intake, use LQ4 heads and LS2 intake, to help spool-up even more.
Last edited by cosmick; Apr 8, 2015 at 08:34 AM.
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