Ok, I just wanted to run this by all you folks.

My father (who happens to be an ex engeneer for GM) and myself have been discussing a supercharger that would not run off the engine.

What we have discussed is taking a starter motor, (spins around 10000 RPM, and produces around 10HP) and operate a (Paxton style) supercharger from it. It would NOT run all the time, but would run off of a switch on the accelerator during WOT for 15 seconds then shut off. It would also shut off when you released the pedal.

Do you think it would work???



------------------
87 Formula 5.1 converted to TPI Yellow/Black
SLP cam, headers, cat-back exhaust
Ported & polished TPI intake
Gil Younger (no yo-yo) Shift Kit
Aluminum Driveshaft
3.73 Posi gear
Baer 12" brakes 4 wheels
KYB AGX Adjustable Shocks & struts
Hotchkis strut tower brace
South side machine frame connecters
Custom reinforced control arms and pan hard bar.
Custom Leather interior
CUSTOM Yellow Gauge Faces

87 Formula TPI (5 Speed) Yellow/Gray STOCK

1967 Buick Riviera 430hp Turns high 14's (Not bad for 4300 lbs)

83 Camaro (Parts)
83 T/A (parts)

http://www.3rdgenformula.com

 

I'm no expert, but I've read that supercharging an engine takes alot of power....alot more than 10hp. I don't think a starter motor has enough *****..not by far.

------------------
"American made baby. 100% American iron. The muscle among the masses. My hero. Yep, you can take your ergonomically designed, space age, computer controlled, 4 door, cup holding map lighted split double wishbone split fold down retractable cargo covered moon roof piece of transportation and keep it. For I have felt the thunder. And I know the difference!"
JSP Motorsports
ICON Motorsports

 

My guess is that it probably has the HP to turn it considering the gear reduction advantage but I dont think that you are going to get the blower to spin to cause enough of a HP increase in the motor. Too many parasitic losses in that system to be beneficial.

BW

 

You are going to have to make about 40 HP with your electric motor and have the associated battery storage / recharge capability. In theory, not a bad idea but in reality the packaging is going to be a nightmare.

 

10 hp = 7460 watts

14 volts * 533 amps = 7460 watts = 10 hp

Assuming 100% efficent motors.

Do you see where this is going and why it is difficult to make work?

 

Starter motors are also designed for low duty-cycle applications. They'll turn to slag if they're run for more than a few seconds.

 

how about gearing?

 

The fundamental laws of thermodynamics:

1. You can't win, you can only break even.
2. You can't even break even.

 

Apeiron,
I thought about the short duty cycle, that is why I was thinking of only having a 15 second timer on it, and it would also stop when I released the gas pedal. Since that would get me at least a 1/4 mile, I think it would be enough.

I too thought that there would not be enough power in the starter motor to get enough pressure to work right.

Try this if you don't have a supercharger. Start the engine and put ypur hand in front of the intake, rev it a little bit, i was AMAZED at the amount of air that is pulled in.

John

 

I have been interested in that idea also. I just couldn't find the right motor for the attempt. I was going to get a Garret T3 turbo which can be found commonly on ebay or salvage yards and remove the exhaust assembly make a gear for the shaft and spin it with the electric motor at around 3 to 1 ratio. Spinning the turbo setup should be much easier than trying to turn that big paxton mess. You might get by with less hp too that way. Let me know what you find.

 

Electric motors are grossly inefficient, especially when they're just starting up. Your alternator would require more power to turn the thing than you'd get out of it.

[This message has been edited by Apeiron (edited June 20, 2001).]

 

Consider getting a second battery, and drain that one. That might solve the extra drain on the alt.

 

Go back and look at a73camaro's post.

 

Check these guys out. http://www.turbodyne.com/
They specialize in electric turbo systems for commercial truck applications. I'm sure you could get one to work on your car. The only drawback is limited boost pressure (around 4psi), and the extreme current draw.

------------------
'91 RS
SFC's & Poly bushings so far.

 

LOL! I enjoyed that version of the fundamental laws of thermodynamics.


[This message has been edited by a73camaro (edited June 23, 2001).]