I know that they do not make a Turbo kit for thirdgens yet but I was wondering when they come out with a turbo kit, which would give more power? A turbo or a supercharger?

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1989 Iroc-Z 5.7 350, Blue, T-Tops

Lightly Moded:
Edelbrock Headers, Rebuilt B&M 700R-4 Tranny, Higher Stall Torque Converter, Airfoil, 3.4 w\posi, K&N's, Ported & Polished Plenum
-- Blue LED Bakelite Dash & Climate Control
- I am just some 17 Year old spending every dollar I make on my car.

 

Turbocharger, because if everything else is the same, you won't have the 50-100 hp loss needed to spin the blower. The increase in exhaust backpressure does cause some HP loss, but that's only 1/4 of the engine cycle, and not much compared to the energy you get from it. Hope this helps!


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Andris Skulte
Skulte Performance Designs
Z28tt-89 IROC T56 DFI Twin Turbo
http://www.skulte.com

 

a turbo takes away 0-5 hp for every 100 hp it produces. supercharger takes away around 30 hp for every 100 hp it makes. a turbo would be better in my mind, if you have the funds.

 

Two identical engines with the same boost, one with supercharger and one with turbo.

The turbo engine will have less effective boost (intake pressure - exhaust pressure) and it will therefore flow less and have less crank hp.

The supercharger will rob some hp from the crank and reduce the hp reaching the wheels.

That is probably true with the old roots type blower, but the modern centrefugal superchargers are just as effective as a compressor in a turbo. The supercharger will lose some in the gearbox and the belt drive and the turbo has less rotating mass. I agree that the turbo setup is more effective, but the difference is not that big.


Why select a supercharter?
+ Easier installation, no need to change the stock exhaut.
+ Lower under hood temperatures, almost the same temp as a stock engine.
+ Easier fuel calibration, boost follows RPM, not engine load.
+ No turbo lag.
- Low boost at low RPM
- At high hp the belt can slip
- The supercharger has more parts that can fail. ( gearbox, pulleys, ball bearings )

Why select a turbo?
+ It is possible to get more hp
+ Few moving parts (only one)
+ Can have full boost at low RPM
- Turbo lag
- Must let the turbo cool down before shuting the engine off.
- Difficult exhaust plumbing.
- Very high under hood temperatures.


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Jonas Bylund