Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Forced Induction the difference between turbo and sc?

Let me see...

Superchargers make more power down low in the powerband, but also create what's caled "parasitic loss" because it takes engine power to spin the SC. Turbo's don't suffer from this since the flow of the car's exhaust "spools" up the turbo. Both the SC and Turbo produce power by shoving lots of air (boost) into your engine. The downside to a turbo is if it isn't done right you have a long spool up time and lag. Turbo's sound infinitley cooler though! I like to think of it this way, If I were building a 1/4 mile dragster, I'd probably supercharge it...for road racing, I'd probably go turbo. If properly set up, It's hard to say which is superior so it comes down to taste and application.