Supercharger vs. Turbo, please advise

[Dipstik-sportech]

Superchargers take horsepower to make horsepower turbos don't. A centrifugal supercharger is basically a belt driven turbo so why bother when a turbo will do the same thing but better?

The Frozen North

[OjiGeorge]

Running a 2867r and the power comes on smooth and predictable. Was on the fence before going turbo, now that I have, I wouldn't even consider a SC for the 86. The high compression helps a lot when you are out of boost.

[mit_peid]

If you live in CA, CARB EO status may be important to you. AFAIK, there aren't any CARB legal turbo kits. The innovate, Vortech, Jackson Racing, and (soon to be) Kraftwerks S/C kits with "factory" tuned are CARB legal. Comes in handy when it comes time to get a smog check 4-5 years down the line (or to avoid a fix-it ticket).

[Kodename47]

Originally Posted by Dipstik-sportech

Superchargers take horsepower to make horsepower turbos don't. A centrifugal supercharger is basically a belt driven turbo so why bother when a turbo will do the same thing but better?

The Frozen North

Soooo.... where does the power come from that spins the turbo? Don't forget that a turbo is essentially a blockage in the exhaust that requires power to move. Admittedly it's not as much as a S/C but as S/C become more efficient, the trade off is less

[Dipstik-sportech]

It uses wasted heat and exhaust energy to create horsepower that is essentially free. And if you use a system like anti lag it turns the turbo into basically a small gas turbine. But yes is does create a restriction but no where near as parasitic as a supercharger

The Frozen North

[adprokid]

You bought the wrong car if you really like 0-60, but I will say get a turbo kit because turbo. With a little boost, lets say around 0.7 bar or less, you will reduce the chances of breaking stuff, find a cooling solutions that can be installed with your turbo setup, and drive safely.

[King Tut]

Has OP bought two of the big bottles yet?

[primalT]

Now I'm more confused than I was originally. It seems like more people are saying turbo but I've read other threads where more people are saying SC. So I guess there are pros and cons to each.

I do not live in california by the way so I don't care about the weird emissions requirements, and we have 93 octane here.

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by primalT

Now I'm more confused than I was originally. It seems like more people are saying turbo but I've read other threads where more people are saying SC. So I guess there are pros and cons to each.

I do not live in california by the way so I don't care about the weird emissions requirements, and we have 93 octane here.

Turbo is nice because of the power. Turbo is not nice because you have to be diligent in making sure everything is reliable. That means you better do your research and really go above and beyond what people sometimes may say is okay. More importantly, I'd hit up @SmsAlSuwaidi or @King Tut for big power. If you're looking for reliable turbo power for tracking, then @CSG Mike has that expertise.

Supercharger gives you a good % bump in power. It's directly related to the engine speed (belt driven). Response is different and heat soaking characteristics are different. Power potential is lower than a turbo, but the kits available these days show that heat management isn't as much of an issues as turbos. There are a few reasons and it's simply due to where the heat comes from and how much less power superchargers are capable of pushing out compared to their turbo brethren.

0-60 time is as important with power as is with proper suspension and wheel/tire setup. With all that power, you better be able to put that power down. On top of that, 0-60 doesn't end there...what about slowing down properly? With additional weight and additional grip, your tires will be working a little hard to slow yourself down.

[CSG Mike]

When was the last time you actually launched your car to do a 0-60?

Serious question.

5-60 times are more relevant to most people.

[kaybee123]

I wanted linear acceleration for all around handling, a substantial power boost and the most reliability so I went with a supercharger.

It's a daily driver after all and the point of doing all this was for the car to be as fast as it looks. It makes a considerable difference over stock (ie: you can get in trouble very quickly).

This summer I'm planning on buying Michelin Sports and maybe increasing the PSI with a smaller pulley. Should be fun!

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by CSG David

More importantly, I'd hit up @SmsAlSuwaidi or @King Tut for big power. If you're looking for reliable turbo power for tracking, then @CSG Mike has that expertise.

Not sure if compliment or slam on our cars being unreliable.

[Dipstik-sportech]

Sad I didn't make the list

The Frozen North

[Turdinator]

The best way to decide what you would prefer is get to a local meet and see if someone with each setup will take you for a spin or better yet let you drive. Then do your research. There is lots of info on what the different kits provide and are capable of.

Also keep in mind that any modifications of this level are not an install and forget affair. They will at least require a good amount of time tuning and tweaking. There will also be added maintenance.