Superchargers vs Turbo Kits: Which to Choose?

[@AndysAutoSportTV]

We were speaking of properly sized turbos, which is why lag wasn't mentioned. In a well-sorted turbo kit or custom setup, lag is not an issue. Thanks for watching!

[@musskeeterbump]

Supercharger for a daily Turbo for the track and weekends . In terms of reliability

[@EnvyMeGkB]

Id have to disagree, superchargers are way faster off the line and deliver boost much quicker than a turbo... While you are hammering low end torque off the line with the S/C the turbo needs some time to spool. Don't get it twisted though once the turbo spools up it's a race to the end!

[@xXcondidiXx]

Why not both?

[@tlv156]

I love the sound and simplicity of the supercharger better. Just me though.

[@milesjohnson8821]

Only centrifugal superchargers reach their maximum boost at redline. Twin screws don't

[@HAHAdom]

Personally, I love my supercharger :) On a daily driven car, it gives a really satisfying feeling of effortless torque even when just driving around town. Plus I can't get enough of the sound ;)

[@NQGriggs]

2:33 " You just uninstall the top portion of the manifold, you bolt [the supercharger] into place, hook up a belt, and it's ready to run." Ready to run my ass. You need to upgrade the fuel pump, put larger injectors in, install spark plugs with a smaller gap and colder heat range, upgrade the MAF sensor, etc. By the way, you need to remove all of the intake manifold, not just the "top portion" (that's called the plenum), in order to install runners that are designed for supercharged applications. When the valves snap shut, they create pressure waves that propagate through the manifold runners, and if you have the wrong ones, those waves, combined with boost pressure, will make the air so turbulent, some air will actually start flowing the wrong way out of the manifold. And he used the word "literally" wrong. End rant.

[@177SCmaro]

As for SC's: A roots superchargers is a positive displacement pump.THEY tend to produce more "area under the curve" then turbos, not the other way around. They do so because, unlike a turbo that varies the amount of air it moves with speed, roots SC's basically move the same amount of air with every revolution throughout the ENTIRE rpm range. They do so because they are mechanically linked to the engine's crankshaft thus always have the same rpm ratio with the engine.

[@MrBaldman009]

I guess someone forgot to mention about turbo lag?! Turbos are absolutely useless until enough exhaust pressure is built up in the engine to spin the compressor! Superchargers are better because they constantly run from idle to redline with no lag inbetween! Power comes on smoother and is constant through the powerband of the engine!

[@KTM990WFO]

A lot of people bring up the fact that superchargers require a bit of power from the engine in order for them to turn as well. What people also forget is that a turbocharger sits right in the middle of the exhaust flow, which still robs horsepower. It's not a direct leech like a supercharger, but it is still a deficiency IE the engine would make more power without the turbo interrupting the exhaust flow. However the boost the turbo provides far outweighs the small loss of power it causes, just like a supercharger.

[@CyberGMonster]

Another pro for SC setup? That whine!! I love it!!

[@Trav450ER]

I hate it when people say "you put on an 8lbs pulley and you'll be making 8lbs!" NO! Pulleys are referred to in SIZE, like 3.3", 2.76", and so fourth... every engine is different. A bone stock engine running (for example an Eaton M112 blower, stock on the 03-04 Terminators) with stock exhaust including manifolds and air intake system will run 8lbs of boost with a 3.3" pulley. Where as the same engine with full exhaust work, long tube headers, aftermarket cold air intake, allowing the engine to breathe better may run 6lbs of boost on that same pulley. Seen it may times where people ask why they drop boost numbers when they upgrade the intake and exhaust... Pulleys are refereed to by size... not how many lbs of boost they make. Now advantages to Turbos: Make power at the mid to top end, gets its power from a waste product, and can support high HP numbers, but Disadvantages are Turbo lag, and how much room you have to play with, and how much you want to spend. Supercharger advantages: Torque and HP at an instant, but can only support so much power until you need to upgrade and so fourth... Disadvantage: Uses engine power to make power... so you give a little to get a lot!

[@kahlesssmith9681]

You can change the boost on superchargers. centrifugal superchargers work pretty much like turbos except they are belt driven. you can throw a wastegate on those and pulley them for 20+ but run them at whatever you feel like with a proper controller.

[@umar77995]

He totally forgot about turbo lag lol and how superchargers have instant power.

[@TheSwackar]

this is the way i look at it. if your car already has a turbo/SC stick with what it has. if it doesnt have either i would go with a SC unless you know what you are doing or you have alot of money and time for someone else to do it

[@PhoenixAutosportsExperience]

Since when does a positive displacement blower need rpm to make peak boost? He's not differentiating between centrifugal and positive displacement blowers.

[@dylanknight4752]

superchargers also need an upgraded cooling system. Even though it's belt driven, the motor still can get really hot with all the added power especially when hard sustained driving is involved. But, at least thats an easier job than turbo conversions!

[@PowershiftFactory]

So much misinformation between the two here and in the comments. All of the information here on the Supercharger side is SO wrong... Firstly there are a few different types of super chargers but for simplicity sake the two most common are centrifugal and positive displacement (the TRD one shown is the latter). Centrifugal superchargers are basically a turbo compressor spun by the engine via a belt and a gear drive, instead of exhaust. Off Idle they will make very low boost and achieve maximum boost at the top end so at 1k = 0psi --> 4k rpm =5psi -->7k rpm =8 psi that is what is described in the video and thats correct for that type specifically. Positive displacement superchargers however are a whole different monster, they displace a specific volume of air for each rotation, their capacity is measured in liters, cc, or cubic inches. These will generate FULL boost pressures at all RPMs if the throttle demand is there if you floor it at 1k you will see maximum boost pressure right then and there all the way to red line. back to the turbo part the only turbos that will preform optimally at the top and bottom of the rev range are very expensive OEM variable geometry turbos like those used in the CSX VNT or newer Ford Ecoboost engines. Normal turbochargers are plagued with the fact that a turbo that can build boost at low RPMs while still maintaining that boost at higher RPMs end up choking the exhaust flow reducing horse power. A bigger turbo will create more power on the top of the RPM range but will have turbo lag at the bottom.

[@aspieotaku3580]

You get more power out of turbo than super chargers but costs more and theres lag while superchargers are cheaper and theres no lag.

[@Wildkat-1]

If turbos made more HP, then Top Fuel & Funny Cars would be using them , turbos do sap less HP from the engine to operate, but you loose boost at low rpm & have to waste boost at high rpm, thus making tuning a constant struggle. Roots & vane type Sup.Chgrs. are much more efficient and less trouble to maintain ..plus you can dial the prefered boost pressure according to the overdrive ...

[@Tlp114]

1st time i have seen anything by Andy Auto Sport... im hooked.

[@jacobrose5789]

This is wrong a turbo charger does not get max boost at low rpm it runs on exhaust at higher rpm there is more exhaust. On a super charger it runs on belt so u get maximum boost at low rpm. This video is wrong

[@StephenEllsworthLee]

dont comment if you don't know what the fuck your talking about

[@Angel7black]

it really depends on the size of the turbo.

[@jacobrose5789]

i know what im talking about my uncle installs turbos. and in this video it does not give a example of different sized turbos

[@Chrislav7]

I went with a Supercharger setup for my 01 Mustang GT. It seemed more practical and I also like that it has it's own oil supply. I was also able to install the supercharger myself. It was time consuming, but really its just "bolt on". No real special tools were needed, except a supportive wife. It was also considerably cheaper than the equivalent turbo setup for my car. Thanks for the invaluable information Andys auto sports!

[@177SCmaro]

Yes. It's called twincharging, (not to be confused with a twin turbo system). It can be designed to run either in parallel,with some kind of diverter valve to switch from roots supercharger to turbo, or in series, aka compound supercharging, where, usually, the turbo feeds the roots supercharger and they can either both contribute to making boost, or the roots supercharger can be by-passed at higher speeds/boost. This lets you have instant boost with the efficiency of a turbo but it's expensive.

[@jestermcnasty]

I love my supercharger, the loud whine you get is just orgasmic!

[@jakeshinnick2011]

God damn your videos are just straight forward , non biased and excellent. Thank you so much for making these. I watch alot of KZbin but this is television level and I love it.

[@Sho3Game]

Stumbled upon this video on accident. I love it. I'm glad to finally find a fairly clear, accurate description.

[@robvoyles]

Super Charger hands down, no lag, no heat, instant power and sounds way cooler too.

[@kief4diamonds]

depends on several things. simplicity, heat, efficiency, torque down low, linear torque, weekend install, month long install, and to spend 5-10k depending on if you do it right or not. and with all that power, everything else starts breaking. stock trannies, stock suspension, cylinders/ringlands ect.....

[@JPN850R]

-S/C's don't have a boost lag like turbo's (linear boost throughout the RPM; more so at low-to-mid RPM range) -S/C's are usually more expensive -The most critical thing to remember for a turbo is oil management -Some cars can only accommodate S/C unless one decides to go illegal/track-only -Both may require ECU tuning

[@Bryce70]

AAS was always my favorite place to look for aftermarket parts 3 years ago. Glad to see you're still doing just as good!

[@Reaper1008]

I keep thinking to say, that eclipse in the intro, the sunburst orange, is an awesome car. I had one ( the 4 g eclipse was one of my favorite ), was same color and all, it only had on the typhoon intake, loved that car.. but a F-150 ran a light and we hit in the intersection.. I really enjoy your videos..

[@AndysAutoSportTV]

Agreed. This is why the “electric superchargers” don’t work. Also, you would have a hard time getting any positive boost or pressure with an inadequate source. I am aware that if a car needs 500 cfm and you have a 200 cfm source, you would get nothing. It was an apples to apples comparison and accurate with all things being equal being able to supply equal engines with 1 atmosphere above the required amount of air.

[@Redblower]

One important comment that i would like to make is that the supercharger uses a lot more fuel and parasytic losses become huge particularly without intercooling. I have two cars with a turbo in one and a supercharger in the other. Small quick to spool turbos like the Garrett 2560 are the way to go these days. also with the water cooled units you don't need to bother with the old cool down after a run timer setup. thanks for the great video.

[@AndysAutoSportTV]

Based on what we sell, that's simply not true. Turbo kits can definitely get up there in price, but let's say you're looking for a Garrett GT28 setup. That's right around $1k for the turbo alone, not $3k.

[@MajorArtillary]

Hey friend, if you need to ask that type of question than I recommend learning a bit more about cars before you make a decision like that. Yes you can supercharge anything with a combustion engine. I personally recommend a Vortech.

[@AndysAutoSportTV]

We get what you're saying, but based on the turbos that we sell, a lot of people are looking at small turbos as either an upgrade for their existing stock turbos, or as a beginner setup. In any case, thanks for watching and for your comments!

[@flavour842]

Turbochargers themselves may be in the mid 1k if you are buying something good, but can go up into the 10k range for all the plumbing, BOV/DV, intercooler, manifold, etc.

[@MarxAA]

Finally someone givine the turbo a fair shakedown!! Gets tiring hearing people always knock turbos for "Lag", and un-reliablity! Just like you explained with propper sizing and tuning, turbos almost always out perform Super-chargers!! great vid!! on my way to your website now, im in the market for STS' 5.7 hemi turbo kit! lol. thanks for the vid!

[@429mas]

kenne bell mammoth supercharger all the way keeps you at boost almost throughout the entire RPM before u hit redline

[@glentight]

can i just add that the limiting factors of a twin screw/roots are a. its capacity and b. pulley size. a 2.3l twin screw/roots will compress 2.3l of air with each full rotation of the screws. pulley size will dictate how many crank revolutions are required to make one full revolution of the screws. the ratio of crank revolutions to screw revolutions is fixed by pulley size, where belt slip is nil. resulting in a fixed boost pressure. however many manufacturers do things slightly differently. clutches/controlled slip..these are non issues at WOT above idle. twin screws genrate less heat than roots due to a smoother airflow pattern. there seem to be many more turbo people these days, also in the comments, but every FI setup will eventually require an intercooler, bigger injectors, upgraded fuel pump, maybe even pistons, rods, crank... modfied cam/s....etc. because..boost is gooood. and you will always want more. i don't care how you like to get the air in....just force it!

[@keundrich]

How can you dislike a video like this?!?!?! Your in here for this type of info, or you ain't. Super video btw! Thanks

[@IcemanSam650]

I have an mr2 turbo and I love it! Cant beat a turbo!

[@MajorArtillary]

I remember when my dad and I spent a few months planning a grudge match at the local drag strip, him with his 2011 Camaro and my '95 Camaro Z28. I spent quite a few paychecks on rebuilding the motor and going all out with parts, upgrades, and a reinforced tranny. Topped it off with a Vortech making 8 pounds. He always boasted that his car was faster, but when the tree hit green his jaw hit the floorboard when I rocketed down the strip!

[@maddgear1312]

Gotta love that mini in the background

[@wildman00sax]

I'm a SC kind of dude. I love turbos for the power potential, but you can't beat the supercharger for instant boost and that intimidation factor.

[@DavidBoy333]

Thank you sir! You helped me getting a much better understanding of Turbo and Superchanging technology!

[@177SCmaro]

Couple of things: If a turbo is so small that it's able to be fully spooled to deliver max boost "as low as 3000RPM" then odds are it's going to be restrictive above that rpm. If the turbo is large enough to deliver max boost at high rpm, then not only is it more susceptible to lag, it's also not going to deliver much boost at low rpms. This is the balancing act we play with turbochargers.

[@sameerjura6535]

I love turbos.

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Great video, But... Sometimes specific applications bend the rules a little bit... So the Edelbrock kit for the Toyota (Scion) 86 (Frs) for example makes good torque low down with all the benefits of the simpler install etc

[@andilemhlongo9744]

Thanks AndysAutoSportTV I got what I was looking for

[@StreetCruizer]

That is very true. Because I also appreciate the linearity and immediacy a supercharger would be the way to go. I just can't stand that whine. While many enthusiasts love it, I really hate that sound. It almost sounds like a worn out gearbox. The whistle and blow off noise of a Turbo is just that more pleasent to listen to. I'd prefer an SC characteristic that sounds like a Turbo. Or at least doesn't sound at all like in the current Audi S4 where you have to listen very closely to notice the SC.

[@jjcvk]

great video. covered most things in depth without dragging and getting boring!! just found your channel, naturally i've subbed ;)

[@alguien3732]

Simply use a larger supercharger but divide it in longitudinal stages, so you can manage how many stages you want add making use of a set of valves.

[@TaLoCc]

im pretty sure people are saying the superchager would make full boost and the turbo would lag blah blah blah. but its up to your comment approval..no wonder

[@vintageman91]

The best is to have both like the Lancia Delta S4 rallycar from the mid 80s had, It had the supercharger to reduce the turbolag and then the turbo took over at higher speed. Only a 1.8 Litre inline 4 and produced around 470-500 bhp and Able up to about 650hp in a 890kg car. Ofcourse the avarage person could not afford that and install it the way they did but still a very cool setup.

[@scarnicom1]

Great video guys! I don't know a whole lot about cars in general, but this defiantly helped me out a lot on my decision for my Srt-8 Magnum. Thank you!

[@docholiday9513]

If you live in Cali superchargers are the way to go for passing emissions especially for g37/370z/g35/350z.

[@CRUSIALP]

I think that for imports a turbo or twin turbo will fit you better and for American cars a supercharger is preferred just add a big pully and anyways for the most time they have massively big engines either way By the way the video was simply perfect and very informational

[@StreetCruizer]

Great video. There is just one more point I can't agree a 100% with. And that is that Superchargers aren't easy to tune. Take the current Audi S4 with 333 stock hp. That car is supercharged although it says 3.0T on the side just to confuse people. You can get this car to way over 400hp just by a new software (ecu upgrade). That is almost 1/3 gain in hp which also pretty common with Turbo Upgrades. So there are easy to tunce superchargers out there.

[@SchochInSocks]

you are definitely right but I gotta go with a supercharger just because its far less complex and im with you the sound is amazing :D

[@yjkader]

In a V format motor, you're usually better off with a supercharger as it can be costly to make up 2 pieces of exhaust manifolds that rejoin for the turbo. You could go twin turbo but that means 2 of everything = Not cheap! However, turbocharging an inline motor requires less components and space, you're better off going the turbo route.

[@RobertMoua]

I know how you feel. I say if your have anything that's 4L(liters) and up, go supercharge. Anything 3L and below go turbocharge. Then again it comes down to what you want it to be set for. Drag, Autobahn, time attack, etc. Thus you must also consider your power band too. I would hate to build 24psi (hypothetically speaking) on 6K RPM(Redline) knowing you would have to shift and rebuild that boost from 3-4K all the way back to redline. whatever it is man, good luck on your build.

[@97markviii]

That's debatable, since you can get superchargers dirt cheap and the ease of install is very simple. Also turbo has more moving parts so it will need more maintenance over a supercharger. Whatever you choose you need a good tune or you'll be needing a new motor in no time.

[@treytrey7681]

I Love The Supercharger Whine👏🏾

[@saadat1992]

Well, that was a really informative video! A diesel car with a proper turbo will easily beat a petrol vehicle of the same power! Turbo Charged diesels FTW!

[@wilsongoalie1]

Good comparison between the two. Another thing you should include is the engine management needed to run the turbo. My 2008 tacoma has the TRD supercharger and mine has the TRD reflash to run the S/C (80$). For me to properly tune a S/C I would have needed a 2000$ tuning device and an experienced tuner with a dyno. I know ever case is different but that is one thing I think you should include in the comparison.

[@crimson4867]

He looks kinda like Walter white from breaking bad

[@magnificent10304]

I honestly believe the same car, same motor, same weight the turbo wins 100% of the time, even on youtube usually when it's turbos vs supercharged whatever supercharged get that jump an go on the hit then the turbo jus catches up an passes, an i thought superchargers had that instant torque meaning at any rpm in the powerband but would run out of steam or stay at peak without goin any further, where as a turbo as it spools keeps building boost, great vid

[@kylethomson9145]

I sure as hell don't race but id like to get that extra boost on my 86 mustang gt. So supercharger sounds like a good way to go.

[@Brofessor17]

The supercharger mainly roots/twinsscrew has more power under the curve turbos are building more pressure at the high end that’s why roots work better for driving around town. Also turbo lag the bigger the turbo the longer it takes to build unless you do twins 55 mm turbos then they’ll spool quickly but that’s more tubing

[@3R45U5]

i would choose a supercharger all day every day. it is much more balanced, easier to maintain, it mimics more the NA motor`s linear power output wich gives you better predictability while cornering. vortech - like superchargers are very compact, too. and you do not need all the additional piping, intercoolers and so forth, wich would then add weight. i do dig the blow off valve sounds, though.

[@houseofmods2104]

went with a Vortech V2 si 22lbs...polished...I recommend it...

[@DeltaCharlie546]

For the first time, all of my questions were answered in one sitting. Thanks for the vid!

[@dissectvapes2834]

supercharger has never cought my attention, turbo is the way to go :) 👌👍

[@aarch64]

they both have there pros and cons, and its always good to hear other options, I would say he seams to favor turbos, but he neglects to mention things like turbo lag, or the fact that supercharges rob power, The main thing between the too in terms of actual power is that a supercharger will give you more throttle response, as a turbo has to reach boost, but will yield a higher potential power.

[@deanjones1801]

Definitely helped with the decision I wanna make for my vehicle 👍

[@flyfaen1]

The deal with later boost is acutally more a turbo tendancy, especially with high power, big turbo setups. Tho turbos can achieve higher boost levels efficently. Most modern efficent twin screw SC's (that exludes eaton and other roots types) develop full boost from just above idle and dont fall off by high rpm either, but generally cant push more than 22 psi reliably. But why choose at all? Use both in a sequential setup and get the best of both worlds.

[@Whitt_Built]

Depends what your doing, Super chargers are way better for towing, and low end performance. Turbos are better at top end, such as super car.

[@mardamek]

having driven turbocharged cars, I'd have to give the nod to the supercharger. yes, they sound cool and pull hard when turbo kicks in, but that "when" is what turns me off about turbos. linearity and immediacy is what I appreciate in a car, be it in throttle actuation, braking, steering feel, etc. superchargers being more linear and belt driven makes them the better choice IMHO.

[@jbdnmos1]

he also failed to mention that the turbo has to spool up, it doesn't just build boost right away. A roots type supercharger builds boost immediately and reaches maximum boost well before red line also.

[@puchomoreno]

You forgot fuel efficiency. Turbochargers are more fuel efficient (for everyday use).

[@simongrove2369]

Nice and simple explanation. Sadly, exactly what I needed!

[@backyardbuilttrucks1]

Supercharger. Is from off idle to redline. Turbo is non parasitic to engine but takes time to spool to build boost. Turbo is much easier and forgiving on a bottom end also

[@nickfisher3389]

@papakeetee what you do is drop you 1.8 go pick up a ford 302 small block and drop it in your miata it's called the monster miata

[@myusernames1967]

My G6Et (in Australia)same engine as in the Ford FG XR6t. It has Lag is non existant and produces 533NM of torque with an over boost so about 580NM at 2000 rpm. The Holden 6.2ltr V8 needs around 4850rpm to get the same torque. And if you look up the review on a G6Eturbo it will tell you you have 80% of that torque from only 1250 rpm. My brand new SS Commodore had 20,000 spent on it to get 460 engine kws,my new G6Et i spent 7000 an have 415 kws and its faster and nicer to drive.

[@rustedbiscuits874]

Can you put a twin turbo in a 97 honda civic

[@michaelsim5726]

great video, the only thing that i think is imporant that wasnt mentioned is that superchargers draw engine power to make it.

[@hoseinqadam]

he would get more horse power, but you have to take something into consideration with big turbo, (turbo lag) [generally not a problem but the turbo won't be much help if the turbo isn't spooled] also it is a diesel engine, chances of wear is greater, you can see him ending up changing piston rings in a shorter space of time if he uses a big turbo with higher boast setting.

[@youngc9580]

1990 Camaro RS with a 427😈 let’s turbo it💪

[@danielc9635]

From my, admittedly imperfect, knowledge: I thought that Turbo's had less power in your lower RPM range because it has to spin up to get to a proper boost level. Hence, if you wanted "everywhere" (RPM range) boost you'd go with the SC. You'd get a turbo to get lots of power but you wouldn't want to drop your RPM below 3,000. If that's correct then you'd want a SC for a bigger engine because you can't rev much over 3,000. I have heard that turbo tech has improved though. Thoughts?

[@mohdakif1115]

can a built in turbo save your fuel? for cars such as vw golf 1.4 and peugeot 308? thanks

[@asamitchell7948]

wastegate does not get rid of boost a blow off valve does. wastehead control turbine speed to keep boost pressure constant. blow off valve releases excess boost pressure depending on throttle position

[@timothypeterson6870]

Volvo's T6 supercharger and Turbo charger together 316hp in a 2.0L. add a polestar upload and that's all you need.

[@silvias13freak]

Most modded cars dont run little turbos, so superchargers have more power earlier. My wrx doesnt hit peak boost until 4200 and this means lag from hell. With my turbo though i am capable of running more or less boost with the turn of a knob and quick reflash. The top end is brutal and i still get great gas mileage. Superchargers always have to spin the belt so your mpg will suffer

[@FindingAres117]

He's the one who knocks...

[@PoliticalGallivant]

Awesome video! Well thought out and executed. Thanks for the information!

[@nyballer93]

Thanks for the in depth explanation. I think super charged will be better for mw

[@MRYZ94]

I'm turboing my civic. That's ma goal right now.