Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7 Forum - View Single Post

MerF · 06-06-2007, 01:20 AM

There's a LOT of variables here, it's hard to be that vague about it.

And saying "a pair of turbos" alone is kinda iffy. There are so many combinations of usage of forced induction, that it's not so much which makes more power, but which is the best for your application.

I'm a boost junkie, I love everything about forced induction.

Supercharges have a few different variable...depending on the style of blower you're using. Roots style, for example, offers the best low-end-instant power, but tends to be tough to make big top-end power out of (without having a ridiculous $20,000 unit).

But the generalization is, big motors that want huge torque numbers can use an easy to install and low-maintenance supercharger.

Turbos also have variables, though not as wide a spectrum of superchargers. For example, for biiiig HP numbers, you use one large turbo, but you will have no gain at all in low-end power, as a matter of fact you stand to lose low-end due to tuning for the power that it makes once it does spool up.

Using two smaller twin-turbos will likely spool up rather quickly, but you will not be able to make the power that a large single or medium supercharger can make.

Being dangerously general about it, superchargers offer instant gratification, are easy to install, and generally require no maintenance.

Turbos are more difficult to install, require oil feeds (and even a slight loss of oil spells instant death for a hot, spooled turbo), are more expensive, but offer the best efficiency gains and are infinitely interchangeable to find the set-up that best suits your needs.

I prefer turbos, personally...the sky is the limit with a turbo, once you get through the fabrication of the initial installation. You can make the most power out of a budget turbo system compared to an equally-priced supercharger, IF you know what you're doing when putting it together/tuning it.

06-06-2007, 01:20 AM	#2
MerF Go Rays! Drives: 03 Trailblazer Join Date: May 2007 Location: St Pete, Florida Posts: 2,532	There's a LOT of variables here, it's hard to be that vague about it. And saying "a pair of turbos" alone is kinda iffy. There are so many combinations of usage of forced induction, that it's not so much which makes more power, but which is the best for your application. I'm a boost junkie, I love everything about forced induction. Supercharges have a few different variable...depending on the style of blower you're using. Roots style, for example, offers the best low-end-instant power, but tends to be tough to make big top-end power out of (without having a ridiculous $20,000 unit). But the generalization is, big motors that want huge torque numbers can use an easy to install and low-maintenance supercharger. Turbos also have variables, though not as wide a spectrum of superchargers. For example, for biiiig HP numbers, you use one large turbo, but you will have no gain at all in low-end power, as a matter of fact you stand to lose low-end due to tuning for the power that it makes once it does spool up. Using two smaller twin-turbos will likely spool up rather quickly, but you will not be able to make the power that a large single or medium supercharger can make. Being dangerously general about it, superchargers offer instant gratification, are easy to install, and generally require no maintenance. Turbos are more difficult to install, require oil feeds (and even a slight loss of oil spells instant death for a hot, spooled turbo), are more expensive, but offer the best efficiency gains and are infinitely interchangeable to find the set-up that best suits your needs. I prefer turbos, personally...the sky is the limit with a turbo, once you get through the fabrication of the initial installation. You can make the most power out of a budget turbo system compared to an equally-priced supercharger, IF you know what you're doing when putting it together/tuning it.