Superchargers

Wikipedia defines a supercharger as any pump that forces air into an engine. This covers both superchargers and turbochargers. Today I will limit my comments to devices which are driven directly from the engine, and tomorrow I'll comment on the alternative turbocharger.

Over the years many cars came stock from the factory with a supercharger on them. I had a 1984 Toyota MR2 with one, and today you can purchase supercharged Jaguar as an standard option.

Basically a supercharger will act like a larger engine and generate more power for your car. It typically weighs less than increasing the size of your engine to get the same amount of power. How much power it generates depends upon the "boost" or amount of additional air is forced into the engine. When air is compressed, the oxygen amount in the same volume is increased which will generate more power. However, the compression process also increases the heat. In older cars this additional heat can cut down the life of your engine. So you are limited on how much "boost" you have generated if you want your engine to last. One approach to controlling this additional heat with with a device called an "intercooler". it is common to use a small radiator between the pump and the engine to reduce the temperature of the air.

The chief advantage of the supercharger as compared to alternatives such as turbochargers is that it creates is better throttle response, as well as the ability to reach full-boost pressure instantaneously.

The danger is too much pressure for a given engine. So a certain amount of caution must be used if you install an aftermarket unit.

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