Something for everyone to consider.

We have talked about GM Parts offering supercharger kits for a number of cars...including the base V6 "CC".

What if these were joined...or even replaced by tubo kits?

 

I respect RiceEating's points, and agree with them, but you have presented the other half of the arguement for a supercahrger over a turbo for me... simplicity and cost... you gotta figure the supercharger wins here too, right?

 

....id just like to point out the NEVER ENDING lag a supercharger makes...it doesnt hit full boost till redline...while a turbocharged car will hit full boost probably no later than 3k from the factory

also GM does make supercharged and turbocharged cars....GM has the Saturn Ion Redline, not the greatest thing, but its out there, and they are doing the Chevy Equinox Extreme, which i said will be turbocharged and all wheel drive, with the option of a 5spd automatic with sequintial shifting possibly.

as for turbo pricing and supercharger pricing, think about that 1000 dollar head unit cost of a supercharger, then think about that 300-600 dollar replacement turbo.

 

Actually, I believe that a turbo system can be offered more simply and cheaply than a SC...especially in a factory developed, over the counter kit.

 

Well, I don't know particulars in comparing the two, but from the majority of things I've read on the subject, they usually imply that Supercharging is simpler and less costly...

I know a typical supercharger kit from Summit can run between $2000 and $4000... what do Turbocharger kits run?

 

Don't know Darth. But I've been told that factory developed, OTC, turbo kits may be being looked at, because of their simplicity, when compared to superchargers.

 

Very interesting... I know RP was strongly hinting at a GM dealer aftermarket supercharger program not too long ago.... has this changed to turbo?

 

A turbo has far more potential, is more efficient and will make more power at a given boost level than a SC.
An engine will suffer parasitic losses from driving the compressor in a supercharged application, a turbo won't. Also, intercooler applications lend themselves more readily to turbos than SCs. Most OEM's are doing liquid IC's now, a costly and more complicated solution than an air-to-air IC.
From a mod standpoint, a turbo offers superior flexibility in that boost levels are controlled by a wastegate that bleeds off unwanted boost pressure. These can usually be very easily adjusted for more boost pressure, and with modern EFI, it is quite easy to adjust fuel delivery to compensate. An SC will require a pulley swap, which can sometimes be quite complicated.
You can't compare a SC "kit" to a turbo "kit" to determine the cost to the OEM. Many kits may include an upgraded fuel pump, ignition, bypass and other items that raise the cost. Additonally, depending on the application the bracket in a kit may be quite costly if it requires significant accessory relocation. This issue is usually not present in a turbo application, buy the plumbing of the compressor can get costly.
As far as compressors goes, it is my experience that turbos are significantly cheaper than SCs. Years ago, I looked at upgrading the compressor on my T-bird SC and was looking at ~$1500...just for the Eaton compressor. Centrifugal head units are no cheaper. Vortech and Paxton sell them at well over $1200-1500 for smaller (S-, T- or 1000) units. Turbos that would be appropriately sized for most OEM applications are well under $1000.
From an aftermarket standpoint, supercharging can be simpler and less costly because if a vehicle isn't equipped with an OEM turbo, the costs for turbo header(s), crossovers, inlet pipes and downpipes can be expensive...usually more so than a replacement accessory bracket that would mount an SC.
I'll take a turbo.
S.

 

Darth i got my kit for last Nov for 3,650 bucks. I got it on sale, however, a comparable supercharger kit isn't any cheaper than a turbo kit once you factor in the all the parts. Ex: You won't get headers, and intercooler on the typical blower setup which still costs you 3,000+.

My kit came with
* T304 S/S hot section (Headers, Cross Over, etc)
*1 5/8" Custom 4-1 headers
*3" Downpipe
*2 1/2" Crossover Tube
*Y-Pipe with Ball flanges
*2 1/2" Intercooler Piping
*3-ply silicone connectors and clamps
*3" Bar-Plate Intercooler Assembly
* Bosch by-pass valve
*Garrett T67E turbo
*Innovative 42mm Pro Wastegate
*All Hardware and Fittings for Installation

Shipped: $3,650 (sale price)

So once you factor all the parts into the equation, you'll see that a turbo kit generally gives you a more for your money.

I know Pro turbo kits sells T-64 5.0 kits for around 2,900 minus intercooler. Cheaper than most-non-intercooled blower kits on the market.

 

Most Turbo kits for small blocks are very expenzive because everything is custom. But also most turbos sbc, are running 700 hp plus. Many in teh quad digits. Superchagers cant claim that.

Also lag is only really an issue for small displacemnent mtors because they arent spitting out sufficient exhaust gas to spool the turbos up. Not like a smallblock which spits out a ton of exhaust. You would seriously have to try to get lag on a turbo'ed sbc.

 

Me too, for all the reasons already stated

FWIW, there's a new turbo kit for the evo thats very well engineered, provides stock drivability and reliablililty, and bumps power up to 415 hp at the wheels on most dynos. All for less than $2500.

 

If its a 4 cylinder, make it a turbo.
If its a 6 cylinder, make it a SC.

JMO

 

Actually it would work better the other way.

 

Unless you use a positive displacement supercharger, then there is no lag vs a centrifugal sc..

 

2500 to make 415 to the wheels, or spend alot less, for same gains?

(if you'd like to know, crank the boost, put in a 3.5" cutout, port the exhaust mani and o2 housing, and slap in the 4g64 crank)