Power is the cornerstone of performance, and there are plenty of ways to add it. A cold air intake gives you a little. A high-flow exhaust frees up a few more horses. But if you want to get serious, you are looking at a turbo or a supercharger. Both are forced-induction systems, and both make big power, but they operate very differently. Not sure which is right for your ride? Keep reading.
Two Paths to Power
Turbo or supercharger, the goal is the same. Think of your engine as an air pump: the more air you move, the more power you make. Every internal combustion engine runs a perpetual four-stroke cycle, and air is a part of each one.
- Intake: the cylinder pulls in air and fuel.
- Compression: the piston compresses the fuel and air mixture.
- Power: the mixture ignites and forces the piston down.
- Exhaust: the piston pushes the spent gases out.
The goal for both superchargers and turbos is simple: cram more air through the engine to produce more power.
What Is a Turbocharger?
A turbo uses two bladed wheels on a common shaft: a compressor and a turbine. It mounts between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe. Exhaust gas spins the turbine, which spins the compressor, which draws in air and compresses it. That denser air is fed into the intake with more fuel, and the bigger combustion event makes more power. The clever part is that it recycles exhaust energy that would otherwise be wasted, which makes turbo engines efficient.
Compressing air heats it up, and hot air is less dense, so turbo systems run an intercooler to cool the charge before it hits the engine. The main downside is lag: from a stop, it takes a moment for exhaust pressure to spool the turbine fast enough to build boost. Below a certain RPM (the boost threshold) you are not making boost yet, and that delay is what you feel as turbo lag.
What Is a Supercharger?
A supercharger has the same goal, force compressed air into the cylinders, but instead of exhaust gas it uses a belt driven off the engine (usually the crankshaft) to spin the compressor. The big advantage: boost is available instantly, with no lag waiting for anything to spool. There are three common designs.
Roots
- Air enters the top and is "blown" into the intake manifold, which is why it is nicknamed a blower.
- Consistent air volume regardless of RPM and strong boost down low.
- Generates a lot of heat. Think the Pursuit Special from Mad Max or Dom's Charger in Fast & Furious.
Centrifugal
- Smaller than Roots and twin-screw units, mounts at the front of the engine rather than on top.
- Uses a crank-driven impeller. Boost climbs with RPM, so there is little down low and lots up top.
- Runs cooler than a Roots, and its size makes running an intercooler easy.
Twin-Screw
- Uses two pitched, twisted rotors that pull air in the front and force it out the bottom.
- Spools quickly for great bottom-end torque and holds boost as it spins faster.
- Runs cooler than a Roots. This is the style Ford used on the GT500.
Which Is Better: Supercharger or Turbo?
Honestly? Both. Whether you go turbo or supercharged, the call comes down mostly to preference and price, with reliability worth weighing too (superchargers tend to be simpler and more reliable). Here is the quick breakdown.
Turbo Pros
- Usually less expensive than a supercharger (though neither is cheap done right)
- Quieter
- More efficient, better fuel economy
- Great for smaller-displacement engines
Turbo Cons
- Lag
- More complex install and maintenance
- Runs very hot
Supercharger Pros
- Instant power, no lag
- Easier to install
- Big, immediate power
Supercharger Cons
- Price
- Poorer fuel economy (always spinning)
- Loud
- Size can require a hood change
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Shop Turbo Kits ›Supercharger vs. Turbo FAQ
What is the difference between a supercharger and a turbo?
Both compress air to make more power. A turbo is driven by exhaust gas, a supercharger is belt-driven off the engine. The turbo is more efficient, the supercharger delivers instant, lag-free boost.
Which makes more power?
Both can make huge power. Superchargers deliver it immediately across the RPM range, while turbos build big top-end power once spooled. The right choice depends on your goals and your car.
What is turbo lag?
The brief delay between hitting the throttle and the turbo spooling up enough to make boost. Superchargers do not have it because they are belt-driven.
Which is more reliable?
Superchargers tend to be simpler and more reliable, with fewer components and less heat management than a turbo system, though a quality turbo setup installed correctly is very dependable.
Supercharger or turbo for a Mustang?
Both are proven on the Mustang platform. Pick based on budget, whether you want instant or top-end power, and the sound and driving feel you are after. We can help you decide.
Add Boost with Lethal Performance
Whichever path you choose, we have everything you need to add serious power, plus the know-how to help you choose right the first time.
Keep reading: The Best Supercharger Guide
