turbo vs. super, please input! Options

[m0dd3d1]

so what kind of power and torque differences can i expect with a supercharger instead of a turbo with my 98 gt? any input is very appreciative!

[lilsteeg]

Superchargers are better cause there's virtually no lag, but the only kit made for the 5S is rare. A good option for an ST driver would be a 4A-GZE swap.

no, supercharger actually takes power to make it work, a turbo is free power, so you will make more power with a turbo, and with a variable geometry turbo, there is no lag

[phattyduck]

but remember that a supercharger runs on a belt which will give more stress to the engine.

Huh? A turbo adds exhaust backpressure and heat.... I'd say that's not great for an engine either

no, supercharger actually takes power to make it work, a turbo is free power, so you will make more power with a turbo, and with a variable geometry turbo, there is no lag

Turbos do not make 'free power'... there is generally less airflow through the motor at a given boost pressure because of the increased exhaust backpressure. The parasitic losses of a turbo are hidden from being able to be measured because they are directly related to the amount of power they are creating, instead of engine speed.

There is also no such thing as "no lag" with a turbo. There will always be some... Most of the time, its not really noticable (the boost comes up with the throttle as long as you don't slam on the gas).

Also, I dare you to find a VTN turbo out there that someone could adapt to a 'normal' car at this point. Maybe someday soon (they are already used in new diesels...).

Eh, whatever. My point is, there are no absolutes in the turbocharge/supercharge debate.

Generally though: Reliability/predicability goes to supercharging, power/tunability goes to turbocharging.

I have personally gone with turbos on all my cars because I like to tinker. If I wanted a 'set and forget' thing for 30-60k miles+, I'd try to find a supercharger option...

-Charlie