Opinions wanted about Turbo Vs. Supercharger

[SlipStreamZ28]

Another thing to consider,

IMO, I never liked the sudden surge of power that kicks in with a turbo like two seconds after you mash the pedal (turbo lag?). When I mash the pedal I want the car to go! now! I assume because a SC is always spooled that you get a faster response, Ive never driven a SC car so Im just guessing.

But that's just me, I've been raised on NA not FI. It may or may not bug you

[1quik6]

IMO, I never liked the sudden surge of power that kicks in with a turbo like two seconds after you mash the pedal (turbo lag?).

The turbo lag is directly related to proper sizing of the turbo. Big turbo = big hp + big lag. Small turbo = small horsepower + quick spool. Just right turbo = good hp + quick spool!!!!

It is very common for people to overdue it. The "bigger is better" idea isn't always right.

[MP81]

Twin scrolls seem to lessen the lag, we have a prototype one at work on a development engine - it's kinda pricy...like $8k!!!

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

Twin scrolls seem to lessen the lag, we have a prototype one at work on a development engine - it's kinda pricy...like $8k!!!

Yeah, Jonny spent a pretty penny on his setup...one of those classic situations of you-get-what-you-pay-for...

[MP81]

Most certainly. I'd love to turbo my Cobalt, but really, a kit from Garrett is like $3600, and I don't even remotely have that much money to spend right now...

[Hugger Z]

As stated, it all depends on your preferences and budget.

Personally I prefer turbo's because from an engineering and efficiency standpoint they make more sense. With a supercharger you are using power to drive the supercharger. So it takes power to make power. With turbo's you are using the exhaust gasses for boost. So as long as your turbo's are properly sized and you are not choking the engine, you are benefitting with boost and not losing power to make it.

You also NEED to plan for the extras. They do add up and can get expensive on you. Either route will require an upgraded fuel system to support the fueling needs when in boost. My kit also required a tubular k-member. And I did plugs, wires, and a bunch of other stuff while I was at it. I am not familiiar with LT1's so I can't say what you would need. But on my stock LS1 it was just fuel injectors, pushrods and valvesprings. THe most important point is the tune. I have a safe street tune on my car done by a well respected local tuner that specializes in boosted LS1's. Everything else on my engine is bone stock and I am running 7psi of boost. I daily drive the car and put 15k miles on it in just over a year. And it made 508rwhp / 513rwtq on the dyno.

I like turbo's because the car drives and behaves normally when out of boost. Just cruising along it is its usual self. My mileage is still pretty good as well. I still get 18mpg city/ 24mpg on the highway. Now when you hit boost it is a whole different animal. Pulls like a frieght train and plasters a HUGE GRIN on your face. I am pretty sure the S/C guys lost mileage with their kits because you are always driving that thing. But I cannot say for sure as I have never owned one. I do track every tank in my car so I KNOW what my mileage numbers are.

There are pros and cons to either method. Turbo's are a little more complicated and you have to deal with the heat issues. But most aftermarket kits have already accoutned for all of that and you just bolt it on and are good to go. Same goes with the S/C. They are bolt on (if you have the right supporting mods).

Good luck. I am sure you will enjoy the car even more whichever way you decide to go. I can't wait for spring when I can bring my car back out again.

[Camaroe3]

Well i am going turbo now. It is best to havea ton of more on hand. in the end it will cost you 8k to end the deal with turbo. nothing less.

If you are sure you have the funds go turbo. I would sau go s/c if you want to bolt up and go. Also if you realy want to step up your game. get a lq4 swap with some nice C&C heads. that will give you over 440 rwhp

[NOS2006]

I am pretty sure the S/C guys lost mileage with their kits because you are always driving that thing. But I cannot say for sure as I have never owned one. I do track every tank in my car so I KNOW what my mileage numbers are.

Well just with the Cobalt SS/SC vs SS/TC there's a little difference. SC gets 205 HP and 23/29 whereas TC gets 260 HP and 22/30. I'd say turbo is much more efficient.

[MP81]

And way ****ing faster.

That turbo SS is clicking off mid to low 13s in stock form.

[NOS2006]

That's where the extra 60 HP, technology enhancements, and upgraded suspension come into play

[MP81]

Yep. Fastest production FWD car tested on Nuerburgring.

[LYNEMUP2KWS6]

Superchargers are always running and that can wear down a motor were as the turbo will be nonexistint until about 2500-3000.. my dad has a 97 LT1 firehawk with a 383 stroker and 76mm Turbonetics Turbo.(front mount and intercooled) the reason he went with that was because he was going to make just as much power as a supercharger with out the constant whistle. that way he could be a little more stealth. here is the web site for the guys that did all the work, very smart when it comes to power adders.. www.victoryracingengines.com if you go to the gallery on the second page you will see a silver firhawk that is my dads.

[MP81]

with out the constant whistle.

Most only whine really loud when you get on it. That's my favorite part.

[NOS2006]

Most only whine really loud when you get on it. That's my favorite part.

In higher RPMs. But that's only roots-type.

Centrifugal superchargers are constantly whistling, but I think that sounds pretty sweet... and very mean on LS1s.

[BLKHAWK]

Well i am going turbo now. It is best to havea ton of more on hand. in the end it will cost you 8k to end the deal with turbo. nothing less.

If you are sure you have the funds go turbo. I would sau go s/c if you want to bolt up and go. Also if you realy want to step up your game. get a lq4 swap with some nice C&C heads. that will give you over 440 rwhp

s400 on a 397, what compression? 750rwhp with a th400 maybe a reach but goodluck! put some compression in that 397 you may reach your goal. if you raise your static compression you will take full advantage of your dynamic compression. Whats the A/R on your s400? what boost controller are you using? what wastegate? The build looks like your well on your way keep up the good work!