Game at Launch, What is in? What is Out? - Updated 08/2014

[Alec497]

What about a V6, V12?

[Leafy]

Which is fastest, Naturally Aspirated, Turbo, Twin Turbo, or Supercharged?

Errr, they all have their different applications, but Turbochargers usually have the most power potential (for a given engine size)

Though on mildly built applications the root superchargers are often the fastest around the track and down the strip.

[Daffyflyer]

Yeah, pretty much - for a responsive, medium power sort of application, 1 small turbo, 2 really small turbos, or a supercharger is a good bet.

For all out ridiculous power I don't think you can beat a big single turbo, though you do end up with power curves like THIS

[Leafy]

Not in America, and this is even a case of a ford with a chevy heart. Dont mind mph on the x axis, its as good as rpm for this case.

[Daffyflyer]

Yes, I'm always puzzled why superchargers are used for massive power V8 applications though to be honest, but I guess when you're making 1500kw who cares if 200kw goes back iinto running the 'charger

[Daffyflyer]

Shame superchargers aren't a great proposition for MX5s, because they are certinaly pretty cool.

Sadly in the case of MX5s it ends up being about $1000 more for about 40kw less

[Leafy]

Its a tradition thing. Big blowers look cool sticking out of the hood. And it would be impossible to turbo charge a top fuel eliminator dragster, the turbo's would melt and its not like they dont already make 8000 hp from a big block v8 and nitroglycerin based fuel.

And daffy it more torque and better throttle response. Same car, same driver at an auto-x or on a fairly tight track the blower car will beat the turbo car every time.

[Daffyflyer]

And daffy it more torque and better throttle response. Same car, same driver at an auto-x or on a fairly tight track the blower car will beat the turbo car every time.

Tell that to my mechanic's rally car running a small turbo and anti-lag, it doesn't know the MEANING of the word "Off Boost".

I do know of some guys who run supercharged MX5s, but the gain in responsiveness compared to a small turbo is not that big, and not considered worth the money by most people... the NOISE on the other hand is rather nice

Oh... and then there is my mechanic's twincharged MX5 with a little (twin screw I think) and a big turbo and a tough motor with big cams and port work - Apparently makes 12psi @ 2000rpm and goes out to something like 250kw+ (eats clutches though...)

[PhillipM]

Tell that to my mechanic's rally car running a small turbo and anti-lag, it doesn't know the MEANING of the word "Off Boost".

's alright if you can afford to replace turbo's every few events!

[Daffyflyer]

Uses a stock "MX5 SE" turbo, tiny cheap little thing, but apparently still going just fine after quite a few rallys

[loady740]

i think the best combination of forced induction is a belt driven supercharger for low rpm because they stop making useful boost at a certain rpm and a big turbo for high rpm because even though the turbo will have to spool up the supercharger is making boost until the turbo can take over ..... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_charging

[Daffyflyer]

They are cool and can give great results but they are SUPER complicated..

[serothis]

variable geometry turbos, problem solved. Now if only they didn't melt with normal gas engines...

[T16]

As the owner of a variable geometry turbo (sort of) on a petrol engine I can say, they work fine.

Porsche is also using them and I can't remember hearing about turbos melting even in that small engine compartment.

[Monkey_Mitchell]

I'd love to make a small displacement twin charged car like the Nissan March Superturbo. Also superturbo is just awesome to say.