How Superchargers Work

Dyno Charts

Regardless of the specific type of device a supercharger (or a turbocharger) is nothing more than an air pump. The more air you pump through an engine at any given engine speed the more power you will make. Superchargers force more air into the combustion chamber than the engine will draw in its naturally aspirated condition. Whereas turbochargers are driven by exhaust gas flow, superchargers are driven directly off the crankshaft, usually by a belt. There is a common misconception that turbochargers give you "free power" but in reality having a turbo interrupt your exhaust flow is like having a cork in your tailpipe, it takes engine power to force the exhaust out past the turbocharger.

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