Turbo vs Supercharger

[NickCats]

JP,

They claim the boost kicks in at 2500 rpm, so I don't think lag would be a problem.

Ohio,

Sounds like you got quite a deal, plus the fact you did your own install

Todd,

Looks like this kit includes the intercooler...

They bring up a good point, Porsche has chosen to add turbochargers to some of their models, but not superchargers :

No forced-air performance application is truly complete without an intercooler. The TurboWerx upgrade kit includes an air-to-air intercooler for not only the safest possible operation, but additional hp. Not only just more horsepower - but just plain smart.

Thanks to the custom ECU programming, the intercooler and an extremely efficient turbocharger, the upgrade boasts a full 6 psi of boost pressure. The system is so efficient, that full boost is achieved at less than 2500 RPM. These performance levels are simply not achievable without taking a systemic approach to the design. The end result is a upgrade package unmatched in performance, reliability, and cost.

Performance and versatility. These are two reasons no others can match the power and boost level of TurboWerx Twin Turbo Upgrades. Using efficient turbochargers and intercooling safely allows 20-50% more boost than supercharging systems can provide - 6 psi vs 4-5psi. For certain applications, such as racing, TurboWerx systems can very easily increase the boost level for even higher performance. On the track or the street, turbochargers are the best choice. And no wonder turbochargers are what Porsche® engineers always chose.

http://www.turbowerx.com/page1/page3/page3.html

Thoughts ?

Nick

[JP-s-in st. louis]

Originally Posted by NickCats

JP,

They claim the boost kicks in at 2500 rpm, so I don't think lag would be a problem.

Nick

Yea and if you ever go for a ride with me you know my car is NEVER under 2500RPMs

In the IA video you can hear the SC wine. In mine since it is a 3.2 you cant since they have to add headers. I also have a Cargraphic muffler. It is schduled for cat bypass pipes this week

As for Turbowerks I would feel better about them if they did not use photos from other websites (Techart & Porsche NA) JMHO

[JP-s-in st. louis]

I have more plans not this motor but since I like this car so much and it is all but paid off. I hope to find a 3.2 or 3.4 sleeve it out to a 4.1 (alla Todd) do some head work and tune via IA, Tit connecting rods, pistons, Cams and and some N20... I figure I like this car that much and am already knee deep. So anyone who has a line on an engine please keep me in the know...

I will eventually do a wide body kit like an RSR so I can fit bigger meats under it. I already have issues hooking up. 1st is useless and 2nd is almost the same.

[TriGem2k]

I really have no preference. Turbo vs. Supercharger makes no difference for me. I just want more POWER.

I made my decision to go with the Turbo on two reasons. I spoke with the guys at Turbowerx and the sounded pretty good about their product (what else would you expect from a guy trying to sell a 7k kit). I also spoke with my service advisor from Beverly Hills Porsche. Although he discouraged me with doing either, he said if it was to be done that I should stick along the line of the Turbo kit. He claims these engines would benefit more from a Turbo than they would with a Supercharger. So I set myself up for a Turbo.

The guys at Turbowerx claim their kit for the 2.7L will add 80HP and 90ft lbs torque to the Wheels. This would put my car at 270+hp at the wheels.

All that really matter is the end result and that won't be known until my pocket is 8k lighter. I will keep you guys updated as the project nears. Right now I’m hoping to have it all done by Mid March to Early April. Hence I will dub it "March Madness"

~James

Turbos would have a greater potential than superchargers. You can modify boost so much easier and in theory less strain on the engine (not belt driven, hence no parasitic loss). Now all you will need is some ceramic headers.

[RandallNeighbour]

I sure would like a set of links for all the supercharger and turbo manufacturers for boxsters. If you've discovered them, please post them to this thread. Thanks!

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

I sure would like a set of links for all the supercharger and turbo manufacturers for boxsters. If you've discovered them, please post them to this thread. Thanks!

Both links are located at the lower section of this thread.

[David_J]

Originally Posted by JP-s-in st. louis

I have more plans not this motor but since I like this car so much and it is all but paid off. I hope to find a 3.2 or 3.4 sleeve it out to a 4.1 (alla Todd) do some head work and tune via IA, Tit connecting rods, pistons, Cams and and some N20... I figure I like this car that much and am already knee deep. So anyone who has a line on an engine please keep me in the know...

I will eventually do a wide body kit like an RSR so I can fit bigger meats under it. I already have issues hooking up. 1st is useless and 2nd is almost the same.

Now that's what I'm talking about. Making the car a blast to drive. Hell, I'm deep into mine already, so what's a little more $$$. I think I will keep mine around for the race/show vehicle but mod the crap our of it.

Josh, let's go take your car out in the snow. Let's have some fun. You said I can drive it anytime, I'll be over in 30 minutes.

-David

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

A Super is Crank Speed dependent ± the Pulley used. Power comes sooner, little spool up time (lag). But, it loses something at the top end over a Turbo due to parasitic loss (you need more boost from a Super to achieve the same HP). Roots type are less efficient than the compressors in a Turbo. Vane type are about the same as a Turbo.

A Turbo comes on later (lag), but creates more power higher in the Tach with less Boost. More complex plumbing and Oil circuit (most Supers use a self-cotained Oil System). Heat Management becomes an issue, especially on a mid-engine.

I'm not yet convinced of using either on the Boxster w/o Intercooling due to the high CR and variability of available fuel. I'm skeptical of the longevity of a Boosted M96 engine. There are few high-mileage examples, so it is yet to be proven to my mind.

But, for simplicity, the Super kits are the better of the two for the Boxster IMHO...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[NickCats]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

A Super is Crank Speed dependent ± the Pulley used. Power comes sooner, little spool up time (lag). But, it loses something at the top end over a Turbo due to parasitic loss (you need more boost from a Super to achieve the same HP). Roots type are less efficient than the compressors in a Turbo. Vane type are about the same as a Turbo.

A Turbo comes on later (lag), but creates more power higher in the Tach with less Boost. More complex plumbing and Oil circuit (most Supers use a self-cotained Oil System). Heat Management becomes an issue, especially on a mid-engine.

I'm not yet convinced of using either on the Boxster w/o Intercooling due to the high CR and variability of available fuel. I'm skeptical of the longevity of a Boosted M96 engine. There are few high-mileage examples, so it is yet to be proven to my mind.

But, for simplicity, the Super kits are the better of the two for the Boxster IMHO...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Jim,

Found another thread about this subject :

turbo or supercharge ?

Look like your opinion hasn't changed much in the past year.

I am surprised you prefer the supercharger over the turbo for the Boxster, though...

Nick

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by NickCats

Jim,

Found another thread about this subject :

turbo or supercharge ?

Look like your opinion hasn't changed much in the past year.

I am surprised you prefer the supercharger over the turbo for the Boxster, though...

Nick

Hi,

Doesn't surprise me that my information (or opinion) hasn't changed at all. I have had a fair amount of experience with Forced Induction both in Aircraft and Automotive applications. Each has their advantages and disadvantages. But these are not generic, rather, they often depend upon the application.

With the Boxster, being mid-engined, I think the Heat Management issues alone (let alone the plumbing issues) would outweigh the advantages of a Turbo. So, I would most likely choose the Supercharger route.

That's not an endorsement, at least without Intercooling, or some other way to prevent detonation given the high CR that the Boxster has...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[JP-s-in st. louis]

Originally Posted by David_J

Now that's what I'm talking about. Making the car a blast to drive. Hell, I'm deep into mine already, so what's a little more $$$. I think I will keep mine around for the race/show vehicle but mod the crap our of it.

Josh, let's go take your car out in the snow. Let's have some fun. You said I can drive it anytime, I'll be over in 30 minutes.

-David

I can spin the tires thru 3 in the rain and you want me to go out in snow...hahahahaha

I would not even make it up the hill on my street.