What are the Different Types of Superchargers?

The three types of superchargers are twin-screw, roots, and centrifugal. The main difference between these superchargers lies in the way they transport air to the central part of the engine.

All these supercharger types offer a form of boost but provide different efficiencies. They are also available in different sizes. The best superchargersize depends on whether you’ll be competing in a race or want to boost your car. Let us discuss the different supercharger types in detail.

Centrifugal Supercharger

A centrifugal supercharger is a unique unit that applies centrifugal energy to pump in more oxygen in an engine. The increased flow of oxygen in the engine enables it to heat more fuel, which increases engine power production.

A centrifugal supercharger is forced from the crankshaft of the engine to fuel compressed air in the engine. This unit is fixed at the front part of the engine with a stiff bracket. It is then pushed through a gear-drive or belt-drive from the crankshaft of the engine.

How do Centrifugal Superchargers Operate?

A centrifugal supercharger comes with an impeller that rotates at high speed to take out the air in a volute (small compressor casing). Once the air escapes from the impeller, it travels at high speed on low pressure. This air then passes through a diffuser where it is converted to make it high pressure and low-speed.

The air will later be forced into the engine, where the extra airflow allows it to heat more fuel and produce high combustion. The results of this activity will be increased engine efficiency making your car more responsive and fast.

Pros of Centrifugal Supercharger Systems

• They can be managed with an intercooler
• They promote pressure builds due to increased revolutions per minute
• They come with high-quality horsepower compared to the other types
• They have a narrow power delivery

Cons

• Centrifugal superchargers are more complicated than the other types
• They have poor force at low revolutions per minute
• In case you’re omitting fuel injection, you must apply a blow over the carburetor

Twin Screw Supercharger

Twin-screw superchargers function by drawing air via a pair of mesh lobes that look like a group of worm accessories. The air in a twin-screw supercharger is captured in pockets that rotor lobes create. However, it compresses the air in the rotor casing.

Pros of Twin Screw Superchargers

• They come with a lot of low-end force
• They are easy to install
• They are more efficient compared to roots blowers
• They need little heat soak compared to roots blowers

Cons

• They are more expensive compared to roots blowers
• They lack enough peak horsepower

Roots Supercharger

The roots style supercharger is a practical shift revolving lobe pump that functions by drawing a fluid using a pair of netting lobes. The fluid is then held in pockets that surround the lobes before it’s transferred to the exhaust.

Pros

• It comes with a lot of low-end force
• It’s easy to install
• It has a traditional look
• It’s cheaper compared to the twin-screw supercharger

Cons

• It comes with less peak horsepower than the centrifugal supercharger
• It’s less efficient compared to the twin-screw supercharger
• It’s likely to heat soak than the twin-screw supercharger

Choosing the Best Supercharger for 6.2 Silverado

The best supercharger for 6.2 Silverado depends on various factors. If you’re shopping for this unit, you want to consider more than just the price. Let’s discuss some of the factors you should consider when buying a supercharger.

Gather Your Details

It’s important to understand the model and make of your car. You’ll also need to know the type and size of the engine and the year of manufacture. As we’ve seen above, superchargers come in different types. This information will come in handy to help you pick the right blower kits or superchargers for your vehicle.

Check the Warranties

Many times buyers only consider the price. However, the warranty is also an important factor to consider. A less costly supercharger is not worth your money if it lacks a warranty. Any reliable manufacturer should offer a warranty and even give you the option of buying extended warranties. Remember, superchargers can be costly and it’s crucial to protect your investment.

Think about the Installation Options

The blower kit you choose determines the method you or an installer  will use to install your supercharger. Some supercharger types are easier to install compared to others. Research widely and consult with professionals for recommendations and guidance.

Assess the Horsepower

Do you want to fit a supercharger in a car that you will be driving every day? If you are, you want to make sure the car meets the legal requirements in your municipality. Some superchargers are made for the racing meaning, they won’t pass basic street regulations.

If you want to achieve great racing performance, you should buy the racing package. Depending on your needs, you can find drag racing, street, show, and some marine applications.

Check the System Type

We’ve discussed the different types of superchargers above. The information should help you choose the best supercharger type that best meets your needs.

How to maintain a Supercharged Car

Maintaining a supercharged car is similar to maintenance on any other vehicle. However, there are some differences and factors you should be on the lookout for, as we shall see below.

Monitor Oil Levels

Keeping the right oil levels is crucial in all cars. However, supercharged cars require special attention. The supercharge procedure can strain the engine. Your engine needs the right lubrication to prevent damages and costly repairs.

Ensure Your Filters are Clean

Your supercharged vehicle depends on clean filters for the best performance. A dirty or clogged filter strains the system and can cause more damage. You will need to replace the air filter in your supercharged car more regularly than you would in a non-supercharged car. A good practice would be to change your air filter as you change the oil.

Have a Maintenance Schedule and Stick with It

While you will have your regular visits to the mechanic, it’s important to have a regular maintenance practice at home. Change your oil regularly and avoid using synthetic oil in your supercharged car even though it lasts longer. Experts say that you should use conventional oil instead to prolong the lifespan of your engine.

Monitor the Clutch

Supercharged cars provide extra performance and this means that they are usually driven harder, which may cause problems on the clutch. Inspect your clutch regularly to ensure it’s in a good working position always.

Use the Proper Gasoline

If you’ve invested in supercharging your car, you should use the proper fuel grade. Using low-grade fuels results in poor performance and can cause a buildup of gunk in the engine. Many manufacturers recommend premium or premium plus level fuel for your supercharged vehicle. While you may save a few dollars at the pump to buy cheap gas, you’ll end up hurting your performance. In the end, you’ll spend more on engine repairs.

Improve the Cooling System

Your supercharged vehicle heavily depends on a coolant system. Superchargers generate excess temperatures in the engine of a vehicle. If you allow the engine to overheat, you’ll end up spending more money on repairs. A cooling system is very crucial for your supercharged vehicle.

Experts say that you should improve the cooling system or add an intercooler. Check your vehicle’s coolant levels regularly and avoid running your car immediately of the temperature indicators show an upward trend.

Which Type is the Best Supercharger?

Why should you purchase one supercharger over the other? The best option for you depends on what you expect from the engine. Let’s compare the following superchargers.

The Edelbrock 1579 supercharger E-force falls under the best supercharger for 6.2 Silverado and Sierra 1500. It’s a roots-style supercharger type that comes with 36 months of warranty. It’s built to boost the efficiency of your Gen IV 6.2L engine to 407 horsepower and 434 ft-lbs of force. The Eaton Gen VI 2300 TVS spinning assembly offers a :

• Four lobe form
• 160 degrees of curl for minimum temperature increase
• Maximum flow
• Silent operation for superior drivability

Edelbrock 1579 Specifications

• Type of charger: Roots Style
• Compatibility of the engine: GMC LS-Series 6.2L
• Fuel delivery application: Multi-Port Injection
• Style of pulley: Serpentine
• Type of nose: Stock Length
• Color: Black
• Made from: Cast Aluminum Valley Tray

Features

• Cast aluminum bracket alternator, supercharger manifold assembly complete with Eaton TVS Rotors
• Electric intercooler pump, custom shaped intercooler hoses, and an intercooler retrieval tank
• High capacity, dual, plate, and bar, full-face, intercooler, reduced temperature heat transfer for intercooler system
• Aluminum ejected fuel rails complete with -6AN lines Gatorback™ Goodyear(R) serpentine belt
• Handheld calibration part preloaded with installation hardware, plug and play, all tunes, and electrical harness
• Cast aluminum tray valley, high volume pump
• Steel loafer pulleys complete with high-speed heavy-duty bearings, high flow air input filter, and tube
• Limited lifetime warranty

Hazardous Materials Alert

This product may expose users to Chromium which, according to the State of California, can cause birth defects or other reproductive injuries. Chromium can also cause cancer.

Remember:

Supercharger systems that have no tuners don’t qualify for supplemental warranty. They are also only emissions legal if used with the right Edelbrock program. The Edelbrock program will retain the firm’s car speed limiter setting for safety reasons.

Edelbrock 15790 Specifications

• Compatibility of the engine:  GMC LS-Series 6.2L
• Type of charger: Roots Style
• Type of nose: stock length
• Fuel delivery application: Multi-port injection
• Color: black
• Pulley Style: Serpentine
• Made using: Aluminum cast valley tray

Understanding the Benefits of Superchargers

One of the biggest advantages of installing a supercharger in your car is that it boosts horsepower. You can give your normal car engine more power by attaching a supercharger. Here are more reasons why you should consider the supercharger for your car.