by pegasusv70r » Tue Jun 16, 2009 5:14 pm
“Too Spool or Not to Spool”
You get your car all done up (in your mind at least), from the wheel selection, color, appeal, even the tires. But,
As most of us already know when it comes to car guys and their cars, there is only one important attribute that
Stands high above the rest…..Horsepower! But how do we make it? What do we use? This is probably one of
The most debated questions most car guys get into scuffles over. What is the best way to make power?
Now, what are my options? Well it depends on many factors. Who you ask? Who is driving? HOW you drive?
Naturally Aspirated : “No replacement for displacement” We have all heard it before, but is it true? Most of the
Hot Rodders would say definitely. And who’s to argue most older American muscle guys would prefer keeping a
Engine N/A just because if you can buy direct an engine that will put down 620 HP’s, who needs a turbo? Granted
A V8 has its advantages, but I believe it has some disadvantages. These engines are very centered to drag racing.
Making a majority of their power in a short power band, usually before 5500 RPM. Although they optimize their
Torque capabilities, still leaves something to be desired for a driver who needs an engine to provide power and
perform in a Broader range say in track racing.
Superchargers : Nothing can be as intimidating to a driver then the very noticeable whine overheard when a
Supercharged vehicle pulls up. A very common power adder, superchargers are belt driven air compressors that
Force air into the combustion chambers and provide more power on a pedal on/pedal off basis. Which is great
For those who need the extra power on demand, but consider the stress and wear on your engine. Think of it
As your engine being forced to breath harder not gradually like a turbo but instantaneously. Creating what is
Called boost pressure as you apply pressure on the gas pedal. Adding a supercharger would be great way to
Make power, but always think of the cost. Also an application that would make more sense for a drag racer and
Smaller four cylinder track engines in compacts that would make them more efficient on a track where larger
Displacement cars run.
Nitrous Oxide : Power in a bottle. NOS is a quick, cheap, and probably the easiest way to have power on tap.
What it does is introduce denser air into the combustion chamber, which in turn creates a better charge in the
Cylinders instantly creating horsepower. Which is great for the driver who needs power at the flip of a switch,
But like all options still has its cons. Bottle’s of nitrous have to be constantly refilled and most amateurs tend to
Use NOS very lavishly over spraying their engine. Thinking if all you need to do is swap jets(usually just a five
Minute swap) to get more horsepower, then why not see what you can get out of it. Common way to blow an
Engine.
Turbocharger : Basically an Exhaust gas operated supercharger, exhaust gas expelled from the engine is used to
Propel a turbine similar to a supercharger creating boost. Probably the most efficient power adder, but also can
Be the most complex. Matching a turbo to a vehicle and driving style can be very tedious, especially with the wide
Array of turbo sizing and budget. Also, there is a lot more that needs to be done to an engine to safely run a turbo.
All in all it comes down to what kind of driving you will be doing and what you are looking to get out of your car. I
Personally am a N/A kind of guy. I would rather build a motor around a specific goal, keeping the car as light as
Possible while still optimizing the amount horsepower available in that motor. That way I can have useable power
At all times and when I need it. But hey, that’s just me.
