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Turbo vs Supercharger.
If you are considering forced induction for your vehicle, or any bimmer for that matter,
there are a lot of things to take into consideration. There are the basic issues like,
turbo or supercharger, which supplier and how much boost pressure.
But similarly important are issues of how other components within your vehicle could
need to be changed to adequately deal with all of that additional power. It is hardly
ever the situation where you can install a supercharger and you are all set without
being required to consider these other components.
I won't try to address every BMW version in terms of supercharging and
turboing, there
are too many varieties to cover here. Nevertheless, in general,
superchargers offer a
slightly less expensive, simpler to install solution. These kits often produce 6-8 lbs
of boost and the competent backyard mechanic can easily install a application in a day.
Superchargers will often produce impressive power but many suppliers do not produce a
huge amount of low RPM torque. So, for average driving you will not get much of an
improvement until you get to higher RPMs.
Turbos can make significant HP potential, also
result in huge low end torque once spooled up but also can result in a involved install.
In high boost kits you commonly need to reduce the compression ratio with either a
thicker head gasket or shorter pistons. There are more components to a turbo application
too, consisting of items like an intercooler, bypass valve, blow off valve, waste gate,
exhaust manifold, larger injectors, etc.
The average backyard mechanic will often not
be able to do this install. A professional mechanic will need 8-12 hours depending on
which kit and this can increase the total expense of the kit.
However, the higher power is worth every penny if it is within your budget.
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Stopping: Well, if you build a 400 to 500 HP car you had better have 400 to 500 HP brakes. Increased power results in higher acceleration, increased speed and much greater demands on your braking system. Typical upgrades include larger diameter discs, upgraded multi piston calipers, performance brake pads, stainless steel brake lines and premium brake fluid. Make this one of the first things you improve after adding a turbo or supercharger. Drivetrain: If you have a manual transmission, seriously consider improving the clutch. The Sachs heavy duty clutch is great for low boost kits with higher performance kits requiring a UUC, Clutchmaster or similar application. You might as well change it out now, because your standard clutch will most likely fail very quickly otherwise. This is about a 6 hour project for most mechanics. Cooling System: HP makes heat. Your vehicle's radiator is designed to deal with your stock power heat output. Should you live in a hot climate, track your car or do a lot of high speed driving you may need superior cooling. Your best bet is to purchase a larger capacity, performance radiator. Ensure the system is flushed and has new fluid. You may also consider engine heat shielding to keep the heat from your intake and also special hoods that have slats installed to allow the hot air to get out easily. Your Skills: The most critical thing to improve is your driving abilities. All of that horsepower may get you in a lot of trouble and you don't want to be injured or hurt anyone else. A good place to start is to check out BMWCCA driving schools. These are expensive and you really learn a great deal. There are also many other professionally run driving schools around the USA that have the ability to teach you how to safely drive your high performance BMW.
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