Why supercharge
The benefits of the RGM/Vortech charger over other superchargers are firstly being centrifugal they take little power to drive and so save BHP that would otherwise be lost in driving the unit. Another benefit to using the RGM/Vortech, as opposed to any displacement charger is the fact all displacement chargers produce maximum boost at about 3000 engine rpm and then tail off as you rev higher. This is a big problem when driving, as you do not want near max power at low rpm as you get tremendous traction problems, which is a particular problem if you compete in drag races and standing quarter miles, as all you do is spin the wheels and go nowhere. The RGM/Vortech, being a centrifugal type charger has a nice even increase in boost pressure rising in a linear pattern, with useable extra power from 1000 engine rpm and max boost at say 7000 rpm (depending on the engine).
Supercharging vs turbocharging
The RGM/Vortech supercharger conversion offers huge advantages over a turbocharger:
Total drivability: - what you do with the throttle is transmitted directly to the rear wheels.
No throttle lag: - instant throttle response.
No huge surge in power: - power is progressive, increasing right to the redline.
Reduced peak cylinder pressures: - as torque is spread over a large range of rpm with no sudden increase, peak torque is lower but more useable.
Reduced strain on engine components: - with the increased useable rev range and progressive torque increase engine components are not subject to massive changes in cylinder pressure associated with turbo installations.
Efficiency is higher: - as there is no heat build up within the supercharger the input air temperature is significantly reduced over a turbocharger, reducing detonation and increasing power output and efficiency. A typical turbocharger has an efficiency of 65% a Vortech is 75%.
Exhaust temperatures reduced: - unlike turbo’s there is no excessive back pressure and heat build up within the engine and engine bay. This keeps engine components within their design perimeters and reduces fatigue in components like exhaust valves, seats and springs and reduces water and oil temperature.
Safety: - In race applications, engine components are pushed to and beyond their limits. In the event of an engine disintegrating the destroyed components ejected out of the exhaust do not go through the supercharger. On a turbocharger the exhaust impeller would be destroyed requiring a total turbo rebuild.
Supercharging vs highly tuned normally aspirated
The RGM/Vortech supercharger conversion offers huge advantages over normally aspirated:
More horsepower: - normally aspirated engines will never make as much power as a well developed supercharged engine.
Less cost: - the RGM/Vortech supercharged engine will cost less per BHP than NA engines.
Less fussy: - the RGM/Vortech supercharged engine drives much more smoothly with no defined power band unlike a highly tuned NA engine.
Easier starting: - with the same or less compression than an NA engine there is no extra strain on the starter motor or starter gear train.
Lower maintenance: - Without wild cams and stronger valve springs the valve gear gets an easier time and the cam chain and tensioners last longer.
Less fatigue: - as the boost damps the pistons inertia during the valve overlap period there is less stretch on connecting rods. As power is progressive there is no unnecessary stress on any engine component as the full rev range can be used.
The engine does not have to be made larger to produce the power, so there is no need to replace with pistons of larger diameter or the cost of reboring or stroking.
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