Procharger Centrifugal Supercharger

Dave Bilyk · 09-21-04, 08:17 PM

Hi all, I just came across an advert for the Procharger centrifugal supercharger. At first sight this would seem to be a more viable proposition than a normal supercharger or a turbocharger. Has anyone used one in a GT40 or other application? Any comments?
regards
Dave

Ron Earp · 09-21-04, 11:19 PM

Yes. Use a turbo or positive displacement blower.

I've lots of experience over the years with blown Ford V8s, if you get serious email me. Go to the Mustang forums to learn more about centrifugal blowers vs. turbos, roots, and lyscholm screw air compressors. If you're serious about a blower for a SB Ford see http://www.kennebell.net/. Feels like a BB motor, great power.

Mark Worthington · 09-22-04, 12:58 AM

I don't think a centrifugal blower would fit in the small space between the front of the engine and the bulkhead. A twin screw positive displacement might require lowering the engine to fit under the rear deck.

killroy · 09-22-04, 01:36 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...;category=33741

That's a good setup.

It might not fit very well, but what's behind you is not important!

There is another older one on ebay also, but this one is a better deal.

Centrifugal gives you lots of high rpm power.

Roots gives you lots of low end torque and good high rpm power.

Turbo's can give you both, but they are tricky.

John · 09-24-04, 09:54 PM

I know a few people who have run Prochargers with great success. One guy I know of was making close to 1,000 horses on a small block Chevy V8 and knocking down around 18mpg at the same time. As everyone has said above, the packaging may be a little tricky, but it would be easier than a roots type or a turbo setup I would imagine.

In my opinion however, turbos are better. They don't require a belt-drive which means they don't involve the parasitic loss associated with superchargers. They also convert otherwise wasted exhaust energy into power. Finally, they are an "on-demand" type of system... they won't go into positive boost unless you are putting your foot into it, which means you should be able to maintain good fuel economy while having the power you want (i.e., you can have your cake and eat it too!).

Downsides of the turbos though are packaging, lag and heat. Routing all that exhaust pipe can be tricky. As far as lag goes... with a properly set up system it isn't an issue... but if you are just running one big turbo (as opposed to multiple smaller ones, or a single smaller one) it can be a problem... when you're in a turn and suddenly the turbo spools you're back end will come wide quickly. Also, since turbos spin at a mugh higher shaft speed generally, they put out a lot more heat than a supercharger. This might not work too well with the fiberglass rear bonnet.

I love turbos though... = )

John

Tim Kay · 09-25-04, 12:57 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I love turbos though... = )

[/ QUOTE ]

John,

I love'em too [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Here's a great application for a Mazda Turbo Cosmo 2-Rotor (1300cc) - 584 hp @ the wheels (I should say 'Paddles')

daveg · 09-25-04, 10:22 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I love'em too

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, count me in [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

John · 09-25-04, 01:06 PM

Yeah, the bug really bit me when I bought my 1990 Nissan 300ZX twin-turbo. Can have complete streetability, good fuel economy, and gobs of power when you need it!

I know of a guy who has a pair of turbos on a small block in his '69 Camaro who is making over 900 horses, knocking down around 20mpg, and the car just purrs at idle... pulling down about 16'' vacuum at 700rpm!

Actually,... this is one of the guys who had a ProCharger and did very well with it... but made the switch to turbos.