Turbocharger vs. Supercharger

[BWags]

I have a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5s and im looking to put either a turbo or a supercharger on it. I have heard good and bad things about both. I know the answers are going to be mainly opinion but if you could give me your input that would be awesome. As of now the car is completely stock minus a sound system and some rims more to come as soon as i get the cash.

[speedeast]

On a 4-cyl car, turbochargers are definitely more successful. Most people use a supercharger when they only want to throw in a few pounds of boost - nothing too impressive. Turbochargers are considered "free power" bolt-ons because the engine does no extra work to create boost. It uses the engines normal cycle to create boost; it's very creative. Superchargers, on the other hand, add another pulley that the engine has to turn in order to simply idle.

You're going to hear stories about turbo lag, but that only really occurs when your setup isn't optimal.

When someone only adds a few pounds with a supercharger, it's usually because they don't want to invest in replacing the components necessary to run a turbocharger. They are certainly capable of creating more boost, but then you have to replace the same components and now you have the power-robbing of the two options. Consider wisely. You can do a search of the site and read on some of the hundreds of other threads comparing the two.

[BWags]

Awesome thanks for all the information. Now my car is an automatic and not a manual, will that prevent me from getting the optimal power out of the turbo and will i need to mod other things on the engine in order to get the most out of it. And if you dont mind helping me further what size turbo would you recomend for my car? And there is alot of talk that this brand is better than that and whatnot, i am lookin at Turbonetics or Greddy, any opinions on either one??

[speedeast]

I personally think turbonetics or garrett are better for the money. GT2871RS or similar turbo will probably work well for you. .64 A/R.

Having an automatic means a couple things... the transmission is not as strong, you have no real control over it, you can't get as close to the redline.

Have you considered a second car? I have a 240sx that I play with, but I still daily drive a 2006 Mazda 6... greatest thing I could have done. I got my 240sx for $200 with no engine and made it what I wanted it to be, slowly.

[BWags]

alright sweet ill look into those thanks, also ive researched and they said i have to switch to premium(91,93) gas because of the turbo is this true??

ah thats kinda a bummer

and yea ive been hoping to get either a 1991 300zx or a 2002 sentra

[speedeast]

Def. gotta switch to a higher octane. Higher octane fuel doesn't ignite as easily so it prevents premature detonation.

[BWags]

ok thanks again for all your help