Quote:
Originally Posted by Heel n Toe
AFAIK, cars with superchargers don't normally need/use intercoolers. The S/C is belt-driven.
Cars with turbochargers do... because exhaust gases are used to spin the vanes in the turbo.
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Turbos build boost exponentially. Superchargers tend to have more linear boost, but less ability to run amok at the higher RPMS. On older cars with lower compression ratios, they often don't effect engine lifespan to any appreciable degree. On other cars, the sizing of the unit and the drive pulleys is what makes a reliable system.
Generally speaking, intercoolers allow you to run more advance on the ignition, or more boost. Sometimes they prevent a loss of HP in warm weather. A modest system on a V8 should make a significant increase in HP without any loss in reliability.