Haiz..
This website needs to be a sticky in this forum..
http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/tech_index.htm
In particular, the bit about turbocharged engines.
http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/engine/tech_engine_3.htm#Overview
y directing exhaust gas to rotate a turbine, which drives
another turbine to pump fresh air into the combustion chambers at a
pressure higher than normal atmosphere, a small capacity engine can
deliver power comparable with much bigger opponents. For example,
if a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine works at 1.5 bar boost pressure,
it actually equals to a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. As a
result, engine size and weight can be much reduced, thus leads to
better acceleration, handling and braking, though fuel consumption
is not necessarily better.
simple principle
more air + more petrol = more power
eg drive yr car in the morning when the air is cool and drive it
under a piercing hot afternoon sun. Do you notice that the car
feels more responsive in the morning?
Why?
Cold air is denser, hence it packs more air (O2)
Compressing the air before you send it to the engine takes this to
the extreme. This is known as Forced Induction. You can either
compress the air using yr alternator (supercharger) or using
exhaust gas to drive the compression (turbo charger).
Some cars are TCd out of the factory, including some Volvos,
virtually all new Saabs, STIs, WRXs, Evos, Silvias etc
LTA has strict regulations about what adding aftermarket TC kits to
existing cars though because it affects the emissions. They don't
flat out say no (if you read the website) but I would expect the
approval process to be extremely rigorous, so to speak.
