Supercharger

Supercharger:

PURPOSE
The supercharger supplies an excess volume of intake air to the engine by increasing air pressure and density in the intake manifold. The supercharger is matched to the engine by its displacement and belt ratio.

LOCATION
Located between the throttle body and the intake plenum.

CONSTRUCTION
The supercharger is a compressor (positive displacement pump), containing two three-lobed rotors. The helical shape and specialized porting provides smooth discharge flow and low level of noise during operation.

Rotors are supported by ball bearings in front and needle bearings at the rear. The drive gears are pressed into place, therefore the supercharger is not serviceable, and is replaced as a unit.

OPERATION
The supercharger is belt driven off the crankshaft. The throttle body controls the amount of intake air to the supercharger through the inlet plenum. Air from the supercharger is routed through the intercooler, then to the intake manifold.

At partial-throttle opening or when vacuum is present in the intake system, a vacuum-controlled bypass valve reroutes some discharged air from the supercharger back through the intake plenum. This prevents the supercharger from cavitating, causing reduced performance, increased temperatures, and poor economy.

NOTE: The supercharger is not a bolt on option. It is part of an integrated engine system. Many components of the supercharged engine are not interchangeable with similar parts from a non-supercharged engine.

The supercharger is serviced only as an assembly. Disassembly of the supercharger unit may void the warranty.