Forced induction

When you add a turbocharger or a supercharger, you’re making more power

by forcing more air from the atmosphere into your engine.

Think of a turbocharger or supercharger as a fan that is blowing compressed

air into your engine. The more air you give your engine, the more power your

engine can give you (if you also add the right amount of fuel and spark). The

extra air adds oxygen so you can burn more fuel. But if you want a reliable,

drivable car with a turbocharger or a supercharger, you must make sure all

of the parts of your entire car work together.

The decision to use nitrous oxide may depend on how long you want to use

the extra power:

-

 A turbocharged or supercharged car can run on the track at full power

until the gas tank is empty.

-

 A nitrous oxide system has a limited boost time before you have to

return to the mother ship and refill; when you’re out of nitrous oxide,

your car is a 98-pound weakling again.

You must consider whether all of the engine, driveline, and chassis parts can

handle big power increases. Chapter 16 covers the basics of making your car

tough enough.

Some companies are known for over-engineering their designs; others are

not. When your buddy with a late-model Toyota Supra tells you how easily

and seamlessly his car transitioned from its stock 300 hp to 600 or 800 hp

with minimal fuss, don’t assume that your 100 hp Kia or Hyundai can cope

as gracefully with 200 or 300 hp.

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