Superchargers

[Danceswithvolvos]

Anyone have any experience of fitting superchargers to any of the RWD volvos? I have read about many engine mods (eg V8 in 240 & 7 series) but have never seen much about blowers. I would have thought this would be a fairly straightforward source of power, has anyone here seen anything done along these lines?

Can have it done ....... But the fabrication is ......... Well just silly ....... The rest is fairly ........... Other than expensive ........ Simple

[Dan F]

Hi.
I believe most superchargers are fairly low boost, which is why they can be a good mod for NA engines, as you can (more or less) strap one on and get a power boost.
Most superchargers will suffer some parasitic loss when not 'on boost' but as they tend to deliver full boost from very low rpms it tends not to be too much of a problem.
The most common SCs for upgrades are centrifugal models due to the simplicity of operation and fitting. Plus they are fairly small, which is handy in the aftermarket arena.
There are 3 main types:
Roots, Centrifugal and Lysholm.
Here is a good basic overview:
http://www.europeancarweb.com/tech/0...rger_overview/

There is plenty more info out there if you search.
Cheers,
Dan.

[Dan F]

Incidentally, my 32 uses an IHI Lysholm/twin screw type that outputs 1.1bar and 1.3 for short periods. It has an electromagnetic clutch (which completely disengeges the drive) to minimise parasitic losses when cruising or at low revs. It is a corker and makes a fantastic noise on full chat.
Dan.

[Danceswithvolvos]

Hi folks, Thanks for the info.
low revs performance is not critical as you point out, but they do pick up very quickly and make a very satifying noise indeed. Thanks for all the links and info.

What I had in mind was replacing the viscous fan in something like an early 240, with an electric fan (as I have one from an 850 lying around), which leaves a very handy crank driven mount that could drive a pulley. This could be used to power a Roots unit (eg poking through the bonnet on the nearside or more centrally depending on fabrications or cost) which would look a little crazy, but would probably keep most people from having a go at the lights! Engine layout is reasonably practical from what I remember of my 240. I know a friend who has a 240 estate doing nothing right now, so may have a tinker. I guess you could use a truck or coach turbo to make a simple centrifiugal unit too, as the principles between turbos and SC are similar, but the drive is different.

Will have a look at the info and do some more research, it just seems like an interesting project!

[Danceswithvolvos]

Dan, I like the sound of the electromagnetic clutch, any idea what the electrical power consumption is, or is it 'normally engaged' and just disengages and low revs?

[Dan F]

Originally Posted by Danceswithvolvos

This could be used to power a Roots unit (eg poking through the bonnet on the nearside or more centrally depending on fabrications or cost) which would look a little crazy, but would probably keep most people from having a go at the lights!!

Hi.
I used to see a 740 around Gloucester a few years back with a f00k off big supercharger sticking out of its bonnet.
Looked cool and made a great noise! I bet not too many tried to take it on.

As for the electromagnetic clutch, I think it is disengaged by default, and when it is required (ECU sensing throttle position/airflow etc) then it engages.
I don't think it takes any power whilst off as it is only activated when needed.

Cheers,
Dan.