Why are superchargers more common than turbochargers on a V8?

Question

I want to know why most companys with v8's have them equip with superchargers not turbochargers? Is it because merely of cost factor? 4bangers and v6's are more common with using turbo. Supercharges on multi valve engines dont perform as well, and they cant hit full boost till redline. To me turbochargers are the way to go...

I am doing a V8 conversion and want to put in twin turbo (I am aware single turbo is not as good on V engines) but still cant figure why factory force induction v8s only come with superchargers? This is from holdens to jag's...is there some vital information I am missing?

I dont see why a v8 will need bigger turbos? you can still use small or mid turbo if you want fast spool up. However the slow rev cause of bigger mass does make sense.

Craig, I am not asking what the difference is. I am asking why are superchargers used more often on V8's.

Answer 1

Superchargers are a much simpler/cheaper setup and may be the only way to fit into smaller engine compartments with a larger V8 motor and restricted area for an intercooler. They also don't suffer from throttle lag like some turbo app's. Twin turbo is the best way to go if possible. Some tech articles on these sites.
http://members.tripod.com/tomak3/page10.html
http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/engine/tech_engine_3.htm

Answer 2

V8s usually have a lot more low-end torque, and the loss from the supercharger is a smaller portion of that torque than it would be on a smaller engine.

Also, because V8s often don't rev up as quickly (lot more mass to get moving), turbos could take longer to spool up than they would on a smaller car...the fact that the turbos would have to be bigger also doesn't help that.

Basically the inherent advantages of a turbo are diminished, as are the inherent disadvantages of a supercharger.

I mean there are still merits to either one in either large or small engines, but if what you want to keep the V8 closer to the smooth power delivery it offers NA, then the supercharger is the better choice. So it's also a matter of preference. People buying V8s EXPECT that kind of power delivery.

Answer 3

both systems to the same end result and that's force more air in to the motor but the super charger which has to be driven off the motor takes more power to use it but makes more low in torque quicker were as i turboo is some what free power because it driver off the exhaust and depending what turb you use you can get a little lag . but both system suffer from heat soak this happens any time you compress air both systems could and should have a inter cooler system on it and if use a turbo set up your gunna need to install a bov to vent the air build up wile changing gears you can shop around on ebay and get a universal intercooler kit that you should be to make work