Springs and superchargers

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

Is it necessary to emphasis that one should NEVER compress a spring without 
a proper spring compressor. Let's see: four springs hold up 3,000 lbs of 
car. That means that just releasing one from it's rest position involves 
nearly 800 lbs of force. Remember this is the static load. The spring also 
handles dynamic loads (the spring rate). Just imagine getting hit with an 
800 lb uppercut..... ALWAYS keep that spring under complete control.

Mechanical Superchargers are inferior to turbochargers except in one 
respect. The supercharger reacts immediately to increased rpm, the turbo 
always takes a bit of time to spool up. Lancia developed the supercharged 
rally engine with a turbo for principle supercharging and a mechanical 
supercharger in series for immediate throttle response and low end torque. 
Newer turbos can handle these low end requirements due to high speed small 
sized turbines and computer controlled boost systems so seres supercharging 
is no longer interesting.

Driving a really good street turbo car is a real thrill. SAAB doe sit well 
and the new VW Audi products are truly impressive, especially when tuned a bit.

Cheers


Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta,Canada
91 Alfa 164L
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