Slideshow: Naturally Aspirated or Supercharged?

Power Goals

Superchargers have one big advantage over naturally aspirated engines: cost. A cam and a ported head might net you some power, but if you’re looking to build an LS to 800 or 900 horses you’re going to have a lot of R&D to do if you choose to go natural. High compression ratios and cylinder head work are only a small chunk of what you’ll need to know. 

Base Engine

As volumetric efficiency goes up the returns you net on a supercharger go down. A stock engine will see big gains where a motor that is already close to the ragged edge of race trim will be a lot more work to get anything substantial. This leads us to the next point… 

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Packaging

Ok, if there are no gains to supercharging a cutting-edge engine, then why does GM offer it on the new ZR1 instead of turbocharging? The answer lies in packaging. Superchargers can often be packaged very efficiently without taking up the space a turbo system does. This packaging is likely the reason behind GM utilizing it on the newest supercar offerings. It’s not out of some fear that turbocharging the Z06 would make it less desirable. 

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Return on Investment

We know that superchargers give us the most benefit on most low volumetric efficiency street engines, but how much do they cost compared to building the same power without boost? Hennessey’s kit for the C7 Stingray (boost) will net 600 horsepower for just over $12,000 while LMR offers a similar package au naturel for $9,000. Prices are likely similar by the time all is said and done. 

>>Join the conversation about running boost vs being NA right here on LS1Tech.

Final Thoughts

Either way, you go on an LS you’re going to make enough power to scare your pants off. Superchargers offer usability and packaging benefits where naturally aspirated engines can be slightly cheaper to build, albeit with fewer returns once you start getting into purpose-built racing engines. Price and packaging are likely to be the two biggest factors for the average guy when he makes a decision. Hope you enjoyed reading this one!

>>Join the conversation about running boost vs being NA right here on LS1Tech.

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