Originally posted by Flexer:
Yah but lets be honost here for a second. Other than the ability to be upgraded to a stronger performing system. I am currious as to which people think is:
A. sounds better?
B. More reliable?
C. Is best for a 6 cyl Vtec engine?
Actually, if done right the first time (the Basch unit may be the first SC to qualify) either one will achieve the max safe limit of a stock bottom end, so any upgrade for more HP would require major modifications anyway. However, the turbos are easily adjusted within the safe range depending on conditions, fuel supply, or just your needs.
Besides being adjustable, I prefer the turbo for several theoretical and subjective reasons:
~ More efficient. An SC has parasitic losses. If your stock block can safely generate say 425 hp, then whatever the SC consumes is HP you can't put to the wheels.
~ Generates boost only when it's needed. The SC boost is determined by RPM, not load. Does it matter in terms of wear & tear? I don't really know, but more stress and harder work (to turn the SC) can't be a good thing.
~ With the right turbos, boost can come up faster than the existing SC systems. The Basch may have closed that gap, but I doubt it will make full boost as early under many circumstances such as mid RPM up a hill where turbos excel. That's not seen on a dyno chart, but I'll wave as I go by.
~ Turbo systems are easy to intercool. Not a huge issue at the modest boost levels involved, but still a very good thing on a hot day or when running hard for an extended time.
~ I find the appearance of the SC systems unpleasant on an NSX, but from the pics I've seen, the Basch system is at least a big improvement.
~ I've wondered about the weight difference, but at the least the SC adds it's weight much higher up than the TT which is bad. (But yes, farther forward which is a good thing.)
~ And as I've said, I think turbos sound better.
I'm sold, again.
Oh yea, if you run them hard enough, turbos will glow nicely.
Reliability? If installed and maintained properly the units themselves should be pretty equal I wouldn't consider replacing the SC belt occasionally a significant factor. I'd use the self-lubricated and ball bearing turbos when possible.
As for which is better on our engines, I'm not sure the engine itself is a major factor. The V design complicates turbo plumbing, but also makes dual small turbos a nice option. According to some old dyno tests, the NSX with turbos benefits from the exhaust for the two sides being kept separate all the way out.