Just a few quick notes clr1024 to counterpoint - I think we should continue this in another thread as RYU pointed out without crapping this one up if you'd like:
1) You're neglecting that a turbo does not get its energy for free either (like you have pointed out with a belt-driven supercharger). A turbos losses come in the form of pumping losses from increased backpressure on the exhaust side (your engine is a giant air pump). Please don't say backpressure is good....:wink:
Don't worry I know back pressure is not good, no matter what kind of system you run. No turbo energy isn't free...but it's a lot cheaper:wink:
2) The only downside of the driveshaft from the Basch is minute loss due to rotational inertia that causes. The ball bearings (or maybe it uses needle bearings - don't know) supporting it have very little frictional losses in the grand scheme of things. I would prefer the minor frictional losses and added moment of inertia on the supercharger response as opposed to having a larger charge pipe (I see your comment on that has been corrected).
I would worry about parts breaking due to torsion of the long thin drive bar to the S/C, I would also worry about things flexing vs something bolted to a more solid flange/coupling.
3) Some people still prefer a centrifugals pump curve (turbo OR supercharger) as opposed to the positive displacement pump characteristics (me being one of them). I don't care about roasting tires at a stoplight, or how much torque I'm making at 3000RPM. How much time I spend in that RPM range is miniscule when I'm "on it." Power should be concentrated in the 5000-8000RPM range. That's how real race cars operate, and the way Honda intended
Of course, everyone's likes/dislikes are different - that's why we have options.
Yes you are correct, in that people have different preferences...as for Honda, I don't think they have built an engine that makes all it's torque up top. Maybe their turbo applications on F1 cars. Remember VTEC was created to let an NA car breathe better at high RPM, not an issue with FI cars since you are pushing the air in.
Anyway you are right, I do not want to hi-jack the OP's thread, so I won't write anymore about FI this or that or FI vs NA.