Auto Racing: blower, induction system, air mixture

Question
what does a blower do?

Answer
Hi Mike:

A blower is a pet name for a supercharger which is nothing more than a very expensive air pump which forces air through the induction system, pressurizing the gas/air mixture in the engine . It's an effort at increasing power output of an engine and usually nets an increase of over 25%  

They do the exact same thing as a turbo charger does only usually a blower, or supercharger is driven by  belts connected to the engine, where a turbo is driven by exhaust gasses.   Generally turbos are thought to be more efficient in that they don't draw horsepower from their drive mechanism as the supercharger does.

In either case , the power increase is quite noticeable, however the addition of a turbo or supercharger to most any engine is an expensive proposition , usully running to over $2500.00 - - -sometimes even more.   

Hope this is a help !

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida