BLOWER ('bl o ( › )r) is another term for “supercharger” traditionally used to refer to Roots-type superchargers. For all practical purposes, however, any supercharger (Roots, centrifugal, twin screw, etc.) can be called a “blower.” Well, except for turbos. Technically turbos are superchargers, but since they’re exhaust-gas driven, they have to play in their own yard and aren’t called superchargers by most gearheads.
A blower/supercharger is belt driven and depends on engine rpm to produce/increase boost. Generally speaking, engines that are supercharged are built to have a lower compression ratio than naturally aspirated engines, but low-boost setups can be reliable with the proper fuel to avoid detonation.…
