Is a turbo a blower?

No, a turbo is not a blower in the way that a supercharger is. While both are forced induction systems that increase engine power, they differ in how they are driven. A turbocharger (or “turbo”) is driven by exhaust gases, while a supercharger (or “blower”) is driven directly by the engine’s crankshaft via a belt.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Turbocharger (Turbo):

Power Source:
Uses the energy of exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which in turn drives a compressor that forces air into the engine.
Efficiency:
Generally more efficient than a supercharger because it repurposes waste energy (exhaust gases).
Lag:
Often experiences a delay called “turbo lag” as the turbine needs to spool up to speed before providing full boost.

Supercharger (Blower):

Power Source: Directly driven by the engine’s crankshaft via a belt, meaning it uses engine power to compress air.
Efficiency: Less efficient than a turbocharger because it draws power from the engine.
Lag: Offers instant power with no lag because it’s directly connected to the engine.