Bj�rn-

Although I don't recall the exact reason, I recall there is a good reason that diesels use turbos rather than superchargers. I have a bunch of old books on diesel motors, and all their applications, (various publication dates from 1930-1965), and read about it in one of these. Unfortunately, they are all packed right now. 
I would suggest a trip to your local library, or university library. 
Suzanne P. Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
Cary, NC USA
www.bulley-hewlett.com 
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Bj�rn Ratjen [SMTP:bratjen@DIRECT.CA]
Sent:   Thursday, September 23, 1999 2:53 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        turbocharger versus Kompressor (supercharger)

Hello Volks,

Joel Walker and I have been tossing around the idea of using a Kompressor
(supercharger) instead of a turbo for a Diesel engine. This basically would
mean that a belt driven fan pushes cold air towards the combustion process
instead of using the preheated one from an exhaust driven turbocharger.  

Here is a new question for connaisseurs:
Who knows details of a possible setup for this and the pros and cons?

The Kompressor (supercharger) setup may use a bit more energy, however that
should not matter that much. What about the amount of air pressure though
and how to regulate it?

Bj�rn Ratjen
Mill Bay, B.C.

1987 Vanagon est alia (self camperized)
1978 VW Bulli (self camperized)
1995 Passat TD Wagon (hers)
1970 VW Beetle (son's)