Supercharger Operation: Notes

Supercharger is an option on the 3.8L Thunderbird. The supercharger uses a pair of 3-lobed rotors connected to drive gears housed in the nose of the supercharger assembly. The supercharger drive gears are belt driven from the crankshaft. When rotated, the rotors create a positive displacement pump to compress air.

The compressed air creates a surplus volume of intake air that increases air pressure and density in the intake manifold. Air passes through the supercharger and intercooler to the intake manifold. The throttle body controls the volume of air supplied to the supercharger through the intake plenum.

The supercharger is serviced as an assembly and overhaul is not recommended. The supercharger system includes the boost control solenoid, intercooler, knock sensor, knock control unit, overboost warning device, and vane air temperature sensor. A rev limiter begins closing off fuel to the injectors at about 6000 RPM.