Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

11 blade vs 6 blade?

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Old Mar 3, 2017 | 08:02 PM
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Default 11 blade vs 6 blade?

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a turbo for my 5.3, I'm looking for something in the neighborhood of a 7875... there are two vendors that offer a turbo in the range I'm looking for.... my question is how much more efficient if any efficiency or power is to be gained from an 11 blade compressor wheel over a 6 blade compressor wheel? same turbo specs, just more blades
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Old Mar 3, 2017 | 09:55 PM
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I also wonder. My Boostlabs unit has 11 blades, it is VERY quiet compared to a standard unit. I'd imagine the compressor would flow more at less rpm, but would love an explanation with test results.
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Old Mar 3, 2017 | 11:07 PM
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i agree, one would think, more blades=more air but ive been wrong before lol... is 11 blades to new of a concept to have any real world comparisons?
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Old Mar 4, 2017 | 04:36 AM
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Blade count really means nothing. Overall design is more important. If they are china turbos you will need to research each one to find their actual performance results and make a choice based on that.
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Old Mar 4, 2017 | 01:48 PM
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I did read somewhere, that the higher number blades are more suited to smaller engine/high boost applications.
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Old Mar 5, 2017 | 08:09 AM
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Is it a 6 blade, or a 6+6?
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Old Mar 5, 2017 | 10:03 AM
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well joe, that makes 12

i'm only a dumb fabricator and I can do that math
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Old Mar 5, 2017 | 10:48 AM
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The 11 blades are 11 full length blades. The 6 blades are 6 full and 6 shorter half length blades usually(6+6). I forget which way it goes but from an aero standpoint, one is better at higher pressure ratios, like more suited to the 30+psi that diesels run.

I can tell you that the 11 full length blades are much quieter. Something to do with air shear. I really couldn't tell a seat of the pants diff from an 11 blade "ebay billet" wheel and a stock cast 6+6 wheel on the s475 on my truck at 15 lbs. I've got a dyno now so I might do a back to back and see if there is any diff.
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Old Mar 5, 2017 | 07:51 PM
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Higher blade count is better for higher pressure ratios, but do not move as much airflow at lower boost levels. Less blades is the opposite, so its likely to make more power with less blades assuming the boost is kept reasonable.
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Old Mar 8, 2017 | 08:28 AM
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11 primary = won't move air till higher boost/ pressure ratios.

6+6 and 7+7 designs will move more air mass earlier in the boost/ pressure ratio curve.
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Old Mar 8, 2017 | 09:00 AM
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Worth going to a 6+6 over a 6 for a 18-20 psi tune?

Last edited by 3 window; Mar 8, 2017 at 10:22 AM.
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