In a message dated 12/16/98 9:41:27 PM, branch@valinet.com writes:
<<Hey, can someone explain to me just what a "Judson" is? I take it from the
conversations that is is a supercharger or turbocharger. Or maybe yet
another nomer for a portion of the male anatomy..... I'm waiting for my
wife to get me Vizard's book for Christmas, but can't wait for the answer!!>>
Geoff,
Judsons are rotary vane, variable psi superchargers. They are belt driven
from the crankshaft so are always "running" and produce up to 6 or 7 psi boost
(I think). The vanes float in a center drum which is offset from the outer
cylinder. Depending on how hard the vanes are pressed against the outer
cylinder as to how much boost you get. When the set up is maximized on a 948
you should get about a 45 percent horsepower increase. Unlike blowers which
are either on or off and provide a fixed boost Judsons basicly provided boost
only when required. Besides Sprites Judsons were made for Volkswagen,
Corvair, Volvo, MG and I think Triumph. Judson also built an Electronic
Magneto for the same cars. This is a coil and SCR capacitor discharge
ignition in one unit. I had a Judson supercharger installed on one of our
Sprites in June of 1960. It was used for 18 months and removed because the
buyer of my car wanted the better gas mileage of the SU's.
Bob and Annice
1960 Sprite
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