It'* pretty much a case of tomato / tomato (yes I realize it doesn't really work in text, but who cares). A general rule of thumb I'd follow is if the SC is OEM then refer to it as supercharged. If it'* aftermarket I'd call it a blower, unless it'* centrifugal (sp). Pretty much whatever you say you'll be right, but calling your bonnie blown might get you a weird look if you're talking to someone that only works on cars, drinks beer, and watches NASCAR.

Most people that watch NASCAR don't know what a supercharger or blower is. NASCAR doesn't allow for them.

And NHRA fans that know they exist still don't know what they are or how they work.

I was just saying that for purposes of painting a picture of a "hillbilly" character. I know nascar doesn't use superchargers, it'd be pretty pointless with 12+ : 1 compression.

personally,
a blower is one like pictured, where it has the big intake on the top with the throttle plates in it.

and a supercharger is one that stays under the hood.

I know they are technically the same, but that is the way I think about it when I talk about them.

You're a little out of touch with NASCAR demographics if you used that to try to paint a 'hillbilly' picture.

Back on topic....if it'* a roots supercharger, it is both a blower and a supercharger. They are in fact two terms for the same device.

If it orange, I call it a cat. If it'* white, I call it a kitty...

The original question was, "What'* the difference?". Not "What do you call it and why?"

Sorry, but the conversation was taking an unneccessarily confusing turn.

I did state what I thought the difference was.

I always considered blower as just an old school name for a */c. But when I hear blower I get a picture of something like that 871 poking 2 ft out of a hood.