Forced Air? TURBO? Options

[bob91403]

Could someone tell me why a scoop can't increase air pressure, as you go faster, and create the same kind of HP "boost" you get from turbo or superchargers? Excuse me for being ignorant. But, isn't it just a matter of increasing air pressure to the intake, and pumping in the right amount of gas for mixture? What about a pressurized tank of air, or both air and propane tanks? Couldn't you use a small compressor for boost, or as a source to refill a "boost" tank? I really don't understand this obcession with tubocharging. Nitrous systems have been around for a long time, and are much simpler. I was told, by my top rated Porsche mechanic, that, "Yeah, higher compression heads, turbocharging, supercharging, nitrous oxide, will all increase horsepower. But, anything you do to increase the horsepower will seriously lower the longevity of the engine." He doesn't even recomend european compression heads for a rebuild. I do understand, tubocharging a smaller engine gives you increased horsepower, plus the weight advantage of not having to put in a 3.2L six. But, if you have to rebuild it every 50K, instead of 150K miles, doesn't conversion cost less? Curious to hear your replies.