Is the MCS supercharger always engaged

[JohnWB]

This may seem like a daft question but on some cars the supercharger is only engaged when you need the extra power as this saves having to drive the superchager all the time and waste power. I have always assumed that it was engaged full time on the MCS but I htought I would ask. Regards John

[Spacer]

But, I do remember something about there being a bypass value, that below a certain RPM (I believe 3000 was mentioned), the bypass value is open, allowing the air to miss the supercharger blades. The reasoning behind this was that it was creating more drag than compression. Sorry if the facts aren't quite right, and anyone who can either link to the thread, or correct me, then feel free.

[GTmini]

I've also heard the same thing that Spacer has

[Andy@Ross-Tech.com]

Spacer is right, there is a bypass valve. Basically, when not under load, air pressure is balanced between the inlet and outlet of the supercharger. So, the supercharger is spinning, but it is spinning in air, not using much power.

[obehave]

I think the original question may be worded a bit oddly. The SC is always engaged. It's just not always using the output.
All SCs are always engaged.

Just to clarify it's not the Mad Max flip a switch Supercharger

[JohnWB]

Thanks for all the replys,
its just the Mad Max Drivers who have the cars