The reason most people go with a supercharger over a turbo is because turbo manufactures are known for taking quiet a while to get you a complete kit. One of the turbo manufactures right now has over a 1 year wait to get their kit. You can pick up the phone now and have just about any supercharger to your door in about two days.
I'm a little biased, I think the wait is well worth it. Plus not all of them have such a long wait, just some. Call George at Turbo Technology, I think you can get the street kit like I have within a few weeks. My kit is good for 600 hp, enough to split the block in two. Everyone ordering wants a race kit or twins, that will put the wait longer. Go with something simple like a single, the engine compartment want be as cramped, and you can still make good power.
As far as reliability, some might argue, but a supercharger is spun by the crank, butting excessive wear on the bearings. A turbo is run from the exhaust, you be the judge.
And yes, the ole turbo lag theroy. Right now the most boost I run is 10 lbs, and I see it by 2300 rpm. If I have any lag, I can't tell it. If you choose a bigger turbo, like a T-72 or something I'm sure you might experience some lag.
As far a money comparison between the two. Yes a turbo will run you about $4000 minimum, although you get just about everything you need (i.e; headers and exhaust, intercooler, mass air, fuel pump, boost gauge, some even sell the injectors). To get a supercharger setup with intercooler is going to cost you around $3000+ I think. Then when you buy headers and all the other stuff mentioned with the turbo kit, I would think you'll easily have $4000+.
With a turbo you can really sneak up on people, it doesn't whine until you into the boost. Everybody and their brother knows when you have a supercharger under the hood.
A turbo is harder to tune though, I've got to give the supercharger the advantage there. But if properly tuned turbo is put up against a supercharger, the turbo is going to win.
Both are great, it's all up to you to decide. Go to
www.turbomustangs.com. Look at the readers rides for some actual performance numbers, plus there are links to all the manufactures, so you can make some calls.