Most drivers often think about adding extra power to the engine. Too many times we all have been in a situation where we need some extra power. Sometimes a truck or some other vehicle is in the way, and a supercharger with its extra power can come in handy.
So, how much horsepower does a supercharger add? Manufacturers don’t want to go into exact figures, because every engine is a unique story. Depending on the original output of the engine, a supercharger can add between 30% and 50% extra power. A supercharger and its quality play a major role in these percentages.
But, to better understand the topic, and the possibilities of the supercharger, stay with us. We will explain how the supercharger works, what types are on the market, and how much power it can add. Enjoy!
What Is A Supercharger?
The power is produced in the engine’s combustion chamber by burning fuel and oxygen. The expanding gasses then drive the piston. With more air in the combustion chamber, more fuel can be burned to make additional power.
The Supercharger is responsible for adding more oxygen. It is a type of air compressor that is mounted on, or next to the engine. The supercharger is connected to the crankshaft driven by the belt. The compressed air will be forced into the engine. From the engine, it will move through the intercooler system, and finally to the cylinder heads.
With extra fuel, it will create a bigger combustion explosion. The bigger the explosion, the more power and torque the engine will receive. To achieve this, superchargers spin at a very high rate, higher than the engine. A turbocharger can spin between 50,000 and 65,000 rotations per minute. This process negatively impacts fuel efficiency but results in a power boost.
Which Is Better: A Supercharger Or A Turbocharger?
Unlike superchargers, turbochargers are using the engine’s exhaust gasses to produce more power. Those gases would go to waste, and this way it is producing a horsepower boost.
A turbocharged engine can be smaller because it will produce more power than a regular size engine. These engines are more fuel efficient (between 20% and 25%) when compared to engines with the supercharger. The downside of a turbocharged engine is turbo lag. That means that the engine will need a second or so to utilize all that extra engine power.
So, we can conclude that the turbocharger is a better option. Also, car manufacturers often choose turbochargers for their engines. That is a definite clue for a better way to get increased power to the engine.
Types of Superchargers
The type of supercharger also defines how much the engine’s power is going to increase. There are 4 types of superchargers and each has the best way for its use.
Roots supercharger
These were designed by the Roots brothers in 1850. They combine two rotors that interlace together. This can resemble two gears. One of the rotors is supplied with rotation motion by the pulley. The rotors rapidly rotate and catch all the air that is in the inlet. From there they will move to the outlet. The Roots superchargers are a base for most superchargers in use today.
Twin-screw superchargers
Twin-screw superchargers. A Swedish named Alf Lyshold was experimenting with gas turbines. There was a problem with the stalling in them, and he utilized the Roots-type supercharger. He concluded that it wasn’t effective, and developed his supercharger. In the center are two screws that are compressing the air. This method is more efficient because more air is compressed, and the air itself is denser. Air entering the combustion chamber is heavier and cooler, resulting in fewer engine power losses. Twin screw superchargers are in use in a couple of engines, including the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
Centrifugal supercharger
These superchargers are using impellers. An impeller is a type of fan that draws off the liquid. The impeller is placed in the housing, and it siphons the air with the fans. When the air is thrown out from the impeller it slows down, and the compressor gathers it. These superchargers are not powered by exhaust gases but by the engine
Electric superchargers
In 1990. when they were developed, they didn’t have many uses. With the development of hybrid vehicles, they can finally find a better purpose. They are powered by an electric motor.
Check Out What’s The Best Supercharger? Roots vs Centrifugal vs Twin-Screw vs Electric:
What Are The Benefits of a Supercharger?
The first benefit of a supercharger is the power that it delivers to the internal combustion engine. We mentioned that we will not talk about the exact horsepower increase, but it can be even 100 hp. That depends on the type of supercharger and the size of the compressor.
Thanks to extra air in the combustion chamber, the engine will burn fuel at a higher rate. That will lead to better fuel economy and an overall increase in the engine’s horsepower. All that extra air will also cool down the engine and prevent its overheating.
What Are The Drawbacks of Superchargers?
The first problem is that the supercharger is drawing power from the engine to produce extra power. The turbocharger doesn’t have this problem. The superchargers produce more heat and demand extra cooling.
The sheer size and weight of the superchargers are often overlooked. They demand enough space in the engine bay. Adding a supercharger will make the car harder to handle, and more complex to maintain.
Pros
- Includes grease fittings with dust caps and an install tool adapter.
- Antitrust coating guards the housing.
- Specifically designed to resist vast wear and tear.
- Ease of installation.
- Much more inexpensive than the OEM equivalent.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Premium quality ball joints under $30.
Cons
- None
Can You Have 2 Superchargers?
Yes, you can. How much can you gain from that setup is another question. Also, there is a problem with the price and room in the engine bay.
Can You Switch On and Off A Supercharger?
No current supercharger has that option. There is a Toyota Previa with a supercharger that can be turned off and on. It is done through a switch that is controlling the two-speed axle assembly.
What Are The Best Supercharger Brands?
There are a lot of supercharger kit manufacturers in the market, but you should choose the best one. We will recommend some of the most popular and reliable brands out there.
- Edelbrock Superchargers
- MagnaCharger Superchargers
- Paxton Superchargers
- Whipple Superchargers
- Vortech Superchargers.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Supercharger?
Installing a supercharger is not cheap. A supercharger can cost between $1,000 and $10,000. Of course, you can find an aftermarket supercharger for older models. They can be found for less than $1,000. And, on top of this are the labor prices. If you decide to go to the auto shop, they can charge you between $180 and $260. Prices at the dealerships go from $235 to $340.
What Are The Things To Do After Installing A Supercharger?
When installing a supercharger, some other components may also demand upgrades. That includes the transmission that can handle the more powerful engine. On the list are also beefier differential gears and axle shafts.
How Much Horsepower Does A Supercharger Add: FAQs
How can I add 200 horsepower to my car?
That would demand significant engine modifications and tune-up of other components. This process would include:
– High-flow air filter
– Performance air intake
– Improved exhaust
– Engine electronic tuner
– Lightweight wheels.
Can you supercharge an automatic?
Yes, you can. The problem is that the automatic transmission cannot handle and convert as much power as a car with a manual transmission.
Can a v6 be turbocharged?
Yes, you can. The turbocharger adds up to 40% of power in this case.
How much horsepower does a supercharger add to a v6?
It all depends on the type of supercharger and engine. Also, the state of the engine is a major factor. Using old and worn engines won’t get you much. In ideal conditions, a supercharger can add between 50 and 100 more horsepower.
Does a supercharger need an intercooler?
No, it does not. But, a supercharger with an intercooler will work better and have a longer life.
Is it difficult to install a supercharger?
When compared to a turbocharger they are easy to install. In either case, for this operation, it is recommended to hire a mechanic.
How long does a supercharger installation take?
In most cases, it takes 3 to 4 days to install a supercharger. Installation can take 1 or 2 days, 1 additional day is for tuning, and the last day is for testing.
Final Considerations
Installing a supercharger is not an easy task. The equipment is expensive, and some requisitions need to be fulfilled. The engine should be in good shape, with enough space in the bay. Choose a recommended supercharger that is of good quality.
If you are looking for a power boost, a supercharger is a great option. We also advise you to consult with the mechanic in case other components need replacing. The system as a whole needs to be good. Only that way the car will last longer, and you will enjoy driving it.
