Can you make a car supercharged?

Yes. You can add a supercharger to many cars using aftermarket kits or by choosing factory options, but it isn’t universal. It requires engine compatibility, skilled installation, and careful tuning, along with meaningful costs and considerations around warranty and emissions.

How a supercharger works

Understanding the basics helps gauge what’s involved in a retrofit. A supercharger compresses incoming air, allowing more oxygen to enter the engine and enabling more fuel to be burned for greater power. Because it is driven by the engine belt, it delivers boost immediately, with no significant lag, unlike a turbocharger that relies on exhaust flow. There are several common configurations, each with its own feel and fitment requirements.

Below are the main types of superchargers and how they differ in operation.

• Roots-style supercharger: A positive-displacement unit that pushes air in at low RPMs for immediate, chunky torque.


• Twin-screw supercharger: Similar to Roots but more efficient and cooler, delivering strong low- and mid-range boost with smoother operation.


• Centrifugal supercharger: Spin-driven and typically mounted inline with the intake; boost rises with RPM and often requires a more complex intake/fuel setup.

In practice, the choice of type affects boost feel, installation complexity, and how well it integrates with the engine’s cooling and fueling systems. Each configuration has trade-offs between instant response, peak power, and packaging challenges.

Factory options vs aftermarket kits

There are two broad paths to boosting performance with a supercharger: factory-installed systems that come on certain models, and aftermarket kits that retrofit a non-supercharged engine. Each path has distinct advantages and considerations.

• Factory supercharged: Integrated systems with dealer support, guaranteed compatibility with the car’s electronics and emissions controls, and typically better long-term reliability. Often bundled with other performance upgrades and tuned for a specific model.


• Aftermarket kits: Wide availability across many makes and models, with various compressor types and boost levels. Can be more affordable upfront, but may require extensive installation, custom tuning, and ongoing maintenance. Warranty and emissions compliance can be more complex.

Choosing between factory and aftermarket depends on your goals, budget, and how much risk you’re willing to manage regarding warranty, emissions, and drivability. A factory option is usually the safer, more seamless path, while a well-chosen aftermarket kit offers broad flexibility and potential cost savings for enthusiasts.

What you need to know before you retrofit

Before committing to a retrofit, there are several critical factors to verify to avoid inappropriate upgrades or engine damage. These considerations cover compatibility, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

• Engine compatibility and internals: Not all engines tolerate boost well; some require stronger pistons, rods, or a lower compression ratio to handle higher air pressure.


• Fuel system capacity: Higher boost demands more fuel. This may require larger injectors, a higher-capacity fuel pump, and appropriate fuel pressure tuning.


• Cooling and intercooling: Boosted air is hotter. An intercooler or additional cooling capacity is usually necessary to prevent detonation and maintain performance.


• Intake and exhaust plumbing: Piping, intercooler routing, and exhaust flow must be designed to fit the engine bay and avoid bottlenecks.


• Engine management and tuning: A proper ECU remap or a standalone ECU is typically required to manage timing, boost, air-fuel ratios, and protections against knock.


• Drivetrain and transmission: Increased torque can stressing the transmission, clutch, and axles; upgrades or careful calibration may be needed.


• Emissions and legal considerations: Some regions require certification or may prohibit certain aftermarket configurations; testing and inspection requirements can apply.


• Warranty and insurance: Aftermarket boosting can affect factory warranties and may influence insurance premiums or coverage terms.

In summary, successful retrofit hinges on a holistic plan that coordinates hardware, electronics, fueling, cooling, and regulatory compliance with the specific engine’s tolerances.

Installation and tuning: what to expect

Installing a supercharger is a complex project that benefits from professional expertise. Expect a multi-step process that touches mechanical, electrical, and software systems, with time and cost reflecting the chosen kit and vehicle.

1. Confirm compatibility: Select a kit or factory option that suits the specific engine and model year.


2. Prepare the engine bay: Piping, brackets, brackets, intercooler placement, and belt routing must be arranged to fit without interference.


3. Upgrade supporting systems: Fuel delivery, cooling capacity, and sensors may need upgrades or replacement.


4. Mechanical installation: Mount the supercharger, intercooler, belts, and related hardware securely and correctly.


5. Electrical and ECU work: Install or modify wiring, install a suitable ECU map, and ensure sensors read correctly under boost.


6. Dyno calibration and testing: A professional dyno tune ensures safe boost pressures, proper fueling, and reliable operation across RPM ranges.

The end result should feel like a cohesive system where boost is matched to fuel, cooling, and engine strength. Poor installation or mis-tuning can lead to detonation, overheating, or accelerated wear.

Costs, maintenance, and reliability

Budgeting for a supercharger project involves more than the price of the kit. Total costs include installation labor, supporting upgrades, and ongoing maintenance, with wide variation by vehicle and boost level.

• Typical kit price: A wide range, from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand, depending on brand, type, and included components.


• Installation labor: Professional installation can run from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on vehicle complexity.


• Supporting upgrades: Upgraded fuel system, intercooler, cooling system, and exhaust work may be necessary.


• Ongoing maintenance: Regular belt checks/replacements, oil changes with higher filtration needs, and monitoring for detonation or overheating.


• Reliability considerations: Boost levels must be tuned to engine strength; excessive boost or poor tuning can reduce reliability or shorten engine life.

Overall, a well-planned and properly tuned system can deliver meaningful power gains with manageable maintenance, while an ill-prepared setup risks reliability and performance issues.

Legal, warranty, and real-world considerations

Beyond the mechanical aspects, buyers should consider warranty coverage, insurance, and local regulations. Aftermarket boost can void some factory warranties, complicate resale, and raise insurance premiums. Emissions laws can affect legality in some regions, and some jurisdictions require testing or certification for modified vehicles.

For many drivers, the appeal of a more powerful, tractable boost is balanced by these practicalities. Working with a reputable shop, confirming local rules, and securing proper documentation can help mitigate risks.

Alternatives to supercharging

If the goal is more power or improved response without the additional complexity of a supercharger, other options exist. Each has its own advantages and trade-offs.

• Turbocharging: Uses exhaust energy to spin a turbine and compress air; often more efficient for boost at higher RPMs but can introduce turbo lag unless paired with smart tuning.


• Engine tuning and intake/exhaust improvements: Software updates and carefully selected exhaust and intake upgrades can free some power with lower risk.


• Hybrid or electric boost assist: Electrically driven compressors or mild-hybrid systems can provide instant boost and smooth delivery with different energy considerations.

Choosing among these depends on your priorities—daily drivability, peak power, fuel efficiency, and how you use the vehicle on the street or track.

Summary

Adding a supercharger is feasible for many cars through factory options or aftermarket kits, but it requires careful planning. Key steps include confirming engine compatibility, upgrading supporting systems, and pursuing professional installation and tuning. Expect higher costs, potential warranty and regulatory considerations, and a commitment to maintenance. For some, turbocharging or other enhancements may offer a better balance of performance and practicality. A well-executed boost project can deliver meaningful power with proper safeguards.

Is it illegal to add a supercharger to a car?

Yes, even if you live in California, it's completely legal to add a ProCharger Supercharger System to your hot Hemi!

Is supercharging bad for the engine?

No, a supercharger is not inherently bad for an engine, but it can increase wear and tear and decrease reliability if the engine wasn't designed for it or if maintenance is neglected. Superchargers put extra stress on engine components, which is why an engine built to handle this from the factory will have a more predictable lifespan, but adding one to a standard engine can shorten it. 
You can watch this video to learn about the potential downsides of adding a supercharger to a truck: 1mBackroad DriverYouTube · Aug 31, 2022
Risks and disadvantages

• Increased engine wear: A supercharger forces more air into the engine, which means more stress on internal parts like pistons, rods, and the crankshaft. 
• Higher operating temperatures: The forced induction increases combustion temperatures, creating more thermal stress on components. 
• Reduced reliability: A non-supercharged engine will wear out faster if a supercharger is added without supporting modifications, as it wasn't designed for the extra load. 
• Higher maintenance costs: Superchargers require more frequent maintenance, such as oil and coolant changes, to ensure proper lubrication and cooling. They are also precise components that may require specialized service. 
• Decreased fuel efficiency: Because the supercharger is driven by the engine itself, it draws power away from the crankshaft, which can lead to lower fuel economy. 

This video explains the drawbacks of superchargers, such as lower efficiency and potential packaging problems: 55sOVERDRIVEYouTube · Feb 18, 2022
When it's not a risk

• Factory-installed superchargers: If the engine was designed and built to be supercharged from the factory, it can have a long and reliable life as long as it receives the recommended maintenance. 
• Proper installation: When properly installed on a compatible engine with supporting modifications (like stronger internal components), a supercharger will not necessarily damage the engine and can be a reliable addition. 

Can I put a supercharger on a stock engine?

When building an engine for supercharging (other than for racing), it is generally built for low to mid-range torque and power. This is similar to a stock engine. And because a stock engine can be used with a supercharger, it would be just as easy to operate or maintain. This makes it less exotic and more practical.

Can you make any car supercharged?

No, you cannot put a supercharger on absolutely any car, as it depends on the engine, available space, and compatibility with the car's computer and other components. While it is technically possible to fit one on most internal combustion engines, it is highly impractical or impossible for certain vehicles like electric cars and may require significant modifications for most others. The practicality depends on whether a supercharger kit is available for the specific vehicle and if the engine's internal parts can handle the increased power. 
Factors to consider
This video explains how to install a supercharger in your garage: 1mPOWERNATIONYouTube · Dec 22, 2016

• Engine compatibility: The engine needs to be designed to handle the extra air and pressure. Some stock engines, especially those with cast internal components, may not be strong enough for a supercharger without modifications. 
• Available space: The engine bay may not have enough physical space for the supercharger and its associated components, like the intercooler and belts. 
• Electronic control: The car's engine management system needs to be compatible. Without proper tuning or a compatible ECU, the car could run poorly or even trigger a check engine light. 
• Kit availability: For a simpler installation, you need a specific supercharger kit for your vehicle. Without a kit, you would need to custom-fabricate many parts, which is a significant undertaking. 
• Vehicle type: Supercharging is not possible on electric or hydrogen vehicles, which do not have the same type of engine.