Can you put a supercharger on an RT?
Yes — you can add a supercharger to many RT models that use the 5.7-liter Hemi, but it’s a major modification that requires careful planning, the right kit, and professional installation.
This article explains what an RT is, the considerations you should weigh before boosting, and what to expect in terms of options, cost, and reliability. It aims to provide a clear, up-to-date overview for prospective buyers or owners considering forced induction on a Dodge Challenger/Charger RT (and related variants).
What the RT is and how its power baseline works
The RT designation has historically signified a performance-oriented trim for Dodge’s Challenger and Charger lines, typically featuring a naturally aspirated V8. In most generations this has meant a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (with later variants offering the 6.4-liter “392” in higher-performance packages). Factory superchargers are not standard on RT models, so adding forced induction means bringing in an aftermarket solution or moving to a Tig/hellcat-level variant if factory boost is desired. Engine health, fuel system capacity, and proper tuning become especially important when boosting a motor that wasn’t designed from the factory to run under boost.
Is a supercharger a good fit for an RT?
Technically possible and increasingly common among enthusiasts, a supercharger can significantly increase horsepower and mid-range torque for an RT. However, it’s not a simple bolt-on upgrade. You’ll need to account for engine internals, upgraded fueling, cooling, electronics, and drivetrain compatibility. The decision depends on your goals (daily drivability vs. track performance), the year and variant of your RT, local emissions rules, and your budget.
What you need to know before installing
Installing a supercharger isn’t just about the blower itself. It requires a holistic approach to supporting systems and long-term reliability.
- Engine health and internals: while a basic boost setup can run on stock components, many users upgrade pistons, rod bolts, and other internals for higher boost levels and longer life.
- Fuel system upgrades: higher-flow fuel injectors, a stronger fuel pump, and sometimes a return-style fuel system or fuel pressure management are needed to prevent lean conditions under boost.
- Cooling and heat management: a proper intercooler (air-to-air or air-to-water) and upgraded radiator/through-flow cooling help prevent heat soak during long pulls or hot weather.
- ECU tuning and ignition timing: a professional calibration is essential to optimize air/fuel ratios, ignition timing, and torque management for boosted operation.
- Drivetrain and transmission considerations: torque increases can stress the manual or automatic transmission, driveshafts, and differentials; some builds include upgraded clutches, torque converters, or differential components.
- Warranty and legality: aftermarket systems can affect factory warranties and, depending on your location, emissions compliance. Check CARB/EMISSIONS status where applicable and consult a qualified installer.
In short, you’re looking at a project that involves more than a blower kit. Planning, budgeting, and professional installation are essential to a reliable, streetable setup.
Options to add a supercharger to an RT
Several reputable manufacturers offer complete forced-induction kits designed for the 5.7-liter Hemi and compatible RT platforms. These kits typically include the blower, intercooler, intake plumbing, fuel rails, and a calibration tune. Availability and compatibility vary by model year, transmission, and whether the car is a Challenger or Charger.
- Aftermarket supercharger kits for the 5.7 Hemi: popular options come from brands such as Edelbrock (E-Force), Whipple, Magnuson (MP series), and ProCharger. Each kit has its own flavor (roots or screw-type blower, with an intercooler and supporting hardware) and is designed to work with specific model years and transmissions.
- Installation approach: most kits are installed by a shop with expertise in forced induction and require a dyno tune to optimize performance and reliability. DIY installation is possible for very experienced builders but carries greater risk.
Choosing a kit depends on your goals, budget, and how much additional cooling or fuel support you’re willing to install. The right choice balances ease of installation, peak horsepower, daily drivability, and long-term reliability.
Costs and expected gains
Understanding the financial commitment helps set realistic expectations for boost projects on an RT.
- Kit price: aftermarket 5.7 Hemi supercharger kits generally run in the mid-thousands to low tens of thousands of dollars, depending on brand, included components, and whether it’s a street-usable or aggressive race setup.
- Labor and installation: professional installation and tuning typically adds several thousand dollars to the total, depending on shop rates and the complexity of the system.
- Tuning and dyno work: a dedicated dyno tune is highly recommended to maximize safety and performance, often adding hundreds to a couple thousand dollars.
- Supporting parts: additional fuel-system components, intercooler upgrades, exhaust changes, and cooling upgrades can add to the bill.
Overall, a realistic total investment often falls in the range of roughly $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the starting RT configuration, the boost target, and how much of the work you perform yourself versus through a shop. Power gains commonly fall in the 150-250+ horsepower range at the crank for a 5.7 Hemi, with higher gains available in some configurations and at higher boost levels. Real-world results vary based on engine condition, fuel quality, and tuning.
Reality check: legality, warranty, and daily usability
Before proceeding, check local laws on emissions and street-legal requirements. In many regions, a properly registered and CARB-compliant kit is possible, but not guaranteed for all model years. Warranty coverage is typically affected once a dealer notices modifications, so weigh the potential loss of warranty against performance goals. For daily drivers, ensure the tune emphasizes reliability and safe driveability rather than just peak numbers.
Summary
Upgrading an RT with a supercharger is feasible and can deliver substantial performance gains, but it is a substantial undertaking. It requires choosing the right kit, upgrading supporting systems (fuel, cooling, internals where appropriate), obtaining professional installation and tuning, and navigating warranty and emissions considerations. If you decide to pursue it, work with an established shop that has proven experience with Hemi-based boosted builds, and plan for a complete package rather than a quick bolt-on.
Bottom line
For an RT, a supercharger is not a simple add-on, but it is a well-trodden path for enthusiasts who want serious gains. With careful planning, proper parts, and expert installation, you can achieve a boosted RT that’s both fast and reliable. Always start with a solid plan, budget more than you think you’ll need, and confirm legality and warranty implications before lifting the hood.
