Can you supercharge a Charger?
Yes. It’s feasible to supercharge a Dodge Charger, but the approach depends on the exact model and engine. Factory supercharged Chargers (the Hellcat and Redeye variants) come with forced induction built in, while non-boosted Chargers can be boosted with aftermarket kits—but at considerable cost, with extensive tuning, and potential risk to reliability, warranty, and legality.
Understanding the Charger lineup and what “supercharging” means
The Charger has spanned several generations with a mix of V8 and V6 engines. Most non-boosted Chargers use naturally aspirated V8s (5.7L or 6.4L Hemi) or V6 options. The only widely available factory supercharging on the Charger lineup comes from the SRT Hellcat family, which uses a supercharged 6.2L Hemi to deliver about 707 horsepower (Hellcat) and roughly 797 horsepower (Redeye variants). Dodge ended regular Charger production after the 2023 model year, so new factory-boosted Chargers aren’t being sold today; boosting projects now involve used cars or aftermarket work. The bottom line: you either buy a factory supercharged model or you embark on an extensive aftermarket upgrade if you’re starting from a naturally aspirated engine.
Paths to supercharging a Charger
There are two broad paths enthusiasts consider. The following list outlines common options, along with what they entail in practice.
Factory-Installed Superchargers (Hellcat/Redeye)
These models come with a built-in supercharger and a complete powertrain designed to handle forced induction. They deliver high horsepower with a level of turnkey reliability and a factory warranty (limited) on the powertrain. The trade-off is price, availability in the used market, and the fact that you’re locked into the Hellcat/Redeye platform rather than a more affordable non-boosted Charger.
Aftermarket Supercharger Kits for Non-Boosted Chargers
For Chargers with 5.7L or 6.4L Hemi engines (and, to a lesser extent, other engines), you can add a bolt‑on or near-bolt-on supercharger kit from brands such as Whipple, Vortech, or Procharger. This path requires supporting upgrades (fuel system, intercooler, wiring, engine management calibration) and usually a custom or specialist installation. Expect substantial cost and extensive tuning to avoid reliability issues or engine damage.
Engine Swap to a Hellcat Powertrain
As a last and rare resort, some builders transplant a Hellcat powertrain (engine, supercharger, calibration) into a non-Hellcat Charger. This is a high‑cost, high‑risk undertaking that demands professional craftsmanship, bespoke wiring, transmission compatibility work, cooling upgrades, and extensive testing. It’s typically beyond the scope of a casual project.
Across these options, the key realities are clear: factory supercharging offers the simplest path with known performance and support, while aftermarket boosting demands careful planning, significant investment, and a readiness to manage potential reliability and warranty trade-offs.
Costs, warranty, and practical considerations
Boosting a Charger isn’t just about buying a kit; it’s about building a reliable, tuned system that works with the car’s cooling, fueling, and transmission. The following list highlights common considerations owners face when pursuing forced induction.
- Costs can range widely. Factory Hellcat/Redeye purchases are in the high five to six figures when buying a car, while aftermarket kits plus installation commonly total several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on engine and supporting upgrades.
- Warranty and resale impact. Most aftermarket forced-induction modifications void powertrain warranties and can complicate resale. Some shops offer limited warranties on the installation, but the car’s baseline warranty from the manufacturer will typically no longer apply for the boosted portion.
- Reliability and heat management. Supercharged engines run hotter and place extra load on the cooling system, pistons, rods, and the transmission. Upgrades to cooling, oiling, intercoolers, and the drivetrain are often necessary, as is more frequent maintenance.
- Fuel and tuning. Boosted setups require higher octane fuel and precise ECU tuning to avoid detonation, lean conditions, or drivability issues. A competent tuner with experience on Hemis is essential.
- Emissions and legality. Depending on your location, aftermarket kits may affect emissions compliance and inspection eligibility. Look for CARB/EMA-legal kits and understand local regulations before purchasing.
- Insurance implications. Increased horsepower can affect premiums; some insurers require disclosures or may adjust coverage based on the boosted configuration.
In practice, a practical boost plan for a non-boosted Charger starts with clear goals, a realistic budget, and a trusted shop that has experience with Hemis and forced induction. Factory‑built Hellcat models provide a high-performance route with built‑in reliability, but for most owners, the aftermarket path is a multi‑step project that must be approached methodically.
Summary
Can you supercharge a Charger? Yes, but the approach matters. If you want a straightforward, factory‑calibrated experience, start with a Charger that ships with a supercharged Hellcat powertrain. If you own a non-boosted Charger, aftermarket supercharger kits are available for certain engines, but they come with significant cost, warranty considerations, and the need for comprehensive supporting upgrades and professional installation. Given that Dodge ceased regular Charger production after 2023, prospective buyers and builders should weigh the benefits of a factory Hellcat versus a carefully planned aftermarket build, all while considering the long‑term maintenance, emissions, and legal implications. In the end, the path to supercharging a Charger is a substantial commitment—one that rewards careful planning and expert execution.
Which chargers are supercharged?
The 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak features the 6.2L supercharged high-output V8 engine capable of outputting a massive 807 horsepower.
Can I supercharge a V6 charger?
Yes, you can supercharge a V6 Charger, and it can significantly increase horsepower to levels comparable to a V8 engine. While it requires a dedicated supercharger kit, professional installation is recommended, though DIY options exist. Companies like ProCharger and RIPP Modifications offer kits specifically for the Charger's 3.6L V6, which typically include the supercharger, intercooler, and necessary tuning.
You can watch this video to see a RIPP supercharged Dodge Charger with a V6 engine: 55sRIPP SuperchargersYouTube · Oct 23, 2017
What to expect
- Increased horsepower: A supercharged V6 can add 125 to 200+ horsepower, with some kits reaching over 400 wheel horsepower, putting it in the same performance range as some V8 models.
- Performance similarity to V8s: The power gain can make the supercharged V6 perform similarly to a stock 5.7L Hemi or even a Scat Pack.
- Installation: While some kits are designed to be DIY-friendly, many owners opt for professional installation for reliability and to ensure proper tuning. Some kits require an unlocked PCM and professional tuning for optimal performance.
- Cost: The cost varies depending on the kit and labor, but a shop-installed supercharger can range from around $10,000 and up.
- Reliability: Supercharging is a significant modification, and while many systems are designed to be reliable, it puts extra stress on the engine and drivetrain. Some owners express concern about long-term reliability compared to a stock V8.
- Drivability: Many users report that supercharging maintains or even improves the car's stock-like drivability, with smooth acceleration and no issues with idle or shifting. Some even report a slight increase in gas mileage.
This video explains what to know before supercharging your V6: 1mRacerXYouTube · Apr 6, 2024
Key considerations
- Cost: A supercharger kit alone can cost several thousand dollars, plus the cost of professional installation, which can add several thousand more.
- Reliability and engine health: A supercharger puts more stress on the engine. For high-boost applications, upgrading internal components like pistons and rods may be necessary, but many kits are designed to run on stock internals at lower boost levels.
- Other supporting mods: To handle the extra power, you may need to upgrade other components like the fuel system, brakes, and rear differential.
How much would it cost to supercharge a V6 Dodge Charger?
Transform your 2015-2023 Dodge Charger V6 (3.6L):
Kits starting at $6,349.
Can you put a supercharger in a Dodge Charger?
Thanks to highly-efficient ProCharger head units and air-to-air intercoolers, creating supercharged monsters for all generations of Dodge Chargers from 2006 to 2023 is as easy as a weekend project in your garage!
