Can you supercharge a Subaru?
Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability, performance, and unique engineering, particularly their use of boxer engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive. But for enthusiasts looking to take their Subaru's performance to the next level, the question often arises: can you supercharge a Subaru? The answer is yes, but there are important considerations to keep in mind before diving into this modification.
What Does Supercharging a Subaru Involve?
Supercharging a Subaru involves installing a supercharger, a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber. This increased airflow allows the engine to burn more fuel, resulting in greater power output. Unlike turbochargers, which rely on exhaust gases to spin a turbine, superchargers are belt-driven and provide immediate power boosts without lag.
Is Your Subaru a Good Candidate for Supercharging?
Not all Subaru models are equally suited for supercharging. Here are some factors to consider:
- Engine Type: Subaru's boxer engines, such as the EJ and FA series, are popular choices for forced induction. However, naturally aspirated engines may require additional modifications to handle the increased power.
- Current Modifications: If your Subaru already has performance upgrades, such as a high-flow exhaust or upgraded fuel injectors, it may be better prepared for a supercharger.
- Intended Use: Consider whether you want the added power for daily driving, track use, or off-road adventures. This will influence the type of supercharger and supporting modifications you'll need.
Steps to Supercharge Your Subaru
Supercharging a Subaru is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a general outline of the steps involved:
- Research and Select a Supercharger Kit: Choose a supercharger kit designed specifically for your Subaru model. Popular brands include Edelbrock and Raptor.
- Upgrade Supporting Components: To handle the increased power, you may need to upgrade your fuel system, cooling system, and engine internals.
- Install the Supercharger: This involves mounting the supercharger, connecting the belt drive, and integrating it with your engine's intake system.
- Tune the Engine: A professional tune is essential to optimize performance and ensure reliability. This step adjusts the engine's air-fuel ratio and ignition timing to accommodate the supercharger.
- Test and Monitor: After installation, thoroughly test the vehicle and monitor key parameters, such as boost pressure and engine temperature, to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Supercharging a Subaru
Before committing to this modification, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons:
- Benefits: Immediate power increase, enhanced throttle response, and a unique driving experience.
- Drawbacks: Higher fuel consumption, increased engine wear, and the potential for costly repairs if not done correctly.
Should You Supercharge Your Subaru?
Supercharging a Subaru can be a rewarding project for performance enthusiasts, but it’s not a decision to take lightly. It requires a significant investment of time and money, as well as a willingness to maintain and monitor the vehicle closely. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional mechanic or performance shop to discuss your goals and determine whether supercharging is the right choice for your Subaru.
At Kevin’s Autos, we have years of experience in car maintenance and performance upgrades. If you’re considering supercharging your Subaru, feel free to reach out to us for expert advice and assistance. Let’s make your Subaru the powerhouse you’ve always dreamed of!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you legally supercharge a car?
Superchargers with a California Air Resource Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO) number are considered “street legal” in the states that mandate CARB emissions guidelines.
Does Subaru have a super car?
Subaru WRX ARA24 Rally Car
Developed from ground up by technical partner Vermont SportsCar to make the most of current ARA regulations, the Subaru WRX ARA24 is a custom-built rally WRX with sophisticated aerodynamics and a state of the art drivetrain.
Which Subaru has the strongest engine?
Market. This change at the 2019 D card Auto Show when the firm introduced the WRX STI s 209 the s 209 is a limited edition car that takes the concept of a WRX STI. In an even more hardcore. Direction.
What is the main disadvantage of a supercharger?
Less efficient: Superchargers' major drawback is that they drain engine power in order to generate engine power, making them far less effective than turbochargers.
Can you fit a supercharger to any engine?
One of the primary factors determining whether a car can accommodate a supercharger is the engine design. Superchargers are typically engineered to work with specific types of engines. The size, displacement, and architecture of the engine play a crucial role in compatibility.
Is it cheaper to turbo or supercharge a car?
That said, because superchargers do depend on the running engine to operate, it's a less efficient process than a turbocharger. They are also, on the whole, more expensive than a turbocharger, but they're also easier to install.
What is the fastest Subaru?
Subaru WRX Project Midnight
It's called the Subaru WRX Project Midnight, it's very black and it packs a Nissan GT-R beating 670 horsepower.
What happens if you put a supercharger on a stock engine?
In most cases, a stock engine can handle a supercharger. When installing a supercharger on a stock engine, the main focus should be on the fuel delivery system rather than the engine itself, since a supercharger can cause an engine to run at the wrong air-fuel ratio.
How much more HP does a supercharger give?
Keep in mind that a 50-percent power boost is a near-perfect-world scenario, and because superchargers are connected directly to the crankshaft, they do sap some efficiency from the car. On average, adding a supercharger will give you a supercharged horsepower boost of about 46 percent with 31 percent more torque.
How much HP does a supercharger add?
On average, adding a supercharger will give you a supercharged horsepower boost of about 46 percent with 31 percent more torque. That's some neck-snapping gains!
