Can you supercharge a V6 charger?
Yes, technically you can bolt a supercharger onto a Dodge Charger with the 3.6L V6, but it’s a major, costly project with significant trade-offs.
As Dodge’s Charger lineup shifted and the model moved toward its final years of production, any V6-to-supercharged build sits squarely in the aftermarket realm. This article explains feasibility, the work required, costs, and practical alternatives for boosting performance on a V6 Charger.
Feasibility, options, and what it entails
Before committing to a boost kit, it’s important to understand the engine’s tolerance, the required supporting upgrades, and the impact on warranty and emissions.
- Engine compatibility and forced-induction limits for the 3.6L Pentastar V6, including how boost interacts with compression, cooling, and knock resistance.
- Type of supercharger kit: centrifugal, Roots/screw, or twin-screw, each with different boost behavior, space requirements, and heat management.
- Supporting upgrades needed: upgraded fuel system (high-flow injectors, pump), intercooling (air-to-water or air-to-air), enhanced cooling (radiator/oil cooler), updated ECU calibration, and possibly a stronger transmission cooler.
- Installation and tuning: professional installation with dyno tuning to ensure safe boost, proper fuel timing, and avoidance of detonation.
- Reliability and risk: higher heat and pressures can increase wear, oiling demands, and long-term reliability concerns on an aging platform.
- Warranty, legality, and emissions: factory warranties may be voided, and emissions compliance varies by region; some upgrades may require inspections or not be street-legal.
- Costs and timeline: kit prices typically run from a few thousand dollars upward, with labor and tuning potentially adding several thousand more; plan for multiple days in a shop.
Boosting a modern V6 is not a trivial bolt-on; it affects cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, and engine management. The overall project timeline depends on the kit chosen, the shop’s workload, and any ancillary upgrades required for reliability.
Engine internals, cooling, and control
Boosted boost levels place greater stress on internals and lubrication. Shops often recommend checks or upgrades to head studs/bolts, gaskets, and oiling routes. The 3.6L can tolerate forced induction if properly supported, but with higher mileage cars or engines with existing wear, some owners opt for additional reinforcing and a thorough inspection prior to install.
Modern V6 variants with mild-hybrid systems (where applicable) can complicate electronic control strategies, making professional tuning even more essential to avoid drivability issues or unintended knock.
Costs, practicality, and alternatives
Here is a practical snapshot of what a V6 Charger boost project might entail and some alternatives to consider before committing to a full supercharger swap.
- Kit and hardware: aftermarket supercharger kits exist for the 3.6L Pentastar, but availability varies; kit prices typically run in the low-to-mid four figures, depending on type and included components.
- Labor and tuning: expert installation, wiring, intercooling, fuel-system work, and ECU tuning add to the total cost; expect multiple days of labor and a dyno session for optimal tune.
- Maintenance and reliability: boosted engines require closer maintenance schedules, cooling upgrades, and potential added wear on components not designed for forced induction.
- Warranty and resale: modifications can affect warranty coverage and resale value; documentation and compliance with local regulations are important for future sales.
In many cases, enthusiasts weigh the gains against reliability and cost. For some, a factory-boosted alternative or a different platform with built-in performance may offer better value and predictability.
Smart alternatives to a full supercharger install
If the goal is more performance without a full forced-induction conversion, consider these practical paths that balance power, reliability, and cost.
- Move to a higher-performance platform: a V8 Charger or other vehicle with factory-tuned power may deliver more immediate, reliable gains.
- ECU and intake/exhaust enhancements: a reputable tune paired with intake and exhaust improvements can improve throttle response and mid-range torque without adding boost pressure.
- Turbocharging as an alternative: turbo kits can offer strong midrange torque with different packaging and heat-management needs; they may be more common in some market variants.
- Evaluate a different chassis: if performance is the primary goal, a newer platform with modern turbocharged or supercharged options may provide better efficiency, support, and warranty coverage.
With a discontinued Charger, parts availability and service for highly customized setups can be more challenging. Consulting with a shop experienced in forced induction and Pentastar engines is essential before committing.
Summary
You can technically supercharge a V6 Charger, but it’s a high-stakes, high-cost endeavor with significant reliability, warranty, and regulatory considerations. Given that the Charger’s production ceased after the 2023 model year, many owners approach this upgrade with caution or pursue alternatives that offer better value, reliability, and support. A careful assessment of goals, budget, and qualified installation options is essential before embarking on a forced-induction project on a V6 Charger.
Note: As of 2025, the Charger is no longer in production. If you pursue any forced-induction upgrade, work with a shop that has specific experience with the Pentastar 3.6L and modern emissions systems to help ensure compliance and longevity.
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.
How much HP can a supercharger add to a V6?
A supercharger can add anywhere from 50 to over 300 horsepower to a V6 engine, with typical gains being around 30–50% of the stock output. The exact amount of horsepower added depends on many factors, including the engine's size and stock power, the type of supercharger, boost pressure, and whether other engine modifications are performed.
Factors influencing horsepower gains
- Engine and vehicle: The stock horsepower of the V6 and its original design heavily influence the potential gains.
- Supercharger size and type: Larger or more efficient superchargers will produce more power, notes Quora.
- Boost pressure: Higher boost pressure, like 7 psi, can lead to significant gains, but requires other supporting modifications to handle the extra power.
- Supporting modifications: To maximize gains and ensure reliability, other components often need to be upgraded. These can include stronger internal engine parts like crankshafts and connecting rods, lower compression pistons, upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pumps, and enhanced cooling systems.
- Tuning: A proper engine tune is crucial to safely and effectively utilize the added horsepower from the supercharger.
Examples of specific applications
- Dodge Challenger 3.6L V6: One supercharger kit claims to add about 175 horsepower with 11–12 psi of boost, resulting in around 415 rear-wheel horsepower.
- Dodge Charger 3.6L V6: A different kit for this engine projects 400–450 wheel horsepower, with a claimed gain of 170+ horsepower at 11–12 psi of boost.
- Ford Explorer 3.5L V6: A supercharger system for this engine offers 40–60% more horsepower at just 7 psi of boost.
Can I supercharge a V6 charger?
Give your V6 Dodge Charger even more engine power with the VT Supercharger system! This kit includes everything you need. This system is specially designed for Dodge 3.6L engine, providing 40% - 60% more horsepower than stock, and an additional 30% - 50% more torque output at only 7psi boost!
How to make a V6 charger faster?
Here are 11 performance mods for the Dodge Charger V6 that can seriously wake up your car, and most of them are beginner-friendly.
- Cold Air Intake Kit.
- Exhaust System.
- Upgraded Throttle Body.
- Pedal Commander® Throttle Response Controller.
- ECU Tuning.
- Gear Ratio Upgrade.
- Bigger Injectors and E85 Tuning.
- Upgraded Downpipes.
