How much does it cost to put a supercharger on a 5.7 HEMI?
In brief, installing a supercharger on a 5.7 HEMI typically runs about $7,000 to $12,000 or more, depending on the kit you choose, installation labor, tuning, and any required supporting upgrades. The kit price itself usually falls in the $4,500 to $9,000 range, with labor, dyno tuning, and fuel-system improvements adding to the total.
The 5.7-liter HEMI, used in various Dodge Challenger, Charger, and RAM models, has a robust aftermarket scene for forced induction. This article outlines typical costs, what can influence the price, and some common kit options to help you budget and plan.
What drives the price
Before listing typical costs, it helps to understand the factors that push the total price higher or lower:
- Kit price varies by brand, boost level, and inclusions (intercooler, pulleys, intake, wiring, throttle body, etc.).
- Installation labor is determined by shop rates, vehicle access, and the complexity of the install (fuel-system changes, intercooler routing, exhaust, and ancillary work).
- Tuning and dyno work are essential for safe operation and power delivery, often billed as separate line items.
- Required supporting upgrades, such as upgraded fuel pump, injectors, rails, or fuel-pressure components, add to the bill.
- Intercooler upgrades, upgraded cooling, and miscellaneous hardware can add additional costs.
- Warranty terms, regional labor rates, and the choice between a turnkey install vs. DIY-friendly options can affect overall spend.
In general terms, buyers should expect a bundled project cost in the broad range of about $7,000 to $12,000, with some premium or high-boost configurations drifting higher.
Popular kit options for a 5.7 HEMI
Several major brands offer complete supercharger kits that fit the 5.7 HEMI. Prices vary by the kit’s boost target, inclusions, and whether you handle installation yourself or pay a shop for labor and tuning.
Edelbrock E-Force (5.7 HEMI)
Edelbrock’s E-Force-style kits are commonly positioned in the mid-range for blower systems. The kit itself often runs in the ballpark of roughly $4,500 to $6,500, with installation typically $1,000 to $2,500 and a dyno tune around $500 to $1,000. Total installed cost commonly lands around $6,000 to $9,000, depending on options and vehicle year.
Whipple Supercharger (5.7 HEMI)
Whipple offers high-performance options that tend to sit toward the premium end of the market. Kit prices frequently range from about $6,000 to $9,000, with installation and tuning adding another $1,500 to $3,000. All told, you’re often looking at $8,500 to $12,000 or more for a complete install, especially with additional fueling or intercooler upgrades.
Magnuson and Procharger options
Magnuson TVS and Procharger systems for the 5.7 HEMI typically put the kit price in the $5,000 to $8,000 range, with labor around $1,000 to $2,000 and tuning $500 to $1,000. The full installed package usually falls roughly in the $7,500 to $11,000 territory, depending on the exact configuration and supporting mods.
Is it worth the investment?
Beyond the price tag, potential buyers weigh reliability, daily drivability, fuel requirements, and insurance implications. A properly installed kit with a tuned ECU and appropriate supporting upgrades can be dependable within its designed boost, but higher horsepower goals may require internal engine work and upgraded components. Prospective buyers should consult a qualified tuner, verify warranty coverage, and consider long-term maintenance costs before proceeding.
Summary
For a 5.7 HEMI, the installed cost of a supercharger generally ranges from about $7,000 to $12,000, with the kit itself typically costing $4,500 to $9,000 and labor, tuning, and fuel-system upgrades adding to the total. Prices vary by kit brand, boost level, vehicle year, and regional labor rates. Obtain multiple quotes, review warranty terms, and ensure a reputable tuner handles the calibration to maximize safety and performance.
How much horsepower does a supercharger add to a 5.7 Hemi?
A supercharger can add 160+ horsepower to a stock 5.7 Hemi, bringing a typical output from around 375-395 HP to over 535 HP, depending on the kit and boost levels. While some kits, like a ProCharger, might advertise a gain of 160+ HP with about 7 pounds of boost, more aggressive tunes and higher boost can potentially increase this number further.
Examples of horsepower gains
- ProCharger: Advertises 160+ HP gain on 7 psi of boost.
- Magnuson: Offers a kit that results in an estimated 149 HP gain.
- Edelbrock: A supercharger kit for a 2015-2023 5.7L Hemi made 483 rear-wheel horsepower on a dyno, which is a significant increase over stock.
Factors that affect the final horsepower
- Boost pressure: Higher boost levels generally lead to greater horsepower gains.
- Supporting modifications: Upgrades like a custom tune, upgraded injectors, and a high-flow fuel pump can help unlock more power.
- Engine condition: The health and specific components of the engine will influence the final outcome.
Is it worth supercharging a 5.7 Hemi?
A: Yes. Stock Gen III HEMI engines, especially the 5.7L and 6.4L, are built strong and can handle moderate boost levels with no problem—especially when using a well-engineered, intercooled system like ProCharger's. Q: What makes ProCharger safer than other superchargers?
Is it worth installing a supercharger?
Whether a supercharger is worth it depends on your goal: adding performance to a gasoline engine or using the Tesla Supercharger network. For a gas engine, it's worth it for significant performance gains but requires upgrades to other components to handle the stress and heat. For a Tesla, it's not ideal for daily charging; it's better for long-distance travel or when home charging isn't an option, and daily use can impact battery health.
For a gasoline engine
- Worth it if: You want a significant increase in horsepower and torque, especially at lower to mid-range RPMs.
- Requires other upgrades: You should be prepared for additional costs beyond the supercharger itself. The engine's components, drivetrain, fuel system, and brakes will be under more stress and may require upgrades to be reliable.
- Consider the cost: It's a major investment, both for the supercharger kit and any necessary supporting modifications.
For an electric vehicle (Tesla)
- Worth it for: Long-distance travel or as a backup when you can't charge at home.
- Not ideal for: Daily charging. It is more expensive per mile than home charging, and frequent use can negatively affect battery health.
- Consider the inconvenience: Supercharger stations can be crowded, especially during peak times, and may not be as conveniently located as your home charging setup.
In summary
- Gasoline engine: A great way to boost performance if you are willing to pay for the initial cost and any necessary supporting upgrades.
- Tesla EV: Convenient for road trips, but not a replacement for home charging. It's more expensive and can be less convenient for day-to-day use.
Can you put a supercharger on a stock 5.7 Hemi?
Yes, a stock 5.7L HEMI can handle a supercharger, especially with moderate boost levels. These engines are built with strong internals that can handle the added power, and kits are available that include the necessary upgrades and tuning to ensure reliability.
This video shows a stock 5.7L Hemi supercharger kit in action: 1mModern Red HemiYouTube · Jan 25, 2021
What to know before you supercharge
- Power gains: A supercharger can add significant horsepower, with stock 5.7L engines commonly seeing gains of 120 to 160+ horsepower with a proper kit.
- Cost: Expect to pay for the supercharger kit itself, which can range from approximately $5,500 to over $8,300, depending on the kit and features. Installation and tuning costs are typically extra.
- Supporting modifications: While the stock engine can handle moderate boost, supercharger kits often come with or recommend other upgrades like fuel system improvements and an ECU tune to optimize performance and ensure safety.
- Reliability and lifespan: While stock engines are strong, adding a supercharger will increase the stress on the powertrain. The engine's lifespan may be affected, especially if you drive aggressively. It's crucial to ensure the engine is properly tuned for the new power level.
- Transmission and drivetrain: The added power puts extra strain on the transmission and other drivetrain components. A supercharger kit will add more stress and torque to the system, so consider how this will affect your vehicle's longevity.
This video discusses the pros and cons of supercharging a 5.7L Hemi: 58sR/T LifeYouTube · Mar 21, 2020
What you'll need
- Supercharger kit: Purchase a kit designed for your specific vehicle to ensure compatibility.
- ECU tuning: A proper tune is essential for optimizing performance and preventing engine damage.
- Fuel system upgrades: Depending on the kit and boost level, you may need to upgrade your fuel system. Many kits include these components.
- Cooling enhancements: Supercharging can increase engine temperatures, so consider upgrades like an intercooler or other cooling improvements to help manage heat.
You can watch this video to see the performance difference between a supercharged and stock 5.7L Hemi: 39sRichard HoldenerYouTube · Mar 3, 2020
