Which Silverados are supercharged?
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its capability and performance. While the standard Silverado models offer impressive power, some variants are available with supercharged engines that take the truck's performance to the next level. In this article, we'll explore which Silverado models come equipped with supercharged powertrains.
Silverado ZR2 Bison
The Silverado ZR2 Bison is a high-performance off-road-focused variant of the Silverado. It features a 6.2-liter V8 engine that is supercharged, producing 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This makes the ZR2 Bison one of the most powerful production Silverados ever built. The supercharged engine, combined with the truck's advanced off-road suspension and equipment, makes the ZR2 Bison a formidable performer both on and off the pavement.
Silverado LTZ and High Country
In addition to the ZR2 Bison, Chevrolet also offers a supercharged engine option on the Silverado LTZ and High Country trims. These models can be equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that is supercharged, producing 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the same as the ZR2 Bison. This provides a significant power boost over the standard 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines found in other Silverado models.
Silverado Reaper
The Silverado Reaper is a high-performance, off-road-focused variant of the Silverado that is produced by a third-party company, Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE). The Reaper features a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 700 horsepower and 675 lb-ft of torque. This makes the Reaper one of the most powerful production Silverados available, with performance that rivals even the ZR2 Bison.
Conclusion
While the standard Silverado models offer impressive power and capability, those seeking even more performance can opt for the supercharged variants. The Silverado ZR2 Bison, Silverado LTZ and High Country with the supercharged 6.2-liter V8, and the Silverado Reaper from Specialty Vehicle Engineering all provide a significant boost in power and performance over the standard Silverado lineup.
Does Chevy have a factory supercharged truck?
New 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Fox Factory Edition Supercharged 700 Hp.
Is LTZ or RST better?
So, the RST has the horsepower advantage, and the LTZ has the torque advantage. There is no denying that both trucks' engines are powerful, but they offer slightly different performance!
Is the Chevy 6.2 supercharged?
6.2L V-8 LT4 SUPERCHARGED
The LT4 features a 1.7L Eaton® R1740 TVS supercharger, which spins at up to 20,000 rpm. That's enough to generate more than 9 lbs of boost and help produce 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. *As certified in the Camaro.
Can a 5.3 be supercharged?
Yes, a stock 5.3L engine can handle a supercharger, especially with low to moderate boost (around 10 psi), as the stock bottom end is robust enough to handle the added power. However, it's crucial to pair it with other supporting modifications like larger fuel injectors and a proper custom tune to manage the increased air and fuel demands and prevent engine damage.
This video demonstrates a supercharger installation on a 5.3L engine: 58sBoostDistrictYouTube · Feb 12, 2025
Key considerations for supercharging a stock 5.3L
- Boost level: Around 10 psi is generally considered safe for a stock 5.3L bottom end. Exceeding this without internal engine upgrades is not recommended and can lead to failure.
- Fuel system: Upgrading to larger fuel injectors is essential to provide the engine with enough fuel to match the increased air from the supercharger.
- Tuning: A custom engine control unit (ECU) tune is absolutely necessary. A professional tune will optimize the air-fuel ratio and ignition timing to prevent detonation and ensure reliable performance.
- Supporting mods: While not mandatory for low boost, a good tune-up with fresh spark plugs, wires, and fuel is highly recommended before adding a supercharger to ensure the base engine is in good health.
- Engine health: The overall condition of the engine is a major factor. If the engine has high mileage or is not in top mechanical shape, the risk of failure increases.
This video shows the results of a supercharger installation: 1mBoostDistrictYouTube · Mar 26, 2025
Examples of what to expect
- Moderate boost: A well-tuned setup with low boost can be a fun and reliable daily driver.
- High power: With the right supporting mods and a professional tune, a 5.3L can make 400-500+ horsepower, but pushing much beyond that without internal upgrades is risky.
