Do you still think of a supercharger as an extremely high-dollar chunk of polished aluminum sticking two feet through the hood of your favorite muscle car? A giant engine that makes loads of power but requires constant tuning and isn’t practical for the street? In case you haven’t been paying attention the last several years, superchargers have come a long way since their early days. As you will see below, there are options for just about every popular truck engine. They also install in less than a day, are totally reliable, and work wonderfully with otherwise stock engines. Superchargers create both horsepower and torque by the simple act of compressing air, then pushing it into the intake, giving the engine more oxygen, resulting in more power being created. Superchargers are driven mechanically by a gear, shaft, or most commonly a belt connected directly to the crankshaft, generating a boost far beyond what an engine’s stock induction can do.
There are three common types of superchargers, known as Roots, Twin Screw, and Centrifugal. A Roots-style blower mounts on top of an engine and operates by pumping air through a set of intermeshing lobes. Similar in appearance, Twin Screw superchargers operate by using a set of screw-shaped rotors set next to each other to actually compress air into the intake and sits on top of the engine. A Centrifugal supercharger operates much like a turbocharger in that it has an impeller wheel that spins at a high rate with the aid of step-up gears, resulting in air that is highly pressurized traveling at relatively low speeds. Due to their smaller size, they can be mounted in front or on the side of the engine. All three create power just by simply bolting them onto an engine and can do so at a consistent rate. If you already went the intake/tuner/exhaust route and are looking to truly get the most bang for your buck possible, you’re looking in the right place. We brought together 10 of the best from across the industry from both the gasoline and diesel world so read on and don’t forget to check the manufacturers’ websites to see exactly what is available for your truck.
| Kenne Bell Mammoth Big Gun System
Ring The Bell
Who: Kenne Bell
What: Mammoth and Big Gun system
Why: Kenne Bell bills this system as the biggest, baddest, most powerful, and coolest positive displacement superchargers. They are recommended for serious horsepower applications with the Lightning, Hemi-powered Ram trucks and LS3-powered trucks. Sizes are 2.8, 3.6, 4.2, and a new industry-leading 4.7-liter. All are 100 percent billet construction (no castings) and incorporate the more exotic and costly 4x6 lobe rotors as compared to 3x5 or 4x4 lobe superchargers.
Where: (909) 941-6646, www.kennebell.net
| Bd Diesel Super 8 Killer 8 Turbo Systems
Billet Power
Who: BD Diesel
What: Super B and Killer B Turbo Systems
Why: From our friends north of the border come two turbo systems that cover a wide range of power needs. BD’s Dodge Super B and Killer B turbo compressor assemblies will generate a positive boost-to-drive pressure ratio without increasing exhaust temperatures beyond peak operating conditions. From 250 to 550 hp, there is a perfect-matched kit for towing or street performance 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins applications. Available in both billet and cast wheels finishes.
Where: (800) 887-5030, www.dieselperformance.com
| Edelbrock E Force Supercharger System
Twin Vortices
Who: Edelbrock
What: E-Force Supercharger system
Why: Edelbrock has introduced the new E-Force Supercharger system specifically for ’14 GM 1500 Sierras with 5.3 and 6.2 liters. Incorporating the Eaton Gen VI 2300 Twin Vortices Series (TVS) rotor assembly, as well as an air-to-water twin intercooler system with dual core heat exchanger, performance has been optimized through a unique runner design and an integrated bypass valve that helps reduce parasitic loss under light throttle, making it good for 445 hp/421 lb-ft in the 5.3-liter and 528 hp/496 lb-ft in the 6.2-liter.
Where: (800) 416-8628, www.edelbrock.com/
| Magnusen Silverado 6 2l Supercharger Kit
Bolt-On
Who: Magnusen
What: Silverado 6.2L Supercharger Kit
Why: This bolt-on supercharger is designed to deliver maximum performance while retaining factorylike driveability and reliability. These superchargers for ’14 Silverado trucks with 6.2L engines deliver power gains of approximately 110 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. Designed as a complete package, these easy-to-install superchargers come pre-assembled to make installation simple and easy with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, these superchargers are built to last.
Where: (805) 642-8833, www.magnacharger.com
| Procharger Ho Intercooled System
Air-To-Air
Who: ProCharger
What: HO Intercooled System
Why: Building on their 20-year history of proven engineering and innovation, ProCharger has released the HO Intercooled System for ’14 GM Sierras with 5.3L and 6.3L engines. ProCharger is the first centrifugal supercharger manufacturer to design and release a highly efficient air-to-air intercooled supercharger system. With an original billet aluminum bracket design and compact beltdriven system, the P-1SC-1 intercooled systems feature easy bolt-on installation and the reliability of ProCharger.
Where: (913) 338-2886, www.procharger.com
| Torqstorm Dodge Ram
Storm Surge
Who: Torqstorm
What: Dodge Ram
Why: Unleash the power of your ’03-08 Dodge Ram with one of these supercharger kits from TorqStorm. The housing and cover are made from billet aluminum and feature ceramic bearings, a centrifugal design, and have a lifetime warranty. Kit includes a supercharger, all the hoses you’ll need, all the necessary brackets, injectors, tubes, pulleys, and hardware for a complete installation. Precision machined from solid billet and engineered for maximum power, TorqueStorm delivers with this bolt-on kit.
Where: (616) 885-3626, www.torqstorm.com
| Vortech Intercooler Upgrade Package
Cool Off
Who: Vortech
What: Intercooler upgrade package for F-150 Ecoboost
Why: The Ford Ecoboost engines have a lot going for them; large engine output with smaller engine fuel economy. However, when putting any vehicle through its paces, you can always use more of the good stuff. By increasing charge cooling effectiveness without sacrificing boost pressure, the new intercooler upgrade packages from Vortech give you more of everything you want, with installations so quick that you’ll swear it’s the easiest horsepower and torque you’ve ever gained.
Where: (805) 247-0226, www.vortechsuperchargers.com
| Whipple Supercharger Kit
Twin Screw
Who: Whipple
What: W175ax Supercharger kit
Why: Who wouldn’t want a little extra power to get just that last little bit of respect when hitting the streets in a ’14-15 GM truck? With over 155 additional ponies at the touch of the pedal, the all-new Whipple Supercharger kit is one of the most well engineered, most powerful systems available today. The unique intercooled bypass system offers better acceleration and less than 1 hp of consumption during cruising for excellent fuel economy.
Where: (559) 442-1261, www.whipplesuperchargers.com
| Magnusen Silverado 6.2 Supercharger Kit
Long Nose
Who: Weiand
What: Weiand 177 Powercharger Kit
Why: Adding power to your ’69-86 Chevy small-block has never been easier with the 177 Powercharger kit. Featuring a long nose, 10-rib drivebelt and a polished finish, these kits can easily be installed and provide lasting performance. Weiand’s Pro-Street superchargers represent a significant leap in technology for obtaining substantial performance gains while maintaining driveability and reliability. The 177 ’charger is designed for engines that are modified and can take advantage of the extra flow capacity.
Where: (866) 464-6553, www.holley.com
| R2300 Tvs Supercharger
Raptor Ready Who: Roush
What: R2300 TVS supercharger
Why: This F-150 supercharger kit by Roush delivers 590 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque to the ’11-2014 Ford F-150 6.2L V-8 powertrain, an increase of 179 hp and 156 lb-ft over stock. Unlike turbocharging or centrifugal superchargers, the Roush R2300 TVS supercharger provides instant throttle response and can generate increased power through the engine’s entire powerband. This Roush supercharger is 50-state legal and includes a three-year, 36,000-mile parts warranty.
Where: (800) 597-6874, www.roushperformance.com
