FEATURES :: COMPANIES
Supercharger Manufacturer Comparison
5/21/2002 5:36:00 PM
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When you begin to search for the best supercharger for your vehicle,
the choices can sometimes seem overwhelming. With so many manufacturers, it's
sometimes difficult to know where to start. This guide is designed to give you
an overview of each supercharger manufacturer and will hopefully help you decide
which brand is the best choice for you.
Often we are asked which supercharger is the best. This question
is impossible to answer as each make of supercharger has its own set of characteristics
(price, low end power, high end power, ease of installation, reliability, etc.)
that make it unique. The combination of these characteristics may make a particular
supercharger the "best" or the "worst" choice for your application
depending on your requirements. With the help of this guide you will get a feel
for which brand will most likely best suit your needs.
The feature that most separates the different brands of superchargers
is the type of compressor that is used. There are three different types of supercharger
compressors - centrifugal,
twin-screw, and roots
(click to learn more on each type of supercharger). It will be helpful to familiarize
yourself with these three types of superchargers before deciding which supercharger
is best for your application. In many cases you will find that there is only
one type of supercharger available for your vehicle. In general, this indicates
that there is one type of supercharger compressor that is clearly the best choice
for your vehicle by most standards.
| Allen
Engine Development |
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Supercharger
Type: Roots
(Eaton)
Overview:
Allen Engine Development is a small manufacturer of a select few
roots supercharger systems for the Ford 4.6L Mustang / Thunderbird
engine.
Pros:
• OEM quality
• Excellent power at lower rpms
• Very complete system - no additional modifications required
• Integrated intercooler system included with every system
• Self contained - no need to tap the oil pan for lubrication
Cons:
• Kits available for few vehicles
• Kits are fairly expensive, but reasonably priced considering
intercooler is included
• REV I kits have lengthy install times (new REV II kits are much
easier)
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| Jackson
Racing |
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Supercharger
Type: Roots
(Eaton)
Overview:
Jackson Racing focuses on the Japanese sport/compact market and
has established itself as the leading supercharger brand in smaller
four and six cylinder engines.
Pros:
• OEM quality
• Excellent power at lower rpms
• Very complete system - no additional modifications required
• Specifically designed for smaller engines
• Self contained - no need to tap the oil pan for lubrication
Cons:
• Kits are fairly expensive
Systems
Available For:
• Acura
• Honda
• Mazda
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| Powerdyne
Automotive |
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Supercharger
Type: Centrifugal
(Powerdyne)
Overview:
Powerdyne Automotive manufactures a complete line of centrifugal
supercharger systems for many GM, Ford, and Dodge cars and trucks.
Known for being one of the only self contained centrifugal superchargers
and for being a low-cost leader, Powerdyne Automotive has proved
itself to be a powerful player in this industry.
Pros:
• Excellent value - low cost and good performance
• Very complete systems - no/few additional modifications
required
• Super quiet "SilentDrive" belt driven internals
make almost no noise
• Self contained - no need to tap the oil pan (except for
XB-1A systems)
Cons:
• Internal belt needs to be replaced every 50,000 miles (except
for XB-1A systems) and must be sent to Powerdyne
• Installation instructions need improvement
• Not capable of high boost outputs above 12psi
• Little boost / small power gains below 3000 rpm
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| ATI
ProCharger |
| Supercharger
Type: Centrifugal
(ATI)
Overview:
ProCharger is known as a leading centrifugal supercharger brand
and has established a reputation for its high quality intercooled
supercharger systems that are capable of putting out incredibly
high levels of boost. ProCharger is a strong believer in the benefits
of intercooling and include an intercooler in almost every system
they sell. Their P-1SC and D-1SC supercharger compressors are
the only gear-driven centrifugal compressors available, and are
very easy to install.
Pros:
• Very high performance - cool (intercooled) discharge
• Self contained - no need to tap the oil pan (P-1SC and D-1SC
only)
• Very upgradable - compressors capable of high boost outputs
Cons:
• Lots of compressor noise (whine)
• Fairly expensive, but reasonable considering intercooler is
included
• Little boost / small power gains below 3000 rpm
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| Whipple
Industries |
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Supercharger
Type: Twin Screw
(Lysholm)
Overview:
Whipple Industries is rapidy emerging as a leading manufacturer
of twin-screw supercharger systems for many truck and marine applications.
Utilizing only the best quality Lysholm twin screw compressors,
Whipple supercharger systems are completely self contained and
provide amazing power gains even at very low engine rpms. Ideal
for trucks and towing vehicles, these supercharger systems are
truly a cut above.
Pros:
• Excellent power at lower rpms and great for towing
• Very complete system - no additional modifications required
• Easy to install
• Self contained - no need to tap the oil pan for lubrication
• Very high quality
Cons:
• Kits are fairly expensive
• Installation manuals need improvement
Systems
Available For:
• GM
4.8/5.3/6.0L Truck / SUV
• GM
5.0/5.7L Truck / SUV
• GM
7.4L Truck / SUV
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