Buyer’s Guide: How to Buy a Supercharger

Comparison of Superchargers with Turbochargers

1) Superchargers are powered by the engine while turbochargers are powered by the exhaust gases.

2) Superchargers have no time lag while turbos take some time to provide the boost as they are run by the exhaust gases.

3) Generally, superchargers are employed in inline four/six-cylinder engines and turbochargers are installed in V6/V8 engines.

4) Superchargers are more efficient in lower engine RPMs compared to that of the turbochargers.

5) The amount of horsepower generated by a supercharger depends on the engine speed whereas, in turbochargers, it relies on its size.

Types of superchargers

Positive Displacement Superchargers

The positive displacement superchargers include root and twin-screw kinds of superchargers.

Root Superchargers: Root superchargers are typically located on the top of the engine. They are larger than twin-screw and centrifugal superchargers. Root superchargers have two lobes that spin against each other to compress the air and send it to the engine's intake manifold. Root superchargers are efficient but often generate a lot of heat which calls for an intercooler to be installed.

Twin-screw Superchargers: Twin-screw superchargers work similar to that of the root superchargers. As the name implies, they include two screws that rotate opposite to each other, instead of the lobes in the root superchargers. Twin-screw superchargers generate less heat compared to that of the root superchargers and provide a better power-boost compared to that of centrifugal superchargers.

Dynamic Superchargers

Centrifugal Superchargers: These kind of superchargers are the most common kinds of superchargers found in automobiles. They are usually mounted on the front of the engine. The centrifugal superchargers function similarly to the turbochargers. Centrifugal superchargers house an impeller and diffuser combination that compresses the air and sends it to the intake manifold.

Problems/Symptoms of a Bad Supercharger

A supercharger can go bad due to various causes such as a low level of supercharger oil, broken pulley, overheating or faulty seals/gaskets. A fault in the supercharger is usually indicated by the Check Engine light in your vehicle's dashboard. Some of the symptoms of a defective supercharger include the following:

1) A faulty supercharger may deliver less air to the engine, causing difficulty while accelerating.

2) A leaky supercharger seal or gasket will let oil flow into the engine, causing a blue smoke in the exhaust.

3) A malfunctioning supercharger will cause a lack of power and decreased gas mileage.

4) A leaky/faulty super gasket may cause the oil to drip out. This may also be caused when oil is over-filled in the supercharger.

5) If you hear a clacking noise from the front of the supercharger, it is an indication of a low level of supercharger oil.

Find the causes of various noises emitted from a supercharger in the following link: Common Supercharger Failures Chart

Maintenance

Maintaining a supercharger is a pretty easy job and here are some tips for a regular maintenance:

1) Check the supercharger oil level regularly and refill it at the recommended intervals. The recommended interval is often specified in the owner's manual.

2) Ensure that your air filter is functioning properly as a dirty air filter may damage the supercharger.

You May Need These Parts Too

Supercharger oil: The primary purpose of the supercharger oil is to lubricate the supercharger and reduce friction between the metal parts of the supercharger. An optimal level of supercharger oil is essential for its proper functioning. BuyAutoParts.com stocks supercharger oils for all makes and models.

Performance Superchargers: Superchargers are employed to increase the horsepower and if you need an extra boost, you can go for performance superchargers. At BuyAutoParts.com, we sell top-quality Performance Superchargers at unbeatable prices.

Intercooler: Intercoolers are installed to remove the heat generated by the supercharger. BuyAutoParts.com stocks an extensive range of intercoolers for every make and model.

Super or Turbo Gasket: The gaskets, though simple, are integral parts of any automobile mechanism. A super or turbo gasket prevents air or oil from leaking out of the supercharger system.

Finding Your Supercharger's OEM Part Number

If for any reason you cannot find your supercharger by entering your vehicle's year, make and model, you can find it by its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) number. The OEM part number can be found directly on the part itself. You can also call a dealership with your VIN, and they will provide you with the OEM part number. You can give one of our car specialists a call at 1-888-907-7225 for further assistance in purchasing your supercharger.

Find out about our shipping and warranty policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my supercharger?

You can inspect your supercharger every 3000 miles for its proper functioning. While inspecting it, you can clean the supercharger using a dry cleaning solvent if you find carbon build-ups or other debris. Ensure that there is no moisture left behind in the system after cleaning.

How often should I replace my supercharger's belt?

The normal life expectancy of a supercharger belt can be anywhere between 50,000 and 70,000 miles but oftentimes, 60,000 miles is considered optimal. You can find the recommended interval in the owner's manual, as well.

Can I install my vehicle's supercharger on another automobile?

It is not recommended to install a supercharger specific to a vehicle into another vehicle. Superchargers may have slight modifications depending on the year, make and model of the automobile.

How to save money on a supercharger

Before you go rushing in and buying the first suitable supercharger for your car, do some research. Try to find out the exact part number for the supercharger you need. Then do a search on our website to find the best deal. After you get your supercharger from us at a fraction of the price that the dealer or mechanic would charge you, you can then have them install it and only pay for the labor. Or you can install it yourself and save even more money.