How Much Does a Supercharger Cost?

While less common these days than turbocharging, supercharging an engine has a similar function; force more air into the engine, which in turn produces more power. While a turbocharger is powered by exhaust gases, superchargers are powered by a belt driven off the engine’s crankshaft. This makes superchargers easier to add-on to a naturally-aspirated vehicle, but some vehicles also had superchargers from the factory, which is what we focus on. In the table below we’ve included the msrp (list price) of 5 of our best selling superchargers as well as our price for that same part.

Find Your Supercharger

There are two forms of supercharger. Centrifugal superchargers are usually found in a similar location as a turbocharger would be, but closer to where the belt drive is. Most OEM manufacturers use a roots-type supercharger, which is located atop or hanging off the side of the engine, and is often integrated with the intake manifold. This location means that replacing them usually isn’t as difficult or expensive as a turbocharger. They are often a little more reliable as well, since they have a self-contained oil system and the bearings spin at a lower RPM. That self-contained oil system does mean one more thing to maintain though; General Motors recommends changing supercharger oil every 30k miles on their 3.8L V6, one of the most common supercharged engines in an OE application.

Modern turbocharged and supercharged engines will also have at least one intercooler, possibly two or more depending on packaging restraints. Because the compressed air is naturally warmer than atmospheric temperatures, pushing it through an intercooler means the air being fed to your engine is cooler and denser, which is better for both performance and reliability. These also need to be replaced sometimes. To cool better, they are often mounted low near the very front of the vehicle, making them susceptible to damage. This is not an issue if the intercooler is mounted on top and fed by a hood scoop. Some are also water-cooled, which presents a chance for them to leak.

Supercharger Options and Part Costs

Because superchargers are both less-common and longer-lasting than turbochargers, there aren’t quite as many options when it comes to replacement. There hasn’t been enough demand in the past for aftermarket companies to make OE-quality replacements, so your best bet is often one that has been professionally remanufactured. These start around $500 for the most common applications (like that GM 3.8L), and go up from there. You might be able to find brand new OEM replacements, but they will be in the low four-figure price ranges, with no noticeable benefits in terms of performance or reliability.

If you’re still unsure about what’s best for your vehicle, feel free to contact BuyAutoParts for knowledgeable assistance in getting the best replacement superchargers and intercoolers for your vehicle. We carry guaranteed exact fit parts from known brands like Eaton, Nissens, Behr/Hella and more. All our parts professionals are here and ready to help!

More Vehicle Specific Estimates & Costs

Some of our top-selling superchargers, their compatible vehicles and their approximate costs are listed below. Keep in mind that part condition matters, in some cases we offer an aftermarket new part which meets or exceeds OE quality. The last note to be made about this table is that dealerships tend to sell their superchargers at list price or close to it, here at BuyAutoParts.com we offer you more than just the original equipment part, as we have aftermarket new, and in some cases have rebuilt superchargers.

If you are a DIYer, you will not incur any labor costs. If you choose a professional for the job, you will need to pay for both the part and labor. Here are the approximate supercharger installation costs specific to some automobiles.