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The A-to-Z Guide: Can You Supercharge a 5.7 HEMI?

There are many benefits to supercharging an engine. It increases power, torque, and efficiency while providing other benefits, such as reduced emissions and improved fuel economy. 

In addition, supercharging can help extend an engine’s life by reducing wear and tear. So your curiosity about supercharging a 5.7 HEMI engine makes complete sense.

But can you supercharge a 5.7 HEMI engine?

The one-word answer is “Yes!”. You can supercharge a 5.7 HEMI engine. Many aftermarket kits are available specifically for 5.7L HEMI (ProCharger being the most popular). A quick search online will reveal many different options to choose from. However, adding a supercharger to your engine can void the warranty, so be sure to consult with your mechanic or dealership before making any modifications.

What is a supercharger, its type & how it works?

HEMI CHALLENGER Supercharger procharger
ProCharger Supercharged HEMI Challenger. Image credits: FastHEMIS

A supercharger is a device that increases power by forcing air into an engine. The air gets compressed and enters the engine, increasing the oxygen available for combustion. And then more oxygen means more power and torque.

Superchargers can be mechanical or electrical and can be used in conjunction with turbochargers. They are typically used in high-performance vehicles. Three major types of SC are available on the market: Roots, Centrifugal, & Twin-Screw Superchargers. Let’s dive a little in-depth into them.

Centrifugal Superchargers

As the name suggests, Centrifugal superchargers work by using a centrifugal force. It uses a spinning impeller to draw air into the engine. The impeller is attached to a shaft that connects to the engine’s crankshaft. 

The impeller spins as the engine spins, drawing in air and compressing it. The engine is then fed with this compressed air, which can be used to power the vehicle.

Credits: Procharger YT Channel

The main advantage of a centrifugal supercharger is that it can increase an engine’s power without increasing its size. This makes it popular for racing vehicles, which often need to be lightweight and powerful. Centrifugal superchargers can also improve a car’s fuel economy, as they can help the engine run more efficiently.

The main disadvantage of centrifugal superchargers is that they can be pretty loud and cause the engine to vibrate more than usual. Centrifugal superchargers can be challenging to install due to the need to connect them to the crankshaft. The careless installation can damage the engine.

This type of supercharger is typically more efficient at higher engine speeds, making them ideal for race cars.

Roots superchargers 

Typical Roots supercharger
Typical Roots supercharger

Roots superchargers are the most common type of supercharger used in automotive applications. They work by using two counter-rotating rotors to draw air into the engine.

This air is then compressed and forced into the engine, which can help to boost power and performance.

One advantage of the Roots supercharger is that it is used with various engines, including the 5.7 HEMI. However, one downside is that they can be noisy and cause some vibration.

Roots superchargers are typically more efficient than other superchargers at lower engine speeds, making them ideal for street cars.

Twin-screw supercharger

twin screw supercharger
Twin-screw supercharger. Image: Modgarage

These are similar to Roots superchargers but use two screws instead of two rotors to compress and feed air to the engine.

Twin-screw superchargers are typically more efficient and can provide more power than Root superchargers at both low and high engine speeds.

The drawback, however, is that this system is the most expensive of all three and demands more maintenance.

Benefits of supercharging a 5.7 HEMI

Supercharging can increase power, torque, and efficiency while providing other benefits, such as reduced emissions and improved fuel economy. In addition, supercharging can extend the life of an engine by increasing its longevity.

You will also want to add one of these top-performance Cam to your list of HEMI upgrades to get the maximum juice.

Disadvantages of supercharging a 5.7 HEMI

The main disadvantage of supercharging is that it can be loud and cause the engine to vibrate more than usual. Centrifugal superchargers can be difficult to install due to the need to connect them to the crankshaft.

How much horsepower does a supercharger add to a 5.7 HEMI?

A supercharger can add up to 170 horsepower or HP to a 5.7 HEMI engine, making it one of the most popular upgrades. It can also improve torque and fuel economy while giving your car a powerful sound. If you need even more power then consider the best HEMI Charger headers.

Can you put a supercharger on a stock HEMI engine?

Hemi engine
5.7 V8 HEMI Engine. Credits: DodgeGarage

Well, it’s no secret that adding a supercharger can give a car a serious boost in power. But can you put one on a stock HEMI engine? 

The answer is yes, but there are some things to consider first.

First, you’ll need to ensure your car can handle the extra power. Check the specs to see how much horsepower your vehicle can safely handle. If you’re not sure, it’s best to consult with an expert.

Second, you’ll need to ensure you have enough room under the hood for the supercharger. Not all cars have enough clearance, so this is something you’ll want to check before you buy anything.

Finally, you’ll need to decide if the extra power is worth the cost. A supercharger can be expensive and may not be worth it for everyone. But if you’re looking for a serious boost in performance, a supercharger may be just what you need.

You can try these HEMI performance upgrades if you are not ready for a supercharger yet.

How much is a supercharger for 5.7 HEMI?

If you want to supercharge your 5.7 HEMI, there are a few things you need to know. The first is a wide range of prices for supercharger kits, from about 6k-8k USD. The second is that installing and tuning the kit will cost roughly 2k dollars. So overall, the cost of upgrading your engine can range from around 8000-10000 dollars. Keep this in mind if you’re thinking about making the upgrade.

Is it worth supercharging a 5.7 HEMI?

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding if it’s worth supercharging a 5.7 HEMI. The price of the kit, the cost of installation, and the time and effort required to tune it all need to be factored in. In most cases, supercharging a 5.7 HEMI is not worth the expense. But it all depends. If you are someone who wants to extract every ounce of power from your engine, then supercharging is sure worth it.

Is it safe to supercharge a 5.7 HEMI?

It is safe to supercharge a 5.7 HEMI if you take the proper precautions. When you supercharge a car engine, you increase the power output by adding more air and fuel. This can be dangerous if not done correctly, so it’s crucial to consult with an expert before making any modifications. Additionally, you will need to ensure your car can handle the extra power output and that you have the proper safety equipment in place. Doing it right can give you at least 20% additional HP to muscle up your ride.

Will supercharging 5.7 HEMI void the warranty?

hemi engine warranty

The most important and potential disadvantage of supercharging a 5.7 HEMI, I think, is the void of warranty, more so it gives dealers a free pass to not replace parts that got damaged by supercharger blow up. I have heard some dealers provide you with some warranty cover if you buy and install a supercharger from them.

How to supercharge a 5.7 HEMI?

If we talk about installation and modification and all that stuff, then I will advise you to do it yourself only if you know this task’s know-how and preferably have done it in the past. Since doing it right is essential.

The second thing is that I like buying the whole supercharger kit to avoid the headache of purchasing supporting parts separately. All you will need after the kit is the right tools. One should also keep the make year of the engine in mind while selecting the kit. If your motor is made in 2005 or 06, you will need a kit that fits the first half of the HEMI generation between 2003-2008.

And now, there are many ways to supercharge your 5.7 HEMI engine, and each one comes with its own set of pros and cons.

superchargning engine

One of the most popular methods for supercharging a 5.7 HEMI engine is to use a centrifugal supercharger. This supercharger type can give your engine a significant power boost, and it is relatively easy to install. However, centrifugal superchargers can be pretty loud, and they can also cause your engine to consume more fuel.

Another popular option for supercharging your 5.7 HEMI engine is to use a roots-type supercharger. Roots-type superchargers are not as loud as centrifugal superchargers and can give your engine a steadier power stream. Plus better fuel economy. However, root-type superchargers can be relatively difficult to install.

And then there is the twin-screw supercharger. This type adds a good chunk of HP to your vehicle while still being relatively easy to install. It’s also known to consume less fuel than the two other types mentioned above. But it can be expensive.

The Roots blower is the most popular type of supercharger for 5.7L HEMI engines. It can provide more power and torque than other types of superchargers. Next is the Twin-Screw, which comes in almost the same line of benefits.

What supercharger is best for 5.7 HEMI?

There’s a wide variety of superchargers of different classes that can fit on a 5.7 HEMI engine. Which one you should choose depends on your end goal and budget. We have a separate page dedicated to the best superchargers for a 5.7 HEMI engine. Make sure you check that out.

Can a 5.7 HEMI handle a ProCharger?

Yes, most HEMI engines made in 2005 and after can handle ProCharger with the proper modifications. In most cases, it is safe to supercharge a 5.7 HEMI engine as long as you take the necessary precautions.

So? When are you supercharging your ride?

Supercharging a 5.7L HEMI, or any engine for that matter is a responsible task. You need to take your vehicle’s capacity into account, get the right supercharger, and install it in the right way. Take precautions, so your engine doesn’t go bang. You also need to maintain a supercharged motor with more attention than a non-supercharged one. But for power-hungry people, it’s well worth the effort. Potential 170+HP gains are a whole lot to leave on the table.

And finally, I hope this complete A-to-Z Guide to supercharging a 5.7 HEMI engine cleared some clouds of confusion of yours. If you need further help or advice, don’t forget to leave a comment below. Happy driving!

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