While turbochargers use exhaust gas energy to spin their turbine, superchargers are mechanically driven by the engine's crankshaft — typically through a belt or gear drive. This mechanical connection gives superchargers a distinct character: instant, linear power delivery without the turbo lag that can make turbo cars feel sluggish at low speeds. In 2026, superchargers remain popular on performance and classic cars, and understanding how they work helps explain why some engines use them over turbos.

How a Supercharger Works

A supercharger compresses air and forces it into the engine's intake manifold, increasing the density of the intake charge. Because it is directly driven by the engine — rather than using waste exhaust energy — the supercharger produces boost immediately from idle, providing instant throttle response. The power to drive the supercharger comes directly from the engine, which is why supercharged engines sometimes produce less peak power than turbocharged equivalents — some of the engine's output is consumed by the supercharger itself.

Types of Superchargers

Roots Supercharger

The most iconic type of supercharger — made famous by the Eaton superchargers fitted to the Roush and Shelby Ford Mustangs and many American V8 engines. Roots superchargers use two interlocking rotors — shaped somewhat like a figure-8 — that trap air and push it into the intake manifold. They are reliable, durable and produce a distinctive whining noise.

Twin-Screw Supercharger

A more sophisticated design using two screws that interlock and compress air between them as they rotate. Twin-screw superchargers — such as the Harrop unit fitted to some Holdens and Ford V8s — produce smoother, more efficient compression than Roots designs and are more compact. They are more expensive but deliver better power efficiency.

Centrifugal Supercharger

Similar in concept to a turbocharger — using an impeller to draw in and compress air — but driven by a belt from the engine rather than exhaust gases. Centrifugal superchargers are smaller and lighter than Roots or twin-screw units but produce more lag at low engine speeds. Popular for their compact packaging.

Supercharger vs Turbocharger

Advantages of Superchargers

  • Instant throttle response — no lag at all
  • Linear power delivery that feels natural and predictable
  • No heat from exhaust gases — cooler intake charge, less knock tendency
  • Simpler tuning — boost is proportional to engine RPM in a predictable way

Disadvantages of Superchargers

  • Use engine power to drive themselves — reducing overall efficiency
  • Higher cost than turbocharging for equivalent power levels
  • More complex belt drive system requiring maintenance
  • Limited maximum boost compared to large turbos

Supercharger Installation Cost

Installing a supercharger kit is one of the more expensive performance modifications:

  • Entry-level supercharger kits: GBP 3,000 to GBP 6,000 for small four-cylinder engines
  • V8 supercharger kits: GBP 5,000 to GBP 12,000 for American V8 engines
  • Premium forged internals: GBP 2,000 to GBP 5,000 if engine strengthening is required
  • ECU remapping for supercharger: GBP 500 to GBP 1,000
  • Installation labour: GBP 500 to GBP 2,000 depending on complexity

A complete supercharger installation on a V8 can cost GBP 8,000 to GBP 20,000 total. For most drivers, this is a specialised enthusiast modification.

Which Cars Come with Superchargers from Factory?

Several production cars have been fitted with superchargers from the factory:

  • Ford Mustang GT500 (Eaton Roots supercharger)
  • Shelby GT350 Mustang (Voodoo V8 — flat-plane crank, no forced induction on this model)
  • Holden Commodore HSV (various supercharged V8s)
  • Ford F-150 Raptor (former generation)
  • Range Rover Sport SVR (supercharged V8)
  • Jaguar F-Type SVR (supercharged V8)
  • Mercedes-AMG GT 63 (twin-turbo, not supercharged)