Supercharger Guide
Best Supercharger Upgrades for the
2018 – 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 6.2L Hemi: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of every supercharger upgrade kit available for the 2018-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 6.2L Hemi. The Trackhawk comes factory-supercharged with a 2.4L IHI unit; these Whipple kits replace it with larger twin-screw units for significant power gains. Stage 1, Stage 2, and 3.8L Competition — 50-state CARB options, HP gains, and what each delivers.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Type | Displacement | HP Gain | CARB | Years | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whipple Stage 1 | Twin-Screw (Roots) | 3.0L | +100 whp (93 octane) | Yes | 2018–2021 | $6,999 | SHOP → |
| Whipple Stage 2 | Twin-Screw (Roots) | 3.0L | +100+ whp | Yes | 2018–2021 | $8,499 | SHOP → |
| Whipple 3.8L Competition | Twin-Screw (Roots) | 3.8L | Max power potential | No (CA) | 2018–2021 | $8,999 | SHOP → |
Technical Foundation
Upgrade vs Add & Roots vs Centrifugal
The Trackhawk is already supercharged from the factory with a 2.4L IHI unit. These Whipple kits are replacement/upgrade superchargers — you remove the stock blower and install a larger twin-screw unit. Our Supercharger Buyers Guide covers Roots vs centrifugal in depth; here’s the essentials for Trackhawk owners.
Why Upgrade the Factory Supercharger?
The factory 2.4L IHI supercharger on the Trackhawk is capable but limited. Whipple’s 3.0L and 3.8L twin-screw units flow significantly more air, deliver cooler charge temps via larger intercoolers, and unlock 100+ whp gains on pump gas. Stage 1 uses the stock throttle body; Stage 2 includes a larger throttle body for more airflow. The 3.8L Competition kit is for maximum power and is not CARB legal in California.
Roots vs Centrifugal
Roots-style (Whipple, Magnuson, Edelbrock) superchargers mount in the intake manifold. They deliver more low-mid range torque and instant throttle response. Whipple’s twin-screw design is a refined Roots variant. All Trackhawk upgrade kits are Roots-style — no centrifugal options exist for the 6.2L Hellcat platform in the Grand Cherokee.
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Tuning & Fuel
Whipple kits include calibration. The Gen 5 Stage 1 and Stage 2 systems offer a significant power boost of +100 hp when using 93 octane vs 91. Run 91 octane minimum; 93 recommended for maximum gains. HP Tuners RTD Flash tool and security bypass are included. PCM unlock for 2015+ is handled through HP Tuners (ship your PCM or purchase new unlocked unit).
Stage 1 vs Stage 2 vs 3.8L Competition
Stage 1: Stock throttle body, 50-state CARB legal, bolt-on power. Best for daily drivers who want emissions compliance. Stage 2: Larger throttle body, more airflow, 50-state CARB. Best for those who want more power and stay legal. 3.8L Competition: Maximum power potential, 130mm throttle body flange. Not CARB legal in California. For off-road or non-emissions use.
CARB & Emissions
Whipple Stage 1 and Stage 2 (Gen 5, 3.0L) are 50-state CARB legal. The 3.8L Gen 6 Stage 2 Competition Kit is not currently legal for California — off-road use only there. All kits require 91 octane minimum. Standard warranty is 1-year; extended warranties available through Whipple.
Installation & Lead Times
Professional install recommended (8–12 hours). Budget for dyno tuning and fluids. Lead time: Whipple: 14–16 weeks (built-to-order). Same everywhere; nobody stocks these kits. Whipple includes 1-step colder spark plugs. Cold air system included with Stage 1 and Stage 2.
Side-by-Side
Compare All Three Kits
Whipple Stage 1 (Gen 5, 3.0L)
Type: Twin-screw (Roots-style)
Displacement: 3.0L (replaces 2.4L IHI)
HP Gain: +100 whp on 93 octane
Kit: Complete — cold air, tuning included
- 50-state CARB legal — emissions compliant
- Stock throttle body; bolt-on power
- Patented dual-core, dual-pass intercooler
- Cold air system included; lowest entry price
Whipple Stage 2 (Gen 5, 3.0L)
Type: Twin-screw (Roots-style)
Displacement: 3.0L W185RF
HP Gain: +100+ whp; enhanced airflow
Kit: Complete — larger TB, intercooler
- 50-state CARB legal
- Larger throttle body; more airflow than Stage 1
- Enhanced cooling; ideal for street and track
- Gen 5 W185RF twin-screw
Whipple 3.8L Gen 6 Stage 2 Competition
Type: Twin-screw (Roots-style)
Displacement: 3.8L Gen 6
Potential: Max power; 130mm TB flange
Note: Not CARB legal in California
- Largest displacement; maximum power potential
- Gen 6 technology; record-breaking design
- 130mm throttle body flange
- Dual-core, dual-pass intercooler
Our Picks
Trackhawk owner, need 50-state legal and best value? Whipple Stage 1 (Gen 5, 3.0L): +100 whp on 93 octane, stock throttle body, cold air included, 50-state CARB certified. Lowest entry price for a complete upgrade.
Want more power and stay CARB legal? Whipple Stage 2 (Gen 5, 3.0L): larger throttle body, enhanced airflow and cooling. Same 50-state compliance, more headroom for power.
Maximum power, not in California? Whipple 3.8L Gen 6 Stage 2 Competition: largest displacement, Gen 6 technology, 130mm TB flange. Off-road use only in CA. Best for modified builds or non-emissions vehicles.
Whipple Stage 1 (Gen 5, 3.0L)
Whipple’s Stage 1 (Gen 5, 3.0L) replaces the factory 2.4L IHI supercharger on the Trackhawk with a larger twin-screw unit. Delivers a significant power boost of +100 hp when using 93 octane fuel. 50-state CARB legal. Uses the stock throttle body for a straightforward bolt-on. Patented dual-core, dual-pass intercooler design. Cold air system included.
14–16 week lead time (built-to-order). HP Tuners RTD Flash tool and security bypass included. PCM unlock for 2015+ handled through HP Tuners. 1-step colder spark plugs included. Best for Trackhawk owners who want emissions compliance and the lowest entry price.
Pros
- 50-state CARB legal — emissions compliant
- +100 whp on 93 octane; stock throttle body
- Cold air system included; lowest price
- Patented dual-core, dual-pass intercooler
Cons
- 14–16 week lead time
- Stock TB limits ultimate power vs Stage 2
Whipple Stage 2 (Gen 5, 3.0L)
Whipple Stage 2 (Gen 5, 3.0L) features the W185RF twin-screw supercharger with enhanced airflow and cooling. 50-state CARB legal. Larger throttle body than Stage 1 for more power potential. Patented dual-core, dual-pass intercooler. Ideal for street and track use.
Same 14–16 week lead time. HP Tuners RTD Flash tool, security bypass, cold air system included. Best for Trackhawk owners who want more power than Stage 1 while staying 50-state legal.
Pros
- 50-state CARB legal
- Larger throttle body; more airflow than Stage 1
- Enhanced cooling; Gen 5 W185RF
- Street and track capable
Cons
- 14–16 week lead time
- Higher price than Stage 1
Whipple 3.8L Gen 6 Stage 2 Competition
The 3.8L Whipple Gen 6 Stage 2 Competition Kit is the record-breaking supercharger for Hellcat, Trackhawk, and TRX applications. The 3.8L twin-screw boasts maximum power potential compared to the factory 2.4L and even the 3.0L Whipple. 130mm throttle body flange. Patented dual-core, dual-pass intercooler. Not currently legal for California — off-road use only there.
Designed for maximum power. Works best with a modified engine for the most reliable horsepower. 14–16 week lead time. For Trackhawk owners outside California who want the largest displacement and highest power potential.
Pros
- Largest displacement; maximum power potential
- Gen 6 technology; 130mm TB flange
- Dual-core, dual-pass intercooler
- Record-breaking design
Cons
- Not CARB legal in California
- 14–16 week lead time
- Best with modified engine
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between these kits and adding a supercharger to an NA engine?
The Trackhawk is already supercharged from the factory. These Whipple kits replace the stock 2.4L IHI supercharger with larger twin-screw units (3.0L or 3.8L). You remove the factory blower and install the Whipple. No “adding” — it’s an upgrade/replacement.
Which kit is 50-state legal?
Whipple Stage 1 and Stage 2 (Gen 5, 3.0L) are 50-state CARB legal. The 3.8L Gen 6 Stage 2 Competition Kit is not currently legal for California — off-road use only there.
Will a supercharger upgrade void my warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your entire warranty for aftermarket parts. However, powertrain claims related to forced induction may be denied. Some manufacturers offer supplemental warranties.
What fuel do I need?
91 octane minimum. Whipple’s Gen 5 systems offer a significant power boost of +100 hp when using 93 octane vs 91. Use 93 when available for maximum gains.
Do these kits fit the Durango Hellcat too?
Yes. The same Whipple kits fit both the 2018–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and the 2021–2025 Dodge Durango 6.2L Hellcat. They share the same 6.2L supercharged engine platform.
Ready to Upgrade Your Trackhawk?
Browse all supercharger upgrade kits for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 6.2L Hemi, or contact us if you need help choosing the right kit for your goals.
