Supercharger Guide
Best Superchargers for the
2006 – 2010 Dodge Charger 6.1L Hemi: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of every supercharger kit available for the 2006-2010 Dodge Charger SRT8 6.1L Hemi — ProCharger, Vortech, Whipple, and Edelbrock. Roots vs centrifugal, HP and torque gains, CARB compliance, Complete vs Tuner kits, and what to expect from each.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Type | Boost | HP Gain | Torque | CARB | Complete/Tuner | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortech | Centrifugal | ~7 psi | +135 whp | +85 lb-ft | Yes | Complete | $6,725 | SHOP → |
| ProCharger | Centrifugal | 7 psi | +160 whp | — | Yes | Complete | $6,749 | SHOP → |
| Whipple | Twin-Screw (Roots) | ~6–7 psi | +175 whp | +189 lb-ft | Yes | Complete | $8,250 | SHOP → |
| Edelbrock | Roots | ~6–7 psi | +131 whp | +76 lb-ft | Check product | Complete | $10,052 | SHOP → |
Technical Foundation
Complete vs Tuner Kit & Roots vs Centrifugal
Understanding these two concepts will help you choose the right kit. Our Supercharger Buyers Guide covers this in depth; here’s the essentials.
Complete Kit vs Tuner Kit
A Tuner Kit is the supercharger hardware only. It does not include: larger fuel injectors, upgraded MAP sensor, fuel pump (or booster), handheld programmer/flash tool, or the supercharger tune. Those components are 100% necessary to run safely. You must supply them yourself.
Tuner Kits are for (1) custom builds where you want different fuel/tuning components than the manufacturer provides, or (2) vehicles with long-tube headers, aftermarket cam, or forged internals. The basemap tune in a Complete Kit is calibrated for factory exhaust manifolds and stock internals. If you install a Complete Kit on a car with headers or a cam, the vehicle will likely run too lean — risking catastrophic engine failure.
A Complete Kit includes fuel injectors, MAP sensor, fuel pump upgrade, flash tool, and tuning. It’s 100% bolt-and-go for stock or lightly modified vehicles (intake, cat-back, throttle body only). No additional parts or custom tune required.
Roots vs Centrifugal
Roots-style (Whipple, Magnuson, Edelbrock, Sprintex) superchargers mount in the intake manifold. They deliver more low-mid range torque and instant throttle response. They also produce more “whine” at idle. Best for drivers who want immediate punch off the line.
Centrifugal (ProCharger, Vortech, Ripp) superchargers mount off the side of the engine via a bracket. They build power toward mid-high RPM and often produce more peak horsepower. Both add significant power; choose based on driving style. Most Hemi Complete kits run 6–7 psi boost. Note: 2006–2010 Charger SRT8 uses an unlocked PCM; no PCM unlock required for this generation.
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Tuning & PCM (2006–2010)
2006–2010 Charger SRT8 has an unlocked factory PCM — no PCM unlock required. ProCharger and Vortech use DiabloSport for 6.1L; Whipple uses HP Tuners. Critical: ProCharger requires you to email them your backup tune and head unit serial before installing. They send the supercharger tune via email (24–48 hrs). Do this first or your car will be down waiting.
Complete vs Tuner: Which Do You Need?
Stock or simple bolt-ons (intake, cat-back, throttle body)? → Complete Kit. Headers, cam, or forged internals? → Tuner Kit with your own fuel system and custom tune. Installing a Complete Kit on a modified car risks lean AFR and engine damage. See our Buyers Guide for the full breakdown.
CARB & Emissions
ProCharger, Whipple Gen 6, and Vortech are 50-state CARB certified for 6.1L SRT8. Edelbrock varies — check EO numbers per product. Off-road-only kits cannot be registered in California. All Complete kits require 91 octane minimum. Standard warranty is 1-year; 3-year and 5-year extended warranties are available through most manufacturers (purchase separately).
Installation & Lead Times
Professional install recommended (8–14 hours). Budget for dyno tuning, fluids, and alignment. Lead times: ProCharger ships in 1–2 business days. Vortech: 10–12 weeks. Whipple: 14–16 weeks. Edelbrock: varies. ProCharger and Vortech do not include 1-step colder spark plugs; add NGK LFR6AIX. Whipple and Edelbrock include spark plugs. Hemi engines use 2 spark plugs per cylinder (16 total); order quantity 4 (boxes of 4).
Side-by-Side
Compare All Four Kits
Vortech Supercharger
Type: Centrifugal (V-3 Si)
Boost: ~7 psi
HP Gain: +135 whp / +85 lb-ft
Kit: Complete — fuel, tuning included
- 100% bolt-and-go Complete kit
- Fits Charger, Challenger, 300C, Magnum 6.1L SRT8
- V-3 Si centrifugal: proven reliability
- 50-state CARB certified (EO D-213-31)
- Lowest price among Complete kits
ProCharger HO Complete
Type: Centrifugal (P-1SC-1)
Boost: 7 psi
HP Gain: +160 whp
Kit: Complete — fuel, tuning, DiabloSport included
- Highest HP gain among centrifugal Complete kits
- 50-state CARB certified
- ProCharger preferred for most Hemi apps per FastHemis Buyers Guide
- Fastest ship: 1–2 business days
Whipple Gen 6
Type: Twin-screw (Roots-style)
Boost: ~6–7 psi
HP Gain: +175 whp / +189 lb-ft
CARB: 50-state legal
- Highest torque gain (+189 lb-ft) among all kits
- 50-state CARB certified (D-231-92)
- Roots-style: low-mid torque, instant throttle response
- 1-step colder spark plugs included
Edelbrock Stage 1
Type: Roots (Eaton Gen VI 2300)
Boost: ~6–7 psi
HP Gain: +131 whp / +76 lb-ft (556 hp / 501 lb-ft flywheel)
Kit: Complete with tuner
- Eaton Gen VI 2300: proven Roots design
- Fits 300C, Charger, Magnum, Challenger 6.1L
- Compact design fits under stock hood
- 1-step colder spark plugs included
Our Picks
6.1L SRT8, stock or light bolt-ons? ProCharger HO Complete is our top pick for centrifugal: +160 whp, 100% bolt-and-go with fuel and tuning included, 50-state CARB certified, and ships in 1–2 business days. ProCharger is FastHemis’s preferred centrifugal brand for most Hemi applications.
Want the lowest price and 50-state CARB? Vortech delivers +135 whp and +85 lb-ft with a Complete kit. Same V-3 Si head unit Ripp uses; CARB EO D-213-31. 10–12 week lead time.
Need maximum torque and prefer Roots-style power? Whipple Gen 6 delivers +175 whp and +189 lb-ft — the highest torque gain in this guide. 50-state CARB, HP Tuners included, 1-step colder spark plugs. 14–16 week lead time.
Prefer Eaton Roots and multi-vehicle fitment? Edelbrock Stage 1 fits 300C, Charger, Magnum, and Challenger 6.1L. 556 hp / 501 lb-ft at flywheel. Eaton Gen VI 2300; tuner included. Check CARB status per product.
Vortech Supercharger
Vortech’s Complete kit for the 2006–2010 Chrysler 300C, Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Magnum 6.1L SRT8 delivers +135 whp and +85 lb-ft at ~7 psi. The kit uses the V-3 Si centrifugal supercharger with an integrated air-to-water charge cooler, high-flow fuel injectors, 2 bar MAP sensor, Maxflow FPB fuel pump booster, and DiabloSport Predator handheld programmer. 100% bolt-and-go for stock or lightly modified 6.1L SRT8 models. 50-state CARB certified (EO D-213-31).
Vortech does not include 1-step colder spark plugs; add NGK LFR6AIX. Unlike ProCharger, Vortech does not offer helical gears — standard straight-cut gears may clatter at idle (normal). Lead time: 10–12 weeks. 2006–2010 PCM is unlocked; no PCM unlock required.
Pros
- 100% bolt-and-go Complete kit
- Fits Charger, Challenger, 300C, Magnum 6.1L SRT8
- V-3 Si centrifugal: proven reliability
- 50-state CARB certified (EO D-213-31)
- Lowest price among Complete kits
Cons
- Does not include 1-step colder spark plugs
- No helical gears option; straight-cut may clatter at idle
- 10–12 week lead time
ProCharger HO Complete
ProCharger HO Complete is FastHemis’s preferred centrifugal option for the 2006–2010 Dodge Charger 6.1L SRT8. The kit delivers +160 whp at 7 psi on 91 octane. It includes fuel injectors, MAP sensor, in-tank fuel pump upgrade, and DiabloSport tuner. 100% bolt-and-go for stock or lightly modified SRT8 models. 50-state CARB certified. Ships in 1–2 business days.
Critical: Request your tune from ProCharger before installing. Email them your backup tune and head unit serial; they reply in 24–48 hours. The tune is not pre-loaded on the handheld. Add NGK LFR6AIX spark plugs (Hemi uses 16 total; order qty 4). Optional helical gears (~$100) eliminates straight-cut clatter at idle. 2006–2010 PCM is unlocked; no PCM unlock required.
Pros
- 100% bolt-and-go Complete kit — no additional fuel or tuning required
- 50-state CARB certified for emissions compliance
- Highest HP gain (+160 whp) among centrifugal Complete kits
- ProCharger preferred for most Hemi apps per FastHemis Buyers Guide
- Fastest ship: 1–2 business days
Cons
- Does not include 1-step colder spark plugs
- Must request tune before install
- Optional helical gears add cost if you want to eliminate idle clatter
Whipple Gen 6
Whipple is FastHemis’s favorite Roots-style brand. The Gen 6 3.0L twin-screw for the 2006–2010 Charger 6.1L SRT8 delivers +175 whp and +189 lb-ft at ~6–7 psi — the highest torque gain in this guide. Roots-style means more low-mid range torque and instant throttle response, plus more whine at idle. The kit includes HP Tuners RTD Flash tool, Hellcat fuel injectors, billet fuel rails, and 1-step colder spark plugs. 50-state CARB certified (D-231-92).
Built-to-order: 14–16 week lead time. Whipple uses HP Tuners; 2006–2010 PCM is unlocked. Optional cold air intake is recommended over the factory air box. Textured Black is standard; Gloss Black, Red, Yellow, White, Orange, and Polished finishes available for extra cost.
Pros
- 50-state CARB certified — emissions compliant
- Highest torque gain (+189 lb-ft) among all kits
- Roots-style: low-mid torque, instant throttle response
- Patented dual-core, dual-pass intercooler
- 1-step colder spark plugs included
Cons
- 14–16 week lead time (built-to-order)
- Optional cold air intake recommended (adds cost)
Edelbrock Stage 1
Edelbrock’s Stage 1 Street Kit fits the 2005–2010 Chrysler 300, 2006–2010 Dodge Charger, 2006–2008 Dodge Magnum, and 2008–2010 Dodge Challenger 6.1L Hemi. The Eaton Gen VI 2300 Roots supercharger delivers 556 hp and 501 lb-ft at the flywheel (~+131 whp / +76 lb-ft). The kit includes a high-capacity air-to-water intercooler, low-temp heat exchanger, integrated bypass valve, and engine calibration tuner. Compact design fits under the stock hood.
Edelbrock includes 1-step colder spark plugs. Lead time varies; check with FastHemis. CARB status varies; check EO numbers per product. ECU tuning recommended for optimal performance. Ideal for enthusiasts seeking Eaton Roots reliability with multi-vehicle fitment.
Pros
- Eaton Gen VI 2300: proven Roots design
- Fits 300C, Charger, Magnum, Challenger 6.1L
- Compact design fits under stock hood
- 1-step colder spark plugs included
- Tuner included for engine calibration
Cons
- Highest price in this guide
- Lower whp gain than ProCharger or Whipple
- CARB status varies — check product
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Roots and centrifugal superchargers?
Roots (positive displacement) units like Whipple and Edelbrock deliver more low-mid range torque and instant throttle response. Centrifugal units (ProCharger, Vortech) build power toward mid-high RPM and often produce more peak horsepower. Both add significant power; choose based on driving style. See our Supercharger Buyers Guide for details.
Do I need a Complete or Tuner kit?
If your Charger SRT8 is stock or has only simple bolt-ons (intake, cat-back, throttle body), get a Complete kit — it includes fuel injectors, MAP sensor, fuel pump upgrade, and tuning. If you have long-tube headers, a cam, or forged internals, you need a Tuner kit with a custom tune.
Will a supercharger 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.
Do I need to unlock my PCM for a 2006–2010 Charger?
No. 2006–2010 Charger SRT8 models have an unlocked factory PCM. You can tune directly with DiabloSport (ProCharger, Vortech) or HP Tuners (Whipple) without sending your PCM anywhere.
Why does ProCharger say to request the tune before installing?
The ProCharger tune file is not pre-loaded on the DiabloSport handheld. You must email ProCharger your backup tune and head unit serial; they reply with the supercharger tune in 24–48 hours. If you install first, your car will be down until the tune arrives. Do this step before you start the install.
What fuel do I need?
All Complete supercharger kits require 91 octane minimum. Higher octane (93) is fine and may allow slightly more aggressive tuning.
Ready to Supercharge Your 6.1L Charger?
Browse all supercharger kits for the Dodge Charger 6.1L SRT8, or contact us if you need help choosing the right kit for your goals.
