Supercharger Guide
Best Superchargers for the
2015 – 2023 Dodge Challenger 5.7L Hemi: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of every supercharger kit available for the 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger R/T 5.7L Hemi — including Shaker models. ProCharger, Vortech, and Whipple — 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 | Up to +245 whp | +160 lb-ft | Varies | Tuner | $7,088 | SHOP → |
| ProCharger | Centrifugal | 7 psi | +160 whp | — | Yes | Complete | $7,149 | SHOP → |
| Whipple (15–17) | Twin-Screw (Roots) | ~6–7 psi | +195 whp | +135 lb-ft | Yes | Complete | $8,450 | SHOP → |
| Whipple (18–23) | Twin-Screw (Roots) | ~6–7 psi | +187 whp | +135 lb-ft | Yes | Complete | $8,600 | 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: Long-tube headers reduce back pressure and can drop boost by ~1.2–1.5 psi; that’s why Tuner Kits (with custom pulley sizing) are recommended for modified builds.
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Tuning & Unlocked PCM (2015+)
2015+ Challengers have a locked PCM. You cannot tune without unlocking it. Options: (1) send your PCM to DiabloSport or HP Tuners (~$300, 1–2 weeks downtime), or (2) purchase a new unlocked PCM (~$1k, no downtime). ProCharger uses DiabloSport; 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
Whipple Gen 6 is 50-state CARB legal for 5.7L Hemi. ProCharger is CARB certified for this application. Vortech 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. Whipple: 14–16 weeks (built-to-order). Vortech: 10–12 weeks. ProCharger and Vortech do not include 1-step colder spark plugs; add NGK LFR6AIX. Hemi engines use 2 spark plugs per cylinder (16 total); order quantity 4 (boxes of 4).
Side-by-Side
Compare All Four Kits
Vortech Tuner Kit
Type: Centrifugal (V-3 Si-Trim)
Boost: ~7 psi (pulley-dependent)
Potential: Up to +245 whp / +160 lb-ft with proper fuel & tune
Kit: Tuner — no fuel injectors, MAP sensor, or tuning included
- Designed for custom builds: headers, cam, forged internals
- V-3 Si-Trim: proven efficiency and durability; same head unit Ripp uses
- Full 2015–2023 coverage; you supply fuel system and custom tune
ProCharger HO Complete
Type: Centrifugal (P-1SC-1)
Boost: 7 psi
HP Gain: +160 whp on 91 octane
Kit: Complete — fuel, tuning, DiabloSport included
- 100% bolt-and-go Complete kit — no additional fuel or tuning required
- 50-state CARB certified for emissions compliance
- Full 2015–2023 coverage; retains Shaker hood
- ProCharger preferred for most Hemi apps per FastHemis Buyers Guide
- Fastest ship: 1–2 business days (most kits)
Whipple Gen 6 (2015–2017)
Type: Twin-screw (Roots-style)
Boost: ~6–7 psi
HP Gain: +195 whp / +135 lb-ft
CARB: 50-state legal
- 50-state CARB certified — emissions compliant
- Roots-style: low-mid torque, instant throttle response
- Patented dual-core, dual-pass intercooler
- HP Tuners MPVI3 OBDII interface included (no laptop needed)
- 1-step colder spark plugs included
Whipple Gen 6 (2018–2023)
Type: Twin-screw (Roots-style)
Boost: ~6–7 psi
HP Gain: +187 whp / +135 lb-ft
CARB: 50-state legal
- 50-state CARB certified — emissions compliant
- Roots-style: low-mid torque, instant throttle response
- Full 2018–2023 coverage; Hellcat injectors, billet fuel rails
- 1-step colder spark plugs included; HP Tuners MPVI3 included
Our Picks
5.7L R/T, stock or light bolt-ons? ProCharger HO Complete is our top pick: +160 whp, 100% bolt-and-go with fuel and tuning included, full 2015–2023 coverage, and 50-state CARB certified. ProCharger is FastHemis’s preferred centrifugal brand for most Hemi applications.
Need 50-state CARB and prefer Roots-style power? Whipple Gen 6 delivers +187–195 whp and +135 lb-ft with instant low-mid torque. Choose the 2015–2017 or 2018–2023 kit to match your model year.
5.7L with headers, cam, or forged internals? Vortech Tuner Kit is built for custom builds. You supply fuel injectors, MAP sensor, fuel pump, and custom tune. With proper setup, potential is up to +245 whp and +160 lb-ft.
Roots vs centrifugal? Roots (Whipple) gives more low-mid torque and instant response. Centrifugal (ProCharger, Vortech) builds power toward mid-high RPM. Both add significant power; choose based on driving style and emissions needs.
Vortech Tuner Kit
Vortech’s Tuner Kit is for 5.7L Hemi owners with long-tube headers, aftermarket cam, or forged internals. The kit includes only the supercharger hardware — no fuel injectors, MAP sensor, fuel pump, or tuning. You supply those components and a custom tune. The V-3 Si-Trim head unit is the same proven unit Ripp uses; with proper fuel and tune, potential is up to +245 whp and +160 lb-ft at ~7 psi.
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. CARB status varies; check EO numbers per product.
Pros
- Designed for custom builds: headers, cam, forged internals
- V-3 Si-Trim: proven efficiency and durability; same head unit Ripp uses
- Full 2015–2023 coverage; you supply fuel system and custom tune
- Potential up to +245 whp / +160 lb-ft with proper setup
Cons
- Tuner Kit: no fuel injectors, MAP sensor, fuel pump, or tuning included
- 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 most Hemi applications. The kit delivers +160 whp at 7 psi on 91 octane. It includes fuel injectors, MAP sensor, fuel pump upgrade, and DiabloSport i3 Platinum tuner. 100% bolt-and-go for stock or lightly modified 5.7L R/T and Shaker 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 i3. Add NGK LFR6AIX spark plugs (Hemi uses 16 total; order qty 4). Optional helical gears (~$100) eliminates straight-cut clatter at idle. 2015+ requires unlocked PCM: send to DiabloSport (~$300) or buy new (~$1k).
Pros
- 100% bolt-and-go Complete kit — no additional fuel or tuning required
- 50-state CARB certified for emissions compliance
- Full 2015–2023 coverage; retains Shaker hood
- 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; 2015+ PCM unlock required
- Optional helical gears add cost if you want to eliminate idle clatter
Whipple Gen 6 (2015–2017)
Whipple is FastHemis’s favorite Roots-style brand. The Gen 6 3.0L twin-screw delivers +195 whp and +135 lb-ft at ~6–7 psi. Roots-style means more low-mid range torque and instant throttle response, plus more whine at idle. The kit includes HP Tuners MPVI3 OBDII interface (no laptop needed), 1-step colder spark plugs, and a patented dual-core, dual-pass intercooler. 50-state CARB certified.
Built-to-order: 14–16 week lead time. Whipple uses HP Tuners; PCM unlock for 2015+ is included (ship your PCM to HP Tuners). 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
- Roots-style: low-mid torque, instant throttle response
- Patented dual-core, dual-pass intercooler
- HP Tuners MPVI3 OBDII interface included (no laptop needed)
- 1-step colder spark plugs included
Cons
- 14–16 week lead time (built-to-order)
- 2015–2017 only; separate kit for 2018–2023
- Optional cold air intake recommended (adds cost)
Whipple Gen 6 (2018–2023)
Same Gen 6 3.0L twin-screw as the 2015–2017 kit, but for 2018–2023 models. Delivers +187 whp and +135 lb-ft at ~6–7 psi. Includes Hellcat injectors and billet fuel rails for the updated platform. HP Tuners MPVI3 and 1-step colder spark plugs included. 50-state CARB certified.
14–16 week lead time. PCM unlock included for 2015+ (ship to HP Tuners). Optional cold air intake recommended. Choose this kit if your Challenger is 2018 or newer.
Pros
- 50-state CARB certified — emissions compliant
- Roots-style: low-mid torque, instant throttle response
- Full 2018–2023 coverage; Hellcat injectors, billet fuel rails
- 1-step colder spark plugs included; HP Tuners MPVI3 included
Cons
- 14–16 week lead time (built-to-order)
- 2018–2023 only
- Optional cold air intake recommended
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Roots and centrifugal superchargers?
Roots (positive displacement) units like Whipple 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 Challenger 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.
Which kit is 50-state legal?
Whipple Gen 6 for the 5.7L Hemi is CARB certified and 50-state legal. ProCharger is CARB certified for this application. Vortech varies — check each product’s EO number.
Why does ProCharger say to request the tune before installing?
The ProCharger tune file is not pre-loaded on the DiabloSport i3 tuner. 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 5.7L Challenger?
Browse all supercharger kits for the Dodge Challenger 5.7L Hemi, or contact us if you need help choosing the right kit for your goals.
