How Much Does Supercharger Installation Cost?

Last Updated on August 28, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Adding a supercharger system to a car, truck or SUV is one of the most powerful and popular modifications for radically boosting engine horsepower and acceleration capabilities. But between the supercharger components, specialty tools, extensive labor involved, and supporting engine upgrades required, this high-performance upgrade comes at a significant cost.

While certainly not an inexpensive prospect, properly engineering and installing a supercharger pays tremendous dividends in terms of sheer horsepower gains, massive torque, and dramatic acceleration improvements that even novice enthusiasts can immediately appreciate.

When done right, adding forced induction is one of the most effective ways to utterly transform almost any vehicle’s performance and responsiveness capabilities.

How Much Does Supercharger Installation Cost?

The cost for a super charger installation, which includes a complete bolt-on supercharger kit and professional installation, starts around $5,000 for entry-level systems and up to $20,000 or more for top-tier setups depending on the vehicle, intended power goals, brand and types of components selected.

Basic Entry-Level Centrifugal Supercharger System

• Universal Centrifugal Supercharger Kit – $3,500 to $5,500
• Mandatory Supporting Modifications – $1,000 – $2,000
• Basic Installation Labor Charges – $2,000 to $3,500
• Total Project Budget – Around $7,000 to $11,000

This level provides very noticeable horsepower and acceleration gains in the 50% to 80% range for most enthusiasts.

Mid-Range Twin Screw Supercharger Configuration

• Custom Twin Screw Supercharger – $6,000 to $9,000
• Upgraded High-Capacity Fuel System – $1,500 to $2,500
• Custom Engine Calibration & Tuning – $2,000 to $3,000
• Comprehensive Installation – $4,000 to $6,000
• Total Budget Required – $13,500 to $20,500

This setup significantly steps up power delivery and drivability for spirited daily drivers.

High-Output Positive Displacement Supercharger System

• Large Displacement Premium Roots Style Supercharger – $8,000 to $12,000
• Spearco/ATP Intercooler Kit – $2,000 to $3,000
• Professional Engine Tuning – $3,000 to $4,000
• Extensive Custom Fabrication & Install – $6,000 to $8,000
• Total Cash Outlay – $19,000 to $27,000

Delivers maximum tire-shredding forced induction power for serious drag racing or competitive builds.

According to The App Journey, the installation of a Tesla supercharger station can range from $10,000 to $60,000 for hardware and installation alone. Additionally, costs for power supply and grid upgrades can add between $15,000 and $90,000, leading to a total installation cost that can reach up to $300,000 depending on various components and site-specific requirements.

HomeGuide reports that the cost to install a Tesla charger at home typically falls between $1,000 and $1,700. This includes the installation of a Level 2 charger, which requires a 240-volt outlet and may involve additional wiring or electrical panel upgrades. For more extensive installations, costs can escalate to between $2,000 and $5,000.

On TechCrunch, it was noted that the cost for Tesla to install a supercharger station ranges from $100,000 to $175,000, depending on the specific site and the necessary infrastructure modifications. This includes the costs associated with installing the high-capacity charging stations that can deliver significantly more power than standard chargers.

In a discussion on Camaro6, users shared their experiences with supercharger installations, with one user mentioning a Procharger installation costing $5,600 for the kit, plus $700 for labor, and additional costs for dyno testing and spark plugs, bringing the total to around $6,900. This indicates that installation costs can vary based on the type of supercharger and the specific vehicle.

Supercharger Types and Typical Costs

There are three predominant supercharger technologies, each with their own pros, cons and pricing implications:

Centrifugal Supercharger – Uses an impeller spinning at high RPMs to pressurize incoming air. Highly efficient design producing 5-8 PSI of boost. Complete kits start around $4,500 to $6,000 installed.

Positive Displacement Roots Style – Uses meshed lobe rotors to push large quantities of air. Excellent low-end torque. Easy to install but less thermally efficient. Kits cost $5,500 to $8,000 installed.

Twin Screw Supercharger – Similar to roots style but uses twisted rotors for improved air compression and higher boost levels. Highly tunable yet expensive. Total costs exceed $8,000 to $12,000 installed.

The supercharger technology selected is the biggest factor governing the total installation cost. Centrifugal and roots style supercharger kits remain the most popular and budget friendly choices for street performance applications under 10 PSI of boost pressure.

You might also like our articles about the cost of twin-turbo installation, Flowmaster exhaust system installation, or port and polish heads service.

Factors Affecting Installation Costs

The most pivotal budget considerations include:

• The Supercharger Kit Equipment – Can be $3,000 to $8,000+ alone depending on forced induction goals. Construction quality, efficiency, brand reputation, and system complexity radically swing pricing.
• Ancillary Parts and Components – $750 to $2,500 or more. May need upgraded belts, pulleys, fuel injectors, high flow intake, intercooler kit and countless other supporting engine mods depending on the vehicle and factory drivetrain strength.
• Engine Calibration and Tuning – $750 to $2,500. Getting custom ECU tuning completed is mandatory to optimize all the power gains while preserving drivability and reliability.
• Total Labor Time and Shop Charges – Can take 15 to 40+ hours for full install and tuning. Shop rates run $80 to $150+ per hour based on location and specialists.

The vehicle itself is a major factor as well. Far more fabrication and off-the-shelf parts are needed to adapt systems to modern, electronically controlled engines with sophisticated fuel injection and emissions equipment versus simple carbureted setups.

Is DIY Installation Realistic?

DIY supercharger installation is hypothetically possible but extremely challenging requiring substantial existing mechanical experience and resources. Be fully prepared to:

• Acquire a complete range of automotive specialty tools most owners won’t possess as well as ample shop workspace. Having advanced hands-on expertise is an absolute must.
• Spend 40+ hours properly disassembling related engine components before starting the delicate supercharger installation and integration.
• Still have the vehicle dyno tuned at a performance shop afterwards unless you own your own professional grade tuning software and diagnostic equipment costing thousands.
• Solely handle any setbacks, issues or problems independently versus having shop warranty support for the work.

Except for a small minority of capable enthusiasts with the right facilities, skills and patience, professional installation is strongly advised over DIY for the best results.

Does Supercharging Harm Vehicle Reliability?

In general, when properly engineered, integrated and tuned, supercharger and turbo kits allow enjoying huge power rewards reliably without automatically jeopardizing engine longevity. Some best practice tips:

• Only utilize quality components specifically engineered for your exact vehicle variant. Keep boost pressures conservative and be wary of overdoing it.
• Upgrade any supporting engine hardware like fuel injectors, head gaskets, pistons, connecting rods and crankshafts preemptively as prudent.
• Closely monitor the main engine vitals like coolant and oil temperatures, knock sensor readings and fuel pressures at wide open throttle. Adjust accordingly.
• Only use the highest-octane fuels, synthetic oils and follow a stringent preventative maintenance schedule once boosted.
• Prepare for substantially higher long-term ownership costs associated with premium fuel, uprated insurance premiums and accelerated wear of drivetrain components compared to stock.

As with any extreme engine modification pushing boundaries, there are always inherent risks taken straying far from factory specifications. But prudent and conservative upgrades can allow reliably enjoying the immense benefits of forced induction power.

Centrifugal Superchargers vs Turbocharger Systems

In general, turbocharger kits are similarly priced or slightly lower cost than comparable centrifugal superchargers. For example:

• Centrifugal Supercharger Kit – $4,500 to $6,000
• Turbocharger Kit – $3,500 to $5,000

Turbo setups are often simpler with fewer components needed while achieving equivalent horsepower gains. But superchargers typically deliver more immediate throttle response. All factors should be weighed when selecting forced induction.

Reduce Supercharger Installation Costs

• Supply your own high-quality supercharger kit purchased previously to save on markup
• Negotiate partial payment with shop labor billed upon completion to help cash flow
• Barter services/goods you can provide in exchange for discounted parts or install rates
• Join forums to source used supercharger components in good condition
• Perform basic mechanical prep and teardown work yourself to reduce shop hours
• Schedule install and tuning during off-season slow periods to negotiate better deals

Getting crafty with budgeting, deal hunting and cost-splitting often generates substantial savings that make supercharging more accessible.

Final Words

While supercharging your high-performance street machine carries hefty upfront costs typically ranging from $7,000 to well over $20,000+ depending on the power goals and tuning complexity, the immense acceleration, power, sound and thrill cannot be overstated.

Given proper care and reasonable power increases, your car can reliably and safely enjoy forced induction benefits for years when professionally engineered and installed correctly. In the hands of experienced performance shops, supercharging delivers some of the best return on investment of any engine modification.

Answers to Common Questions

How does supercharger charge money?

For example, Tesla Supercharger payments are automatically deducted from the customer’s Tesla account based on kilowatt-hours consumed during charging stops. Idle fees also apply when cars are left plugged in after fully charging.

What is a supercharge fee?

The cost to Supercharge a Tesla is usually 25 to 30 cents per kilowatt-hour. Idle fees of 50 cents per minute also apply if the car remains parked after charging completes. Rates and policies may vary by region.

Can you make payments on a supercharger?

Yes, many supercharger manufacturers and auto performance shops offer payment plans allowing customers to finance supercharger installations by making monthly payments over 6, 12 or 24 months instead of paying the full amount upfront.