There are many aftermarket mods for boosting a Ford F150’s horsepower and torque, like adding a cold-air intake or a performance exhaust. Yet, the gains you’ll see from these pale in comparison to installing a supercharger kit.
A supercharger is an advanced performance mod that can increase an F150’s power by around 30-50% or more, depending on the brand of the kit and the engine it’s added to.
But is a supercharger right for you? It’s a major add-on with a steep price tag, and if you end up buying a low-quality kit or one that doesn’t fit or requires extensive modifications, you could end up harming your truck.
Well, this guide aims to help you avoid making mistakes when shopping. So that you know what to expect, we’ll first explain how a supercharger works and what installing one can do for your pickup. Then, we’ll review the costs of adding a Ford F150 supercharger.
Finally, we’ll share some of the best supercharger kits to consider from a few of the industry’s most trusted brands.
What Will a Supercharger Do for Your F150?
A supercharger is a device that forces more air into an engine's combustion chamber than it would naturally take in. The principle is simple: the more air and fuel you can get into the chamber, the more power you can produce.
Superchargers are driven directly by an engine's crankshaft, typically through a belt. As the engine runs, the supercharger spins, drawing in air and compressing it before it enters the combustion chamber.
This compressed air is denser, meaning it contains more oxygen molecules than the same volume of uncompressed air. When this dense air mixes with fuel, it results in a more powerful explosion. But what does this mean for your F150 in practical terms?
Increased Horsepower & Torque
The most notable benefit of a supercharger is the significant boost in horsepower and torque. By increasing the amount of air and fuel in the combustion chamber, the engine makes more power with each revolution.
For F150 owners, this means faster acceleration, better towing capabilities, and an overall more robust and capable pickup.
Immediate Throttle Response
Unlike turbochargers, which rely on exhaust gasses and can have a noticeable "lag" before they kick in, superchargers deliver immediate power.
The moment you press the accelerator, the supercharger is already at work, giving you an instant throttle response. This can be especially useful in situations when quick acceleration is needed, such as merging onto highways or passing slower vehicles.
Easier to Install & Maintain (vs. Turbos)
While both superchargers and turbos boost engine power, the former are often considered more straightforward in terms of installation and maintenance.
Superchargers don't rely on exhaust gasses, so there's no need to integrate them into the exhaust system. Plus, with fewer moving parts than a turbo, there's less that can go wrong, making them a more reliable choice for many.
Enhanced Exhaust Note
Another benefit of installing a supercharger is the unique exhaust note it can give your F150. The optimized airflow and combustion result in a deeper, more robust rumble.
But it's not just about volume; the tonal quality changes, offering a crisper, more aggressive note. Moreover, superchargers often produce a distinctive "whine" noise attributed to the belt or spinning internal components, helping your F150 stand out from stock units.
Is it Costly to Add a Supercharger to My Ford F150?
Supercharging your F150 is an investment, and not a minor one. Depending on the specifics of your pickup and the chosen kit, you could be looking at a price range of around $7,000 to $9,000 just for the hardware alone.
But the expenses don't stop there. Unless you're equipped with the skills, tools, and confidence of an experienced mechanic, you'll probably need professional help with installation, which doesn't come cheap.
Depending on where you live, the intricacies of the kit, and the labor rates, installation costs can tack on another $500 to $2,000.
Now, let's put these numbers into perspective. Yes, the initial costs can induce a gulp, but the tangible benefits post-installation are hard to ignore. The surge in horsepower, the heightened torque, and the sheer thrill of an enhanced driving experience can be nothing short of transformative.
For many F150 owners, the improved performance figures of a supercharged F150 more than make up for the steeper costs.
F150 Superchargers: Best Brands & Options for Your Engine
Not all Ford F150 engines can be supercharged, at least not without extensive modifications. Thankfully, some of the most popular V8 engines do have supercharger kits available, including the Triton 5.4, Coyote 5.0, and Boss 6.2.
Below, we’ll review some of the best Ford F150 supercharger kits from some of the industry’s most respected brands: ProCharger, Roush, and Edelbrock.
ProCharger Supercharger Kits: 5.0 Coyote
ProCharger, with its 20-year legacy in forced induction, offers top-tier supercharger kits for the Ford F-150. Their HO Intercooled System, designed for 2015-2017 models with the 5.0 Coyote engine, boasts a 45-55% power surge on just 6-7 psi.
For those craving more, the Stage II system delivers up to 70% increased power.
Beyond performance, ProCharger emphasizes user-friendly installation. Their kits, crafted from premium materials like aircraft aluminum alloy, ensure longevity and peak performance.
Additionally, the self-contained oiling and dedicated drive system enhance the kit's efficiency and ease of maintenance.
What's more, ProCharger stands confidently behind its products with an impressive 1-year standard warranty.
Roush Performance Phase 2 Supercharger Kits: 5.0 Coyote & 6.2 Boss
Roush Performance, one of the biggest names in performance automotive, offers multiple Phase 2 supercharger kits for the Ford F-150.
For 2011-2014 models with the 6.2 Boss V8, the kit boosts power to 590 horsepower (HP) and 590 lb-ft of torque, marking a surge of 179 and 156, respectively.
For 2011-2014 F150s with the 5.0 Coyote, Roush's supercharger kit bumps HP by 210 and torque by 150, for a total of 570 HP and 530 lb-ft of torque. As for 5.0s from 2015 and 2016, these enjoy even more power, for a total of 650 HP and 585 lb-ft of torque.
Both kits employ the R2300 TVS Supercharger, a product of Roush's collaboration with Eaton. This supercharger integrates twin four-lobe rotors twisted at 160 degrees, ensuring optimal airflow and thermal efficiency.
Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger Kits: 5.0 Coyote & 5.4 Triton
The last brand on our list, Edelbrock, boasts over 85 years in the performance automotive sector. Their E-Force Supercharger Kits, crafted for the Ford F-150, are a testament to this legacy.
For owners of the 5.4 Triton engine from 2004-2010, these kits elevate power outputs to 478 HP and 504 lb-ft of torque. This boost is partially achieved thanks to Eaton TVS rotors, renowned for their superior airflow capabilities.
F150s from 2011-2014 with the 5.0 Coyote V8 kit see power increase to 421 HP and 422 lb-ft of torque.
With durable steel idler pulleys and a robust cast aluminum alternator bracket, these kits are built to last. Beyond performance, Edelbrock stands behind its products with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all kits.
Trust JEGS for All Your F150 Needs
Installing a supercharger in your Ford F150 is a big undertaking, but the power gains are undeniable. As you contemplate this significant upgrade, consider JEGS for all your F150 needs, a leading performance auto parts supplier.
Still have questions? Contact our team today.
