If you’re looking to improve the performance of your car, you may be wondering whether a Supercharger or Procharger is the best option. Both of these devices can provide a significant boost in power, but they work in different ways and have their own set of pros and cons. In this blog post, I will compare and contrast superchargers vs prochargers to help you decide which one is right for your vehicle.
Supercharger vs Procharger: Detailed Comparison
The mesh supercharger uses air pressure to create more power within the engine, while the centrifugal procharger provides a steadier airflow but at a higher price.
Supercharger:
Not many people know this, but you can get power out of an engine by using a supercharger. Different types have different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the options before making your purchase. For example, some models might require modifications to the hood- something most shoppers are unaware of until after they’ve made their purchase.
Superchargers are a popular and cost-effective way to increase your car’s horsepower. A roots supercharger is the most common type of supercharger and fits easily under the hoods of many cars. Air is forced back and forth between mesh lobes within the intake manifold, which builds up pressure and provides short bursts of air into the engine giving it surges of power.
Another option would be a twin-screw supercharger. This design uses long screw-type parts that spin to store up the pressure by drawing air in. These are smaller than root superchargers, so less room is needed. However, this type is louder and often requires some type of sound suppression, which further adds to the cost.
The supercharger provides quick power, though it’s not as consistent as some might like. The biggest complaint is the lag, which while less than with a turbocharger, can still be noticeable to some degree.
Procharger:
On the other hand, Procharger is a brand name for superchargers. Prochargers are often associated with turbines, which in turn are driven by belts. In addition to being a solution to the issues caused by basic superchargers, prochargers also offer many other advantages. For example, engines that utilize pro chargers experience steady air stream flow. Pro chargers also look turbocharged from afar; upon closer inspection, however, one would notice that they are powered by belts instead of exhaust gases.
The centrifugal supercharger operates by utilizing a rotating impeller which pulls the air in and then forces it out in a circular pattern. The new high-pressure air gets pushed from the procharger into the engine, providing consistent power without any lag time.
In addition, the procharger attaches directly to the engine. Most cars don’t require extra modifications for this compact charger. Also, the procharger won’t make as much excessive noise as a supercharger though it can create a whining sound when the engine is revving. Some people find this bothersome. However, all of these features come at a higher price tag than your average supercharger.
Now you have an idea about the superchargers and prochargers. Let’s discuss the detailed comparison between them so you can make a more informed decision.
Performance Difference: Supercharger vs Procharger
You can’t go wrong with either a supercharger or procharger, but it is essential to understand your performance goals before deciding which option would be better for you. Both of them have different benefits that could help you achieve what you’re looking for.
A supercharger might allow more power momentarily than a procharger, though it is not constant. Also, the amount of lag time is less noticeable and shorter than what you experience with a turbocharger though these cost more upfront.
On the other hand, the procharger is known for providing a smoother stream of power, but it doesn’t usually provide as much power as the supercharger. While you won’t have to wait at all with the procharger, you might not get everything you want out of it, especially if your goal is maximum gains. Still, most prochargers won’t require big modifications to the car as the supercharger might. This is something else to consider when deciding what’s important to you.
Price Difference: Supercharger vs Procharger
While adding power to your car usually causes some level of excitement, it also comes at a price. In addition, the car’s value will increase; however, not by enough to equal what was initially spent. Therefore, if you have financial restrictions, you need to pick wisely between the available options. The turbocharger is typically the cheapest solution. However, in this instance, I am only exploring the supercharger vs procharger option.
If you’re careful, you can find a decent supercharger for $2,500 or less. However, beware that the price is often reflective of how much power and durability it will have. So if you want something reliable, make sure to get a supercharger or procharger.
If you want a long-lasting, reliable amount of power, try spending slightly more money than the bare minimum. With a classic roots supercharger, you can find good units for around $2,500 to $3,000.
You don’t want to buy a supercharger if you’re not planning to take it to its full potential. Use caution though, as in some areas it’s illegal to use a supercharger at its peak. If that’s the case where you live, invest a little more into a Procharger. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending more on fines from speeding tickets given by the police.
Even though the Procharger costs more money initially, it has some hidden benefits that save you money in the long run. For example, the Procharger doesn’t use as much fuel as most superchargers. If you’re looking to be economical with your car usage, this would be a better option for you. The Procharger also puts less stress on your engine in general. Even though regular maintenance is still necessary, you may not have to worry about expensive repairs as often as if you had chosen a supercharger originally.
If you want a supercharger that will be durable and last longer, it’s worth waiting to save up for a procharger. You might have to pay more upfront, but long term, it’s worth the investment.
Maintenance Needed: Supercharger vs Procharger
All car parts require some level of upkeep, but it would be best if you considered how much work you’re willing to put in before making your decision. A supercharger is going to require more maintenance than a procharger, and that’s just something you need to accept.
Superchargers are typically air-cooled, while prochargers are water-cooled. As a result, superchargers need more frequent cleanings to prevent the build-up of dust and debris. You should also check the belts every few months to ensure they’re tight enough but not too tight. If you don’t maintain your supercharger, it will decrease its lifespan significantly.
Prochargers, on the other hand, don’t require as much maintenance. The water-cooling feature helps to prevent a build-up of dust and debris. You should still check the belts every few months and make sure they’re tight enough. It would be best if you also bled the cooling system regularly to ensure it’s working correctly.
While superchargers need more maintenance, they’re typically easier to work on. So if you don’t mind putting in a little extra effort, a supercharger may be the way to go.
Pros And Cons of Supercharger:
Pros:
– More power
– Cheaper than a Procharger
– Easier to work on
Cons:
– Requires more maintenance
– Not as fuel-efficient
– Can be illegal to use at its full potential in some areas
Pros And Cons of Procharger:
Pros:
– More fuel-efficient
– Doesn’t require as much maintenance
– Puts less stress on the engine
Cons:
– More expensive than a supercharger
– Can be difficult to work on
– Not as powerful as a supercharger
Making the Decision: Supercharger Or Procharger
The choice between a supercharger and procharger is ultimately up to you. Consider your budget, how much power you want, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. If you want more power and don’t mind doing some extra work, go with a supercharger. If you want to save some money and don’t need as much power, go with a procharger. Whatever you decide, make sure you do your research so you know what you’re getting into. The turbocharger is another one that can boost your car’s performance. But before choosing the turbocharger, you should know the difference between Supercharger and Turbocharger. So, do some research yourself and choose the best one for your car.
For more details, watch the video below:
FAQs:
Q: Can I put a supercharger on any car?
A: No, you can’t put a supercharger on any car. You need to make sure your car is compatible with the supercharger before making the purchase.
Q: Is it hard to install a supercharger?
A: It depends. If you’re comfortable working on cars, then installing a supercharger shouldn’t be too difficult. However, if you don’t have much experience, it’s probably best to leave it to a professional.
Q: How often do I need to service a supercharger?
A: Superchargers typically need to be serviced every few months. This includes checking the belts and cleaning the unit.
Q: Is a supercharger worth the money?
A: That depends on your budget and how much power you want. Superchargers can be expensive, so if you’re not looking to spend a lot of money, it might not be worth it. However, if you’re willing to spend the money, a supercharger can add a significant amount of power to your car.
Q: Can I put a procharger on any car?
A: The procharger won’t fit just any car. You have to double-check that your car is able to hold the procharger before going through with the purchase.
Q: Is it hard to install a procharger?
A: There is no easy answer. If you’re experienced with car maintenance, then installing a procharger shouldn’t be too hard. However, if you don’t have much practice, it might be best to hire someone who does.
Q: How often do I need to service a procharger?
A: Prochargers need to be regularly serviced every few months, which includes checking the belts and bleeding the cooling system.
Conclusion:
In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether a supercharger or procharger is best for your car. Consider your budget and how much power you need before making a decision. Whichever route you choose, make sure you do your research so you know what you’re getting into. You can buy a kit for either option or find someone who specializes in installation. But remember to maintain your charger regularly to ensure it lasts. With the proper care, either a supercharger or procharger can give your car the boost it needs.
I hope that you found this comparison guide helpful for better understanding the differences between a supercharger vs procharger. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. And be sure to share this guide with anyone else who might be interested.