One of the great things about aftermarket centrifugal superchargers is that they can last a long time in street applications. Many easily run over 100,000 miles, keeping up with today’s modern engines that easily hit that mark and oftentimes double that. Just like your engine, though, the supercharger does require routine maintenance to keep it performing at its best and ensure it will produce the desired horsepower bump with every hit of the throttle. We talked to the folks at ProCharger and Vortech about what enthusiasts should be checking, how often they should make these inspections, and what happens when you don’t keep up on the maintenance on your high-performance street blower.
Get Onboard With The Clean Air Act
Just as with any engine, keeping a clean air filter ensures proper performance of the supercharger, as a dirty one can reduce airflow, which isn’t good when you’re trying to compress it.
“A dirty air filer means higher restriction, lower power, and lower boost,” explains ProCharger’s Walt Sipp. “These circumstances are not good for the engine or the supercharger.” Both ProCharger and Vortech equip their supercharger systems with serviceable air filters so the end user can keep the filter clean and not have to replace it along with the vehicle’s other service items.
“You need to check supercharger air filter,” says Vortech’s Jimmy Martz. “You can have a dirty one and it causes a restriction, which brings boost down. We use a K&N-type of cotton filter that is serviceable. Some systems are draw-through, so you want to be extra careful how much oil is applied, “Martz says of the maintenance process.
ProCharger’s Sipp notes that some enthusiasts swap out the included filter for a variety of reasons, and that it is not usually beneficial.
A clean air filter is essential to proper supercharger as well as engine operation. It’s also important to note that the air inlet tubing should be engineered so as not to pose a restriction.
“Some guys will make their own if it’s an older swap or transplant,” Sipp adds. “Guys will say ‘I’m using this air filter’ and it’s a tiny little one that nothing will flow through. A lot of people don’t understand how much restriction is on the inlet with an incorrect filter. Cleaner, more straight-through air is going to pick up efficiency and boost. Some use fancy tubes and a small air filter, and boost will drop because it’s a restriction. Some of the cold air…
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