Four Emissions-Friendly Superchargers Provide 50-State Legal Boost

We recently visited superchargers on the blog—specifically, the challenges that owners of late-model muscle cars face when seeking to bolt on a supercharger and remain 50-state emissions compliant. Mostly, what we learned is that when purchasing emissions-friendly superchargers, you’re pretty much good to go, so long as you keep your unit within manufacturer’s spec.

If you’re interested in learning more about emissions compliance and what manufacturers like ROUSH look at when creating a 50-state legal supercharger, I strongly suggest checking out our previous title on the matter.

As promised at the end of that piece, we’ve compiled a list of four emissions-friendly superchargers. Not only are these great legal boost options, but they’re also ideal for late-model vehicles. Plus, every company mentioned also offers additional environmentally-minded options in their lineup.

Read on to learn who offers the best of the legal boost.

Edelbrock E-Force Stage 1

Edelbrock E-Force supercharger systems are known for delivering excellent horsepower and torque in a complete kit. In fact, guys and gals have been bolting these units on their rides for quite some time now. The Stage 1 systems are non-intercooled, roots-style units that are specially-designed to be bolted onto stock-spec engines. Edelbrock recommends them for daily drivers and points out that our customers are only allowed to add a cat back exhaust and still be compliant. Any other modification to the vehicle’s powertrain, such as changes to the air intake system and running more boost, will not be compliant for use on public roads.”

That said, both Edelbrock E-Force Stage 1 and Stage 2 systems are emissions-friendly superchargers. “Stage 1 and 2 calibrated kits are 50-state compliant,” adds the manufacturer. “Our Stage 3 kits are intended for racing applications only and are not for use on public roads.”

The E-Force is about as simple and hassle-free as a roots-style blower gets. Everything fits right out of the box—requiring no welding, cutting, or grinding. In my opinion, what really makes them worth considering is that they’re offered on a wide range of both domestic and foreign vehicles. Naturally, the gains are going to depend on the engine it’s equipped to, but it’s guaranteed to turn even lesser V6-powered platforms into dominators.

Plus, the system’s affordability sweetens the deal. Starting just north of $5,000, you get maximum low end torque and instant throttle response at entry-level pricing.

Vortech Centrifugal Supercharger Kits

The Edelbrock E-force is a great contender based on performance and versatility. Though, it’s hard to put versatility and superchargers in the same sentence without talking about centrifugal superchargers.

Now, these units are not exactly unpopular, but they usually aren’t the first type that comes to mind when someone says blower. Looking like a turbo (and behaving a little bit like one too), centrifugal superchargers compress intake air and feed it to the engine. But, instead of using exhaust gases to spin the impeller, these superchargers use a pulley connected to an engine-driven belt.

Because these units feed air to the engine through the throttle body, their setup is generally quite simple and this is a point of attraction for many end users. With that said, these types of blowers are no slouch in terms of power either. Especially not when you mention the name Vortech.

Vortech offers a wide range of centrifugal superchargers that bolt right to the front of many late-model engines. And the company’s complete systems are all 50-state smog legal, per California Air Resources Board (CARB). Price-wise, these kits generally run around $7,500, which is a little higher than other styles on this list. However, the associated labor costs help balance them out.

Again, power varies from platform to platform. But make no mistake, when you plant one of these bad boys in place, you’re going to feel it.

ROUSH Phase One

If you’re a Ford guy looking for boost, ROUSH is probably going to be your first and final stop. Why? Well, when it comes to their Phase One kits, they pretty much take the already nasty GTs and turn them into pavement-cracking monsters. Sure, the price point is something that may take you back at first, with the blowers starting at around $7,000. But the power gains, warranty, and green-minded approach make it worth your money.

Without a doubt, many vehicle owners chasing a supercharger are dead-set on at least leveling off with the most powerful factory vehicles offered today. (For example, the 700-hp Hellcat has pretty much set a standard in terms of how much power a late-model muscle car should be pushing out.) ROUSH makes that ambition really easy for Ford enthusiasts.

“The level of horsepower, just in the last 6-7 years, that we and other manufacturers have been able to pump out is absolutely astounding,” says Will Woodington, Sales Manager of Aftermarket Products at ROUSH Performance. “It’s awesome to see. Back in 2013-2014, we were only pumping out 525-575 horsepower. Today, we’ve jumped all the way up to 700 horsepower.”

ROUSH takes pride in the fact that their superchargers are not only emissions-friendly but also come with a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty. And the brand is environmentally-conscious in more than just this segment. ROUSH is involved with many clean fuel programs and is often the company that others will turn to for solutions that are soundly engineered and beyond efficient. So, if you are ready to be mean and green in your Ford, call ROUSH.

Whipple Stage 1

Whipple, baby. You probably already know what I’m talking about: these are advertised as the most powerful emissions-friendly superchargers available. While ROUSH may be exclusive to Ford products, Chevy and Mopar guys are far from out of options when trying to compete with other drivers and appease green-minded executives. (And it will run them about the same money as the ROUSH units, so two thumbs up right there.)

The Whipple Stage 1 superchargers are pretty beefy units. Even the entry-level Hemi in Chrysler’s lineup will wake up with 130 more rear wheel horsepower with one of these units planted on its head. And the company’s new 2018-2020 Mustang GT Supercharger Packages feature the latest GEN 5 3.0-liter front-feed, twin-screw supercharger with two power levels: 775 hp or 850 hp. With industry-leading efficiency, the patent-pending 50-state emissions-friendly supercharger is offered with an optional 3 year, 36,000 mile power-train warranty.

The Stage 1 is an intercooled unit and can be purchased for a variety of late-model vehicles, including Jeeps and a wide range of GM vehicles.

Like what you see? Join us as we unpack some of the latest and greatest speed and performance trends to trickle out of the 2019 SEMA Show.