When the kit arrived at our shop, we unpacked it and found everything to be nicely protected in the shipping containers. We ran the baseline dyno test on our Challenger (which is modified with a Magnaflow cat-aft exhaust system and K & N cold air kit) the day before we planned to install the kit, making 309 horsepower and 333 lb/ft of torque at the rear wheels. Once Jeff Lacina and Shannon O'Connor from ProCharger arrived, we unpacked the parts and started the installation. Besides removing the car's front fascia, which really isn't that big a deal, the supercharger kit simply bolts on with basic hand tools. Since balancer/lower pulley on the new Hemi is only pressed into place on the crankshaft, with a bolt, but no keyway, ProCharger sends a pinning kit with the necessary drill bit, fixture, and pin to prevent the balancer from slipping on the crank.
We found the kit to be well thought out and nicely engineered, and basically watched and took pictures as the ProCharger team had our system installed easily in about 8-10 man hours. Since we began the project in the afternoon, we had time to finish the installation the next morning, upload the new Diablosport tuning, then test drive and dyno the car in the afternoon. The ProCharger kit included everything we needed, and the car fired immediately after the work was complete, sounding crisp. Since our car is a daily driver, we chose the quiet gear drive option so that with the hood shut, there's no indication of the power-adding air compressor hiding underneath.
Taking the Challenger for a test drive, we immediately notice the improved throttle response and increased power, demonstrated by the ability to fry the tires at will with the traction control off. Otherwise, the Challenger was docile and drove just as it did before the installation, until the throttle is opened. Follow along as we show you how easy it is to install the ProCharger kit for impressive horsepower gains, then back up our gut-feeling of power with dragstrip and dyno testing.
Before installing the supercharger,...
Before installing the supercharger, the power-steering return line must be turned 90 degrees so it doesn't interfere. A fabricated plate is included with the kit to make this possible.
The radiator is repositioned...
The radiator is repositioned with the brackets provided with the system, and now sits lower so the specially designed air plenum can pass air from the supercharger to the intercooler, then from the intercooler to the throttle body.
As Shannon installed the ducting...
As Shannon installed the ducting for the system, I pitched in and began changing the spark plugs. ProCharger recommends plugs that are one or two heat ranges colder than the factory installed plugs for optimum performance.
The factory-installed plastic...
The factory-installed plastic coolant tank is replaced by this fabricated and powdercoated metal replacement which allows for additional room around the blower. This coolant tank would be a nice addition to any LX Mopar, supercharged or not.
The system is protected from...
The system is protected from over-boost by this surge, or "blow-off" valve. If the throttle is closed suddenly after full boost, this valve opens so the system doesn't create enough pressure to damage any engine components.
The ProCharger P1SC-1 supercharger...
The ProCharger P1SC-1 supercharger can now be bolted in place, and the system is ready to plumb with the provided ducting. The supercharger's gear case can be filled with the supplied oil. This is another nice feature of the ProCharger system; the oiling system is self-contained and doesn't require engine oil supply or return lines.
The air inlet is a tight fit,...
The air inlet is a tight fit, placing the air filter behind the supercharger above the driver side valve cover.
Taking a test drive, we found...
Taking a test drive, we found the Challenger to be responsive and powerful, without a sacrifice in drivability. Fuel mileage dropped slightly, but the MDS still works, giving us better than 22 mpg on the highway.
On the dyno, power was definitely...
On the dyno, power was definitely up across the board. The torque curve was broad, peaking at 433 lb/ft at 4,900 rpm. Horsepower was also up to an impressive 399 rear-wheel horsepower at 5,055 rpm. So we gained a solid 100 lb/ft of torque, and 90 horsepower at the rear wheels by installing the ProCharger HO system. With a fan in front of the intercooler to simulate driving at speed, or if our car had been bone stock when we began the installation, we have no doubt we could have achieved a solid 100 horsepower gain.
Completed, the ProCharger...
Completed, the ProCharger HO system looks like it could be a factory installation. All the pieces fit precisely into the tight confines of our Challenger's engine bay, leaving enough clearance around major components so that servicing and maintaining the system won't be a problem. With a little trimming to clear the new air filter, the factory engine cover can be reinstalled.
At the Gainesville raceway,...
At the Gainesville raceway, our best elapsed time was 13.26 at just over 107 mph. We were definitely limited by traction, with 60 foot times in the 2.13-second range, so with a set of drag radials, we should have no problem getting our Challenger into the 12s.