The 6.4 HEMI Supercharger User Manual. These are all excellent places to begin your 392 HEMI build, but they will only provide so much power. A 6.4 HEMI supercharger is the way to go if you want to really make your Dodge Challenger or Charger scream. The current production 392 HEMI produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, while the crate version produces 525 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Adding a supercharger to your engine may easily add 100+whp without breaking a sweat.
This guide will cover supercharger upgrades for all 6.4 HEMI equipped vehicles, such as the 2011-2022 Dodge Challenger/Charger SRT8/SRT 392/R/T Scat Pack, the 2012-2014 Chrysler 300 SRT8, the 2018-2022 Dodge Durango SRT, the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8/SRT, the 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392.
*Due to its 392-cid displacement, the 6.4 HEMI is also known as the Apache HEMI and the 392 HEMI. Throughout this essay, the words 6.4 HEMI, Apache HEMI, and 392 HEMI will be used interchangeably.
History of the 6.4 HEMI Engine
Chrysler designed the current 392 HEMI in part to pay respect to Dodge’s original 392 HEMI, which debuted in 1957. The original 392 HEMI was one of the first large displacement engines used by drag racers in the 1950s and 1960s. At the time, it was known as the FirePower rather than the HEMI. It became popular in the Chrysler 300C and 300D, where it produced approximately 400 hp with a four-barrel carburetor. In 1958, Chrysler phased out the original HEMIs to make room for their huge block B engine series.
They briefly revived the HEMI with the renowned 426 HEMI in 1964, when they first trademarked the HEMI brand. With 425 hp, the 426 powered some of the most outlandish Plymouth and Dodges from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. Due to emissions regulations, Dodge stopped the 426 HEMI after 1971, and the HEMI did not return until 2003.
To much pomp and delight, Chrysler debuted the new 6.4 L HEMI V8 engine in 2007. It was released as a crate engine and was not available in any production car, but it produced a monstrous 525 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque right out of the box. Chrysler made considerable upgrades to the engine in 2011 and installed it in the Dodge Challenger and Charger SRT8s. From 2011 until 2014, the production 6.4 HEMI produced 470 hp and 470 lb-ft, which was boosted to 485 hp and 475 lb-ft starting in 2015, where it is now.
392 HEMI Evolution Over Time
The 392 HEMI crate engine and the factory version found in vehicles are two distinct engines. The crate version lacks VVT but gains a new intake, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, cams, compression, and stronger forged internals. The crate version does not meet emissions standards, which is why Dodge detuned it before using it in production vehicles.
While the crate 6.4 HEMI has 525 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, the production version has 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The production 6.4 HEMI from 2011 to 2022 is essentially the same, with only minor modifications. For 2015, adjustments to the intake manifold and ECU tuning were made. Beginning in 2014, Chrysler thickened and strengthened the block on all models.
There is also a 6.4 HEMI version for the Durango and Grand Cherokee SRTs that produces somewhat less power. This is primarily owing to the fact that they both have more restrictive exhaust manifolds to accommodate their AWD drivetrain systems. The oil pans of the two variants are also different.
HEMI SRT 6.4 versus Ram Versions
Beginning in 2014, Dodge developed a new version of the 6.4 HEMI engine for use in Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500 Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks. They began by thickening and strengthening the original 6.4-inch block. These new engines are referred to as “Big Gas Engines,” or BGE for short. Beginning April 2014, Chrysler began employing BGE blocks in all 392 HEMIs.
The intake manifold on the Ram has a top-feed throttle body, different cams, lower compression on the Ram model, and different pistons for the Ram, among other differences. In addition, the Ram HEMIs have more restrictive cast iron exhaust manifolds. These are primarily done to boost low-end torque for towing, at the expense of top-end speed.
6.4 HEMI Supercharging Fundamentals
Let’s speak about supercharging the 6.4 HEMI V8 engine now that we’ve learned a little bit about it. Aside from selecting a blower, there is a lot to think about with 6.4 HEMI superchargers. Even that is not as straightforward as it appears. In the following sections, we will go over the items that should be on any successful 6.4 HEMI supercharger build list.
392 HEMI Modifications and Tuning
While 392 HEMI superchargers are exciting additions, they are not the primary component of any build. You must consider not only internal engine changes to ensure that your engine can tolerate the power, but also other bolt-on alterations and tuning to get the most out of your supercharger kit.
With the stock exhaust, you can supercharge a completely stock engine, but your gains will be restricted. In most cases, you’ll want at least a couple more bolt-on alterations to go with your 6.4 HEMI supercharger. Upgraded intakes, headers, throttle bodies, camshafts, and, of course, proper tuning are among these. Check out our previous articles on intakes, headers, intake manifolds, and the top 5 upgrades for more information.
Tuning will be the most crucial auxiliary mod for your supercharger. Proper ECU tuning will ensure that your engine runs safely at any boost level you select with your 6.4 HEMI supercharger. With forced induction, your engine is quite likely to explode in a short period of time if it is not properly tuned. Tuning will also assist you in extracting all of the useful power from your 392 HEMI supercharger upgrade.
Important: Before tuning, all 2015+ 6.4 HEMI powered vehicles must have their ECU unlocked. There are various possibilities for this, but make sure you plan ahead of time before making your buy.
392 HEMI Block Power Restrictions
Before installing a supercharger, it’s critical to understand the power restrictions of the 392 HEMI. While these engines must be quite powerful in order to handle the already high manufacturing power figures, they are far from indestructible. The block itself is supposed to be good until around 900-950whp, at which point it’s done. This is influenced by fuel, as using higher octane fuels, such as E85 instead of pump gas, will make your build last longer.
The installation of a 6.4 HEMI supercharger will also affect the engine’s lifetime. While a stock 6.4 HEMI may easily exceed 200,000 miles, adding a supercharger basically cuts that in half – if not more. Internal component lifespan is drastically reduced due to the massive rise in stress. There is no magic number for how many miles a supercharger build will endure, although it will be significantly fewer than stock.
Modifications to Support 550whp
On a dyno, a stock 392 HEMI produces roughly 430 whp and 425 wtq. At 6 PSI, the simplest supercharger increase would normally yield about 120whp, bringing you just around 550whp. Internal improvements are normally not required for systems with these power levels or lower. The factory internals and block are more than capable of withstanding 550whp. However, supporting modifications such as an intake, headers, a larger fuel pump, and tuning need still be performed.
Modifications to Support 550-650whp
Internals must be modified for builds ranging from 550-650whp (6-9 PSI). At the very least, the hypereutectic cast pistons must be replaced with forged equivalents. At this point, stronger connecting rods are also suggested. Aside from all appropriate bolt-ons, further modifications to consider include catch cans, larger injectors (50lb/hr+) and fuel pump, throttle body, and Dayco belt tensioner.
That is another issue that may need to be addressed depending on your transmission. At this power level, the manual transmission is adequate, but the automatic is not nearly as durable. Upgraded torque converters are available for both the 5 and 8 speed automatics, but they only go so far.
If you’re serious about pushing an automatic 392 HEMI past 550wtq, you should think about switching the transmission. One alternative is to convert the basic TorqueFlite ZF 8HP70 to the Hellcat’s optional 8HP90. The Hellcat model can handle far more torque than the SRT automatic, up to 650wtq.
Supporting Mods >650whp
If your 6.4 HEMI supercharger project is going to produce more than 650whp, you’ll probably need to update almost everything. This includes a forged driveshaft, half shafts, differential, head studs, ported intake and exhaust valves, a beefier oil pan, and modified intake and exhaust manifolds.
To reach to this point, you will undoubtedly require all supporting bolt-on mods, as well as alternative fueling. Making 650whp on pump gas is difficult on the 6.4 HEMI, and reliability suffers when using 93 octane or lower. E85 or water/methanol injection are both excellent solutions for increasing octane and lowering the likelihood of explosion.
Engine knock is the leading cause of engine failure, particularly piston failure, on the 392 HEMI. Eliminating that is critical to ensuring that your build lasts as long as feasible.
How much power can my 392 HEMI handle?
Most people will say that nothing needs to be done for 6.4 HEMI supercharger installs at 6 PSI or less. Internals that are 6-9 PSI can be forged, but anything 10 PSI or higher requires a completely manufactured block. However, it is crucial to recognize that simply looking at PSI can be misleading. It is also crucial to know how much cubic feet per minute (CFM) the supercharger produces.
Think of PSI as the amount of boost you’re putting into your cylinders, and CFM as the rate at which it’s pushed in and out. The higher the CFM and PSI, the more power you produce, but they must both work in tandem. A automobile with a low CFM can run high boost and produce less power than a low-boost car with a greater CFM.
So glancing at a random PSI value won’t tell you how much power you’ll generate or how safe it is. Other variables to consider are CFM, the type of supercharger, the fuel used, and the quality of the tuning.
Various Types of 392 HEMI Superchargers
Let’s take a look at the many types of superchargers available for the 6.4 HEMI. Centrifugal superchargers, roots superchargers, and twin-screw superchargers are the three alternatives. Each has pros and cons, but they are all viable possibilities.
Centrifugal superchargers are essentially belt-driven turbochargers. The process is similar to that of a turbo, but instead of exhaust gases, a belt drives the compressor. Centrifugal blowers have the largest peak power but the lowest low-end torque. They are also more complicated in general than other styles.
Roots superchargers are the most prevalent type of blower seen on new autos. They are by far the most basic and least expensive type of supercharger on the market. They have a lot of low-end torque but can’t compete with centrifugals in terms of peak RPM power. Roots superchargers, for example, do not compress any air. Rather, they propel air forward at high speeds, which is where the CFM we discussed previously comes into play.
Twin-screw superchargers are used in the SRT Hellcat and Demon. They are similar to roots superchargers in that they compress the air, but they are far more efficient. They are excellent for low-end torque, but produce less peak RPM power than centrifugals.
Which is best for you depending on your power goals and aesthetic preferences. Do you wish to wield the most power? Choose the centrifugal force. Are you looking for an old-school muscle car look? Your best chance is to go with a roots style. Are you ready to forego peak power in exchange for efficiency and low-end torque? Take a look at a twin-screw.
6.4 HEMI Supercharger Kits That Work
Now that we’ve covered the 6.4 HEMI and what it takes to supercharge it, let’s get into some recommendations! The following are the top five best 6.4 HEMI supercharger kits:
- Magnuson
- ProCharger
- Whipple
- Kenneth Bell’s
- Edelbrock
These five supercharger systems provide an excellent balance of power, performance, pricing, and dependability. There are dozens and dozens of superchargers available for the 6.4 HEMI, so this is not an exhaustive list. Instead, our list only includes the best selections on the market. You can’t go wrong with any of these options because they are all high-quality 392 HEMI supercharger systems.
1) Magnuson TVS2300 HEMI Supercharger Kit
Price: $6,895.00
550 watts/540 watts torque
Roots of Hybrid
Magnuson Superchargers TVS2300 Challenger/Charger SRT8 6.4L V8 HEMI Supercharger Tuner Kit is the first option for a 6.4 HEMI supercharger. The Magnuson kit for the 6.4 HEMI is a direct bolt-on roots type supercharger. It produces 6 PSI of boost at 1,900 CFM, resulting in 120 whp and 120 wtq improvements. The TVS2300 supercharger for the 6.4 HEMI does not provide a significant increase in power, but it does deliver where it counts.
A liquid-to-air intercooler, front-mounted heat exchanger, larger injectors and fuel rails, a redesigned intake manifold, pulley, and all other hardware are also included in the Magnuson kit. The TVS2300 is the same supercharger seen in the Cadillac CTS-V, Mustang Shelby GT500, and Corvette ZR-1, so you know it can deliver considerable performance while remaining dependable.
This supercharger is the most affordable choice on our list, but it also delivers the least amount of power. Nonetheless, the performance boost is evident, and the car will surely be lot faster as a result. The TVS2300 Magnuson kit is an excellent choice for smaller and less expensive setups. Magnuson’s supercharger kit also comes with tune.
2) Supercharger Kit ProCharger 6.4 HEMI
Price: $ 7.148.00+
600 watts of power
Centrifugal is a type of centrifuge.
The ProCharger P-1SC Supercharger Kit is our second option for supercharging your 6.4 HEMI. ProCharger has established a solid reputation as one of the world’s leading forced induction specialists. The P-1SC supercharger produces 7 PSI of boost @ 1,200 CFM, resulting in 160 whp and 160 wtq improvements.
Their P-1SC supercharger kit is available in three configurations: High Output Kit, Stage II Kit, and Tuner Kit. The HO Kit is designed for stock engines with stock exhausts; the Stage II Kit is also designed for stock engines with stock exhausts but produces more power; and their Tuner Kits are the most powerful option for those interested in custom mapping for other mods such as headers, heads, cams, and other custom setups.
The ProCharger kit includes fueling enhancements as well as a big air-to-air intercooler. Because it is a centrifugal supercharger, power is increased as RPMs rise, resulting in a smoother and more linear acceleration experience. The ProCharger is a nice alternative for individuals wanting for a slightly larger power boost than the Magnuson while keeping the engine essentially stock.
3) Whipple 6.4 HEMI Gen 5 Supercharger Kit
Price: $ 7,800.00
600 watts of power
Twin-screw design
The Whipple SRT8 6.4L Stage II Supercharger Kit W17AX 2.9L is the third choice for 6.4 HEMI superchargers, producing 8 PSI @ 1,600 CFM and producing 180 whp and 180 wtq. The Whipple 6.4 HEMI supercharger kit is one of the industry’s most popular and well-reviewed. It has been used in numerous builds and has a stellar reputation for performance and dependability.
The Whipple W17AX 2.9L Stage II supercharger is twin-screw in design and thus particularly efficient. Everything you need for your engine is included in the entire package, including a liquid-to-air intercooler, pulley system, high flow fuel rails and 65 lb/hr injectors, a fuel pump booster, and tuning solutions.
The Whipple Kit is CARB approved and emissions legal in all 50 states. This provides it a significant advantage over the competition, yet your car remains street legal even with this upgrade installed.
4) Mammoth 6.4 HEMI Supercharger Kits from Kenne Bell
Price: $ 7,100.00 – $9,100.00
Power Range: 550whp to 1000+ whp
Twin-screw design
No list of Mopar supercharger upgrades would be complete without a mention of Kenne Bell. Kenne Bell has long been recognized as the industry leader in twin-screw superchargers. Their kits are installed on vehicles ranging from Shelby Mustangs and Camaros to Hellcats and Demons. They are well-known for their dependability and performance.
Kenne Bell sells a variety of supercharger kits for the 6.4 HEMI. They are all twin-screw and come in 2.8L, 2.9L, 3.6L, 4.2L, 4.7L, and 4.9L capacities. This opens up a wide range of possibilities, allowing you to build anything from a modest 550 whp to a 1,100 whp monster with these superchargers.
The Kenne Bell package, like others, includes the essential internal improvements to handle the increased power. Fuel system modifications, intake upgrades, and new high flow intake manifold runners are among them. With Kenne Bell superchargers and supporting upgrades, the sky is literally the limit, and you can crank up the boost to your heart’s content.
Related : The Upgrades to the 6.4 HEMI Intake Manifold
5) Supercharger Kit Edelbrock 392 HEMI
Price: $ $9,658.87
572 watts/531 watt-hours
Roots are a type of plant.
The Edelbrock Stage I R2650 HEMI 6.4 V8 package is our last 6.4 HEMI supercharger package. Edelbrock has a long history of muscle car performance gains and has a huge reputation for quality, performance, and dependability.
Their 6.4 HEMI stage I supercharger package includes a roots style Eaton Gen VI R2650 TVS rotating assembly with an incorporated bypass valve. At 7 PSI and 1,600 CFM, it produces 572 whp and 531 wtq. All of this on 91 octane fuel with Edelbrock’s offered tuning software.
The whole system comprises an intercooler, mounts, pulleys, and fuel injectors rated at 60 lb/hr. The Edelbrock supercharger kit, like the Whipple Kit, is CARB approved and emissions legal in all 50 states.
Summary of the 6.4 HEMI Supercharger Upgrade
The 6.4 HEMI V8 is already one of the more powerful factory engines, but installing a supercharger can help it reach its full potential. Bolt-on mods are great places to start when creating a HEMI-powered Charger or Challenger, but they can’t compete with forced induction. With a good big blower placed on your Mopar V8, your smiles per gallon will undoubtedly rise.
This post covered a lot of ground, from 392 HEMI supercharging foundations to what your engine needs based on your build to some great ideas to consider.
Both the Magnuson and Edelbrock choices are respectable performers with relatively minor power boosts. They are ideal for modest projects or those who are just getting started with Mopar forced induction. The ProCharger and Whipple superchargers provide comparable increases that outperform the Magnuson and Edelbrocks. With a step up to these guys, you’ll need to start strengthening your internals to compensate for the greater power.
Kenne Bell superchargers are truly unique and exist in a variety of configurations. Kenne Bell superchargers allow you to modify your construction far more than other packages, and they are extremely reliable and highly made machinery.
