Ram TRX Supercharger Installation: Maximize Your Hellcat’s Potential

Installing a supercharger on your Ram 1500 TRX is one of the most effective ways to unlock serious horsepower. The TRX already comes with a supercharged 6.2L Hellephant-derived engine, but many owners choose to upgrade from the stock IHI unit to a larger aftermarket supercharger like a ProCharger or Whipple. These upgrades can boost output from the factory 702 hp well past 800 or even 1,000 hp, depending on supporting modifications and tuning.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of installing a ProCharger (centrifugal) or Whipple (twin-screw) supercharger on your Ram 1500 TRX. We cover tools, preparation, removal of stock components, installation specifics for each kit, final checks, and crucial post-installation steps such as tuning and break-in.

Before you begin, note that this project requires advanced mechanical skills, a fully stocked garage, and ideally a lift. If you’re not comfortable working on a high-performance engine, consider having the work done by a certified shop. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your specific supercharger kit for torque specs, bolt patterns, and wiring details – this guide provides a general overview.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Gather all tools and materials before starting. Missing a single socket or gasket can stall the project. Here’s a comprehensive list:

  • Socket set – ⅜-inch and ½-inch drive, metric and SAE (10 mm to 21 mm and 5/16 to ¾ inch)
  • Wrenches – combination and ratcheting, same size range
  • Screwdrivers – flathead and Phillips
  • Torque wrench (ft-lb and in-lb)
  • Supercharger kit (ProCharger or Whipple) – includes supercharger, bracket, drive system, pulleys, belt, intercooler (if applicable), hardware, and gaskets
  • Intercooler – many aftermarket kits include an upgraded intercooler; if not, consider sourcing one for higher boost
  • Fuel injectors – larger injectors or higher-flowing fuel rails are often required for increased power
  • Fuel pump – a boosted application may need a higher-capacity in-tank pump or an auxiliary pump
  • Vacuum line and connectors
  • Coolant – OEM-approved coolant for top-off after draining
  • Engine oil – 5W-30 or 0W-40 synthetic, depending on your climate
  • Drain pan
  • Shop towels and degreaser
  • Safety glasses and gloves
  • Jack stands or lift
  • Mobile device with camera – take pictures of disassembly for reference

Choosing Between ProCharger and Whipple

Before diving into installation, understand the key differences between the two supercharger types to select the right one for your goals.

ProCharger (Centrifugal Supercharger)

ProCharger units are centrifugal (belt-driven) superchargers that produce boost progressively, building as engine RPM increases. They behave similarly to a turbocharger but without lag. ProCharger kits for the TRX are often less intrusive, leaving the stock intake manifold mostly in place and mounting the supercharger on a dedicated bracket. They are commonly paired with a large air-to-air intercooler to reduce intake temps. ProChargers can support very high horsepower while maintaining excellent driveability and fuel economy when not in boost. ProCharger’s official website offers detailed application guides.

Whipple (Twin-Screw Supercharger)

Whipple superchargers are twin-screw positive displacement units. They produce instant, linear boost from idle, delivering massive low-end torque and a broad powerband. Whipple kits replace the entire intake manifold with a large plenum that contains the supercharger. This makes for a more involved installation but can yield incredible peak power and throttle response. Whipple’s 3.0L and 2.9L kits are popular for the Hellcat platform. Whipple Superchargers’ official site provides full specifications.

Your choice depends on your driving style: track and top-speed runs may favor ProCharger’s high-RPM efficiency, while drag racing and street driving may favor Whipple’s instant grunt. Both require a custom tune.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Proper preparation saves hours of frustration. Follow these steps:

  • Park your Ram 1500 TRX on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal (and positive if convenient) to prevent accidental shorts. Wait 10 minutes for the BCM to power down.
  • Remove the engine cover. The TRX engine cover is held by a few push clips; carefully pry them up.
  • Remove the air intake assembly and mass airflow sensor. Set aside.
  • Drain the cooling system by removing the lower radiator hose or using the petcock on the radiator. Catch coolant in a clean container for reuse if within service life.
  • Drain the engine oil – some supercharger kits require oil to be removed for access to timing components (though most are bolt-on). Check your kit instructions.
  • Remove the accessory drive belt. Use a 15 mm socket to rotate the tensioner and slip the belt off the supercharger pulley (stock) and other accessories.
  • Photograph all hoses, wiring, and bracket placements before disassembling.

Removing Stock Components

You must remove parts that will be replaced or obstruct the new supercharger. The exact list varies by kit, but generally includes the stock supercharger, intake manifold, throttle body, and intercooler.

Step 1: Remove the Stock Supercharger and Intercooler

  • Disconnect the charge air cooler pump electrical connector and hoses.
  • Remove the intercooler coolant reservoir and drain the intercooler loop if equipped.
  • Unbolt the factory supercharger (IHI unit) from the intake manifold. There are typically four main bolts plus smaller mounting brackets. Use a breaker bar – they can be tight.
  • Carefully lift the supercharger off. It is heavy (around 60 lb); get a helper or use an engine hoist.
  • Remove the intercooler core located above the engine under the supercharger.
  • Disconnect the throttle body electrical connector and remove the throttle body from the supercharger or intake manifold. Clean the gasket surfaces thoroughly.

Step 2: Remove Intake Manifold (if required by kit)

Whipple kits usually include a new manifold. ProCharger kits often reuse the stock manifold but may require removal for access to injectors.

  • Unplug all injectors and harness clips.
  • Remove the intake manifold bolts in a crisscross pattern. There are typically 8–10 bolts.
  • Lift the manifold straight up – be aware of the fuel rail attached. You may need to disconnect the fuel lines (depressurize the fuel system first by pulling the fuel pump fuse and cranking the engine).
  • Set the manifold aside. Cover the intake ports with clean rags to prevent debris entry.

Step 3: Upgrade Fuel Injectors

Most aftermarket supercharger kits require larger fuel injectors to supply the increased airflow. If your kit includes injectors, install them now. Remove the old injectors by gently prying them out. Lubricate the O-rings with clean engine oil before pushing in the new injectors. Reinstall the fuel rail and tighten to spec. Some kits may also require a boost-a-pump or additional fuel pump.

Installing the Supercharger

Installation steps differ significantly between ProCharger and Whipple. Follow the section for your chosen kit.

Installing a ProCharger Centrifugal Supercharger

Most ProCharger kits are designed to mount the supercharger on the driver’s side of the engine, driven by a dedicated belt system. The stock intake manifold remains in place.

  1. Mount the bracket: Bolt the heavy-duty ProCharger mounting bracket to the engine block using the supplied hardware. Torque to spec (typically 45–55 ft-lb). Some brackets also attach to the cylinder heads.
  2. Install the supercharger head unit: Position the ProCharger onto the bracket. Secure with bolts and washers. The gearcase must be oriented per the instructions for oil feed/drain (some are self-contained, others use engine oil).
  3. Drive system: Install the ProCharger pulley on the supercharger shaft (if not pre-installed). Route the new belt around the crankshaft pulley, water pump, and supercharger pulley. Use the tensioner provided to set proper belt tension.
  4. Intercooler and charge pipes: Connect the intercooler (usually a large air-to-air front-mount unit) using the supplied piping. Secure all silicone couplers with constant-tension clamps. The intake pipe runs from the air filter (often relocated) to the ProCharger inlet.
  5. Throttle body: Reinstall or upgrade the throttle body. ProCharger kits often require a larger throttle body – if included, install it on the intake manifold with a new gasket.
  6. Fuel system: Ensure fuel injectors and pump are upgraded. Connect all fuel lines.
  7. Vacuum lines: Connect the supercharger bypass valve (blow-off valve) to intake manifold vacuum. Route carefully to avoid kinks.

Installing a Whipple Twin-Screw Supercharger

Whipple replaces the entire intake manifold with a large supercharger plenum. The installation is more involved but well-documented in their instruction manual.

  1. Prepare the intake manifold replacement: The stock manifold is removed (see above). Clean the sealing surfaces on the cylinder heads.
  2. Install the Whipple supercharger to the new manifold: Most Whipple kits come with the supercharger already bolted to the manifold. If separate, attach using the provided bolts and Loctite. Torque in sequence.
  3. Mount the assembly on the engine: Carefully lower the Whipple unit onto the engine. Ensure the gasket or O-rings are in place. Bolt down the manifold to the specified torque (usually 15–20 ft-lb in a crisscross pattern).
  4. Throttle body: Attach the throttle body to the front of the supercharger. Use a new gasket and tighten in steps.
  5. Drive system: Install the Whipple pulley on the supercharger snout. Route the new belt – often a shorter belt that bypasses the stock supercharger pulley (since the Whipple drives directly). Use the OEM tensioner or the supplied tensioner bracket.
  6. Intercooler: Whipple’s integrated intercooler (air-to-water) sits between the supercharger and the intake ports. Connect the intercoolant pump and reservoir. Fill with a 50/50 water/antifreeze mix or pure distilled water with corrosion inhibitor.
  7. Fuel system: Upgrade injectors and fuel pump as per kit. Connect the fuel rail.
  8. Vacuum lines: Connect the Whipple’s integral bypass valve vacuum line to manifold boost reference.

Reconnecting and Finalizing

Once the supercharger is mounted, reverse the removal steps:

  • Reconnect all electrical connectors – injectors, MAF, manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, throttle position sensor, etc. Use dielectric grease on critical connectors.
  • Reinstall the intake manifold (if removed for ProCharger) – torque bolts to spec.
  • Reinstall the throttle body and connect the accelerator pedal wiring.
  • Reconnect vacuum lines – double-check that the bypass valve line is correctly routed.
  • Refill coolant using the correct bleed procedure for the TRX. Start with the intercooler loop, then the engine cooling system.
  • Fill engine oil to the correct level. Use high-quality synthetic oil (5W-30 for most climates).
  • Reinstall the accessory drive belt if not done. Ensure belt tension is correct.
  • Reconnect the battery – do not start yet.

Pre-Start Checks

Before cranking the engine, perform a thorough inspection:

  • Check for leaks – inspect all coolant and intercooler hoses, fuel lines, and vacuum lines. Tighten clamps.
  • Check belt alignment – the belt should run squarely on all pulleys. Spin the supercharger by hand to ensure no binding.
  • Check clearance – ensure no wiring, hoses, or tools are caught in the drive system.
  • Prime the fuel system – cycle the key to the ON position several times to build fuel pressure (listen for pump prime).
  • Install a tune – the supercharger will not run properly on the stock calibration. You must load a custom tune from a reputable tuner (e.g., SCT, DiabloSport, HP Tuners). Follow the tuner’s instructions to flash the ECU. Do not start the engine without the correct tune.

Testing the Installation

After successful pre-checks and tune flash:

  1. First start: Start the engine and let it idle. Listen for abnormal knocking, belt squeal, or air leaks. The engine may idle slightly higher as the ECU learns.
  2. Check for leaks: Using a smoke machine or cautious visual inspection, check all boost/vacuum connections. A boost leak will cause poor performance.
  3. Monitor sensors: Use an OBD2 scanner to check fuel trims, intake air temp, and coolant temp. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature.
  4. Initial drive: Take a short gentle drive (10–15 minutes) avoiding full throttle. The ECU needs to learn the new air/fuel ratios. Listen for unusual noises. Gradually increase boost pressure.
  5. Full load test: On a safe road or dyno, perform a few full-throttle pulls. Verify no detonation (pinging). Monitor wideband air/fuel ratio – should be around 11.5–12.2 at full boost.

Post-Installation Maintenance and Recommendations

To keep your upgraded TRX reliable:

  • Oil changes – more frequent intervals (every 3,000–4,000 miles) are recommended due to increased heat and stress.
  • Belt inspection – high-horsepower setups can wear belts quickly. Check for glazing or cracking every oil change.
  • Engine cooling – install an upgraded radiator and oil cooler if doing track days. The stock system may struggle with continuous high RPM.
  • Transmission – if power exceeds 900 hp, consider upgrading the 8-speed automatic transmission with a reinforced torque converter and valve body.
  • Warranty – understand that supercharger installation will void your factory powertrain warranty. Choose a kit that offers a direct replacement like ProCharger or Whipple’s CARB-legal systems to simplify smog checks.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

  • Belt slip – if the belt squeals under load, add a belt tensioner or upgrade to a smaller pulley with a wider belt. Check alignment.
  • High intake air temps – ensure intercooler pump is working and system is bled. Consider a larger heat exchanger or a killer chiller kit.
  • Fuel pressure drop – if, at high RPM, fuel pressure drops, upgrade to a dual in-tank pump system or a boost-a-pump.
  • Rough idle – check vacuum lines for leaks, clean throttle body, and ensure fresh spark plugs (gapped to 0.028–0.032 for forced induction).
  • Check engine light – use a scanner to retrieve codes. Common codes after supercharger install include lean mixture (P0171/174) – often due to tuning or vacuum leak.

Conclusion

Installing a ProCharger or Whipple supercharger on your Ram 1500 TRX transforms an already formidable truck into a true monster. Whether you choose the linear, high-RPM power of the centrifugal ProCharger or the instant torque of the Whipple twin-screw, the reward is breathtaking acceleration and an unforgettable driving experience.

Success hinges on meticulous preparation, detailed installation following the manufacturer’s instructions, and a professional tune. Don’t skip the little steps – cleaning surfaces, torquing to spec, and double-checking every connection. With proper care, your boosted TRX will deliver years of thrills. For further reading and community support, visit the Ram TRX Forum where many owners share their build logs and tuning advice.