Installing the Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger on Your Gladiator: A Complete Guide

Jeep Gladiator owners who crave more power often turn to forced induction. The Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger is one of the most popular aftermarket upgrades, offering a smooth, reliable boost that transforms the off-road warrior into a highway stormer. This guide expands on every step of the installation, covering prep work, detailed procedures, tuning considerations, and long-term maintenance. Whether you are a seasoned DIYer or planning to hand the job to a shop, this comprehensive walkthrough will help you get the most out of your E-Force system.

What You Will Need

Before diving in, gather all necessary parts and tools. The Edelbrock E-Force kit (part number 1586 for Gladiator 3.6L V6) comes with the supercharger assembly, intercooler, fuel injectors, belt, and a calibration device. Ensure the kit is complete and that your Gladiator’s VIN is within Edelbrock’s compatibility range.

  • Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger Kit (includes all required brackets, hoses, and hardware)
  • Basic hand tools: ⅜-inch and ½-inch drive socket sets, wrenches (metric and SAE), hex keys, and pliers
  • Torque wrench (ft-lb and in-lb ranges)
  • Fluid catch pan (for coolant and possibly oil)
  • Safety goggles and gloves
  • Installation manual (download the latest PDF from Edelbrock’s support page)
  • Scan tool or laptop with the supplied tuner if you plan to flash the ECU yourself
  • Shop vac or compressed air for cleaning intake ports
  • Threadlocker (medium strength) for critical bolts

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation prevents costly mistakes. Begin with a clean, well-lit workspace. If possible, use a lift or sturdy jack stands to raise the vehicle for easier access to the engine bay underside.

Check Vehicle Compatibility

Edelbrock’s E-Force supercharger is designed for the 3.6L Pentastar V6 found in Gladiator (2020+). Verify that your Gladiator has the standard engine cover and no aftermarket intake modifications that could interfere. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, the kit includes a transmission cooler line bracket—confirm it matches your model year.

Disconnect the Battery

Always start by disconnecting the negative terminal. This prevents accidental shorts, airbag deployment, or ECU damage. Use a 10mm socket, wrap the terminal with a rag, and wait at least five minutes for the electrical system to discharge capacitors.

Drain Coolant and Remove the Radiator Fan Shroud

The E-Force intercooler sits in front of the radiator. To access mounting points, you will need to partially drain the coolant and remove the fan shroud. Place a drain pan under the radiator petcock, open it, and capture about one gallon. Then unbolt the fan shroud (four 10mm bolts) and carefully lift it out. Do not force the electric fan wiring.

Installation Process

Follow the Edelbrock manual precisely, but here we highlight critical steps and common pitfalls.

Remove the Factory Intake and Throttle Body

Detach the air filter housing, intake tube, and mass airflow sensor. Unbolt the throttle body (four T30 Torx bolts). Use a new gasket when reinstalling the throttle body later. Clean the intake manifold surface thoroughly.

Install the E-Force Mounting Bracket and Intercooler

Start by attaching the main supercharger bracket to the passenger side cylinder head. Use threadlocker on the supplied bolts and torque to Edelbrock’s spec (typically 35 ft-lb). Next, mount the intercooler to the radiator support using the provided brackets. Ensure the intercooler sits evenly and the hose routing will not interfere with the hood latch.

Mount the Supercharger Unit

The E-Force includes an integrated intake manifold plenum. Carefully lower the supercharger onto the engine, aligning the drive belt pulley with the crankshaft pulley. You may need to gently rock the unit to seat it onto the intake ports. Install the four long studs and nuts, then torque in a star pattern to 89 in-lb (7.4 ft-lb) – do not overtighten.

Connect Hoses and Wiring

Route the intercooler hoses from the pump to the brick. Use the provided spring clamps to secure them. Connect the boost reference line to the blow‑off valve and the MAP sensor (if required). For the fuel system, the kit includes larger injectors (36 lb/hr). Carefully remove the stock injectors and swap them one by one to avoid mixing up connectors. Apply a light coat of engine oil to the O‑rings.

Reinstall the Fan Shroud and Refill Coolant

Place the fan shroud back into position. It may require gentle persuasion to fit over the new intercooler hoses. Secure with the original bolts. Refill with OEM spec Mopar OAT coolant and bleed the system by running the engine with the radiator cap off until the thermostat opens and no bubbles appear.

Final Electrical and Belt Checks

Reinstall the throttle body (new gasket), then install the drive belt as shown in the manual – the E-Force uses a longer 6-rib belt. Rotate the engine by hand on the crankshaft bolt to ensure the belt tracks correctly. Double‑check all electrical connections: injector clips, coil packs, and MAP sensor.

Tuning and Calibration

The Edelbrock kit includes a handheld tuner loaded with a base calibration. Do not start the engine without flashing the ECU – the stock tune lacks the proper fuel and spark tables for forced induction. Connect the tuner to the OBD‑II port, follow the on‑screen prompts, and wait for the flash to complete. The calibration updates the throttle mapping, fuel trims, and ignition timing. If you plan to use premium fuel (91 octane or higher), ensure the selected tune matches. Drive the vehicle gently for the first 50 miles to allow the ECU to learn.

For advanced users, Edelbrock also offers a Pro‑Tuner software that provides adjustability for fuel, boost, and torque management. However, for most owners, the supplied base tune is sufficient and safe.

Performance Expectations

On a stock Gladiator 3.6L, the E-Force adds approximately 120–130 horsepower and 100–110 lb‑ft of torque at the wheels when using 91 octane fuel. Dyno results from independent testers show peak numbers around 350–370 hp and 380–400 lb‑ft. The supercharger whine is noticeable but not intrusive, and the power delivery feels linear – no sudden boost surge. Acceleration from 0–60 mph drops from about 7.5 seconds to 5.5–5.8 seconds, making the Gladiator surprisingly quick for a midsize truck. Fuel economy during moderate driving suffers only 1–2 mpg, though heavy throttle usage will drop it significantly.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

  • Check Engine Light (CEL) – P0171/P0174 (lean codes): Usually due to a vacuum leak at the intercooler hose connections. Recheck all clamps and O‑rings.
  • High idle or surging: The throttle body may need relearning. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes, then perform a throttle position relearn (ignition on, slowly press pedal to floor and release).
  • Belt squeal on startup: Verify belt tension and alignment. The idler pulley bracket may need adjustment.
  • Coolant loss: Inspect the intercooler pump and hoses for leaks. Air pockets can cause temporary loss; burp the system again.

Maintenance Tips

  • Supercharger oil – Edelbrock specifies Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90 (or their branded oil). Change every 30,000 miles or as instructed in the manual.
  • Drive belt – Inspect every 6 months for cracking or fraying. Replace at 60,000 miles.
  • Intercooler coolant – Use the same coolant as the engine (OAT). No special additives are needed.
  • Air filter – Clean or replace the included high‑flow filter every 15,000 miles; more often if you drive in dusty off‑road conditions.
  • Battery – The extra electrical load from the intercooler pump and tune can strain an older battery. Consider upgrading to a higher‑capacity AGM battery.

Final Checks and Test Drive

Reconnect the battery negative terminal. Start the engine and let it idle for two minutes. Listen for any unusual noises (rattling, whining that changes with RPM). Check for fluid leaks under the vehicle and around the intercooler. Using a scan tool, verify that the fuel trims and boost pressure are within spec (boost should reach 6–7 psi at wide open throttle).

Take the Gladiator on a gentle test drive of 10–15 miles, avoiding full throttle. Gradually increase engine speed through the rev range, monitoring coolant temperature and oil pressure. After a few heat cycles, perform a wide‑open‑throttle pull on a safe road – you will immediately feel the difference. If the CEL illuminates, note the code and consult the Edelbrock support forum or your tuner.

Conclusion

Installing the Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger on your Gladiator is a weekend‑scale project that yields dramatic, reliable performance gains. The kit is engineered for a near‑factory fit, with all necessary brackets and a custom calibration. By following this expanded guide, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure a long‑lasting upgrade. For those uncomfortable with engine work, a certified performance shop can complete the installation in about eight hours. Either way, the result is a Gladiator that pulls like a V8 while retaining its off‑road capabilities. For further technical details, refer to the official Edelbrock product page and the installation manual (PDF). Community feedback on forums like Jeep Gladiator Forum can also offer real‑world insights. Boost safely and enjoy the drive.