The Kenne Bell 2.6L Mammoth Supercharger Kit is one of the most sought-after forced induction upgrades for the Dodge Challenger community. Designed to deliver extreme power gains while maintaining street drivability, this twin-screw supercharger system can push a Challenger well past the 650-horsepower mark. Whether you own a 5.7L Hemi RT or a 6.4L 392 Scat Pack, the kit offers a straightforward, high-quality solution for building a serious street beast. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know – from installation best practices and tuning requirements to real-world performance expectations and supporting modifications.

Overview of the Kenne Bell 2.6L Mammoth Supercharger Kit

Kenne Bell has been a leader in twin-screw supercharger technology for decades. The 2.6L Mammoth kit is a dedicated platform upgrade for Chrysler’s third-generation Hemi engines, specifically the 5.7L, 6.1L, and 6.4L found in Dodge Challengers, Chargers, and Chrysler 300s. Unlike centrifugal superchargers that build boost progressively with RPM, the Kenne Bell twin-screw design provides instant, linear boost from just off idle – making it a favorite for enthusiasts who want hard-hitting low-end torque and mid-range punch.

The kit uses a large 2.6-liter displacement rotor pack (hence the name), which allows it to move massive amounts of air. Typical boost levels are set around 8–10 psi on a stock bottom end, but with proper supporting mods and a built engine, you can go higher. Kenne Bell claims that with the included components and a good tune, the kit will produce over 650 horsepower at the crank – and often 550+ at the wheels on a 6.4L Hemi.

The core components include a cast aluminum intake manifold with integrated supercharger housing, a water-to-air intercooler system, high-flow injectors, and a high-performance fuel pump booster. All necessary brackets, belts, and fasteners are included, making it a near-bolt-on affair for the mechanically competent owner.

Key Features and Design Highlights

  • Twin-Screw Rotor Design – High-efficiency, low parasitic loss, and instant boost response.
  • Integrated Water-to-Air Intercooling – Keeps intake air temperatures low, reducing the risk of detonation and allowing consistent power.
  • Factory-Fit Manifold – Designed to fit under the stock hood of the Challenger (no cowl clearance issues on most models).
  • Comprehensive Fuel System Support – Includes a boost-a-pump and 80 lb/hr injectors (enough for 700+ hp on pump gas).
  • High-Quality Casting and Machining – Kenne Bell components are known for their robust build and longevity.
  • Included Tuning Devices – Some kits come with a DiabloSport Predator or a custom tune file to get you started.

Installation Tips: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing the Kenne Bell 2.6L kit is a weekend-level project for an experienced DIY mechanic, but it does require careful attention to detail. Below we break down the key stages and offer pro tips to ensure a smooth installation.

Preparation and Tools

Before you lift the hood, gather essential tools: socket and wrench sets (metric and standard), torque wrench, gasket scraper, cooling system flush kit, vacuum pump, and a laptop for initial tuner calibration. A clean, well-lit workspace is critical – you’ll be handling delicate gaskets and fuel lines. Additionally, have fresh coolant, engine oil, and a high-quality fuel pump booster (if not included) ready.

Removing the Factory Intake and Throttle Body

Start by disconnecting the battery and draining the cooling system to the level of the intake manifold. Remove the air intake tube, throttle body, and the factory intake manifold. On Hemi engines, the intake manifold bolts are torqued to a specific sequence – use a manual or online guide. Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly to avoid vacuum leaks.

Installing the Fuel System Upgrades

The kit typically includes larger fuel injectors and a Boost-A-Pump (BAP) controller. Swap the injectors one at a time, using fresh O-rings. The BAP must be wired to the fuel pump power wire inside the rear passenger side trim panel. Important: If your Challenger runs E85, you will likely need additional fuel system capacity – consider upgrading to a Fore Innovations or Walbro 450L pump now to save labor later.

Mounting the Supercharger and Intercooler

Position the new supercharger manifold gasket and lower the Kenne Bell unit onto the engine. The water-to-air intercooler core sits inside the supercharger housing; route the coolant lines to a front-mounted heat exchanger. Kenne Bell supplies a pump and heat exchanger that mount behind the front bumper. Be sure to bleed the intercooler system thoroughly – trapped air can cause overheating and reduced performance.

Connecting the Drive System

The kit uses a serpentine belt that drives the supercharger from the crankshaft. Use a belt tensioner tool to install the belt and check alignment. Any misalignment will cause belt squeal or premature wear. Reinstall all accessory brackets and the throttle body (the kit may require a relocation adapter for the throttle cable).

Final Checks and First Start

Double-check all bolts – torque intake manifold bolts to manufacturer specs (usually 105 in-lbs in sequence). Reconnect battery and cooling system. Fill with fresh coolant and engine oil. Before starting, prime the fuel system by cycling the key a few times. When you start the engine, inspect for any fluid leaks, listen for unusual noises, and monitor the intercooler pump operation. Let the engine reach operating temperature and check for any vacuum leaks using a smoke tester if possible.

Tuning and Calibration

The Kenne Bell kit comes with a base tune file loaded into a handheld programmer (DiabloSport or HP Tuners). However, dyno tuning is highly recommended to optimize air/fuel ratios and ignition timing for your specific fuel and elevation. Without a proper tune, the engine will run lean and detonate – leading to catastrophic damage. Find a reputable tuner experienced with Hemi engines and forced induction. Expect to pay $500-800 for a custom dyno tune. Some excellent resources for tuning include HP Tuners and DiabloSport.

Expected Performance Gains: Dyno Results and Real-World Numbers

With a baseline Challenger 392 producing around 485 horsepower at the crank, adding a Kenne Bell 2.6L supercharger with 9 psi of boost typically yields the following:

  • Crank Horsepower: 650+ (some reports of 680–700 on high-octane fuel)
  • Rear-Wheel Horsepower: 550–600 on a Dynojet (depending on transmission loss and tire setup)
  • Torque: 600+ lb-ft at the wheels – massive low-end grunt that shoves you back in the seat
  • 0-60 mph: Drops from 4.2 seconds to under 3.5 seconds
  • Quarter-Mile: Low 11s at 125+ mph on street tires; high 10s with drag radials and a good launch

A real-world example from a Challenger forum member: a 2018 392 Challenger with the Kenne Bell 2.6L kit, cat-back exhaust, and a custom tune made 598 whp and 621 lb-ft on 93 octane. With E85 and larger injectors, the same car jumped to 650 whp. The key takeaway: the kit is capable of well over 650 crank horsepower, but you need supporting mods (exhaust, fuel system, tires) to fully capitalize.

Supporting Modifications for Maximum Reliability

To safely handle 650+ horsepower, consider these upgrades:

  • Exhaust System – Long-tube headers and a 3-inch mandrel-bent exhaust reduce backpressure and help spool the supercharger. Stock manifolds will become a bottleneck.
  • Fuel System – If you plan to run E85 or go above 10 psi, upgrade to a Fore Innovations triple-pump setup or a return-style fuel system.
  • Cooling System – A larger radiator and an auxiliary oil cooler help manage heat. The intercooler heat exchanger should be upgraded to a dual-pass unit.
  • Transmission – The 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic can handle 600+ whp with a proper tune, but a torque converter upgrade is recommended for hard launches. Manual transmissions need heavier clutches.
  • Driveshaft and Axles – Stock parts may snap under traction. A carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded axle shafts are a wise investment.

Common Installation Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced mechanics can run into issues. Here are the most frequent problems reported by Challenger owners:

  • Intercooler Coolant Air Pockets – If you don’t properly bleed the intercooler system, the pump can cavitate and fail, leading to high IATs and detonation. Use a vacuum fill tool or run the pump with the return line open until all bubbles are gone.
  • Belt Slippage – The supercharger draws significant power. Ensure the belt is high-quality and the tensioner is in good condition. Some owners upgrade to a 8-rib belt system.
  • Vacuum Leaks – The intake manifold gasket must be perfectly seated. Use a thin layer of gasket sealant on the corners. After installation, spray throttle body cleaner around the manifold flanges while idling to check for RPM changes.
  • Tuning Issues – A generic tune will not optimize your car. Always perform a data-logging session to check knock counts and fuel trims. Never drive hard without a verified tune from a professional.

Pros and Cons of the Kenne Bell 2.6L Kit

Advantages

  • Instant boost response – no lag compared to centrifugal superchargers.
  • Excellent low-end torque – transforms the drivability on the street.
  • Complete bolt-on kit – included everything except the tune.
  • Fits under stock hood, maintaining a factory appearance.
  • Large power potential with room to grow as you upgrade supporting mods.

Disadvantages

  • Higher initial cost compared to some centrifugal kits.
  • Installation is more complex than a simple intake manifold swap; requires mechanical skill.
  • Heat soak can occur if the intercooler system isn’t upgraded – the stock heat exchanger is marginal for repeated WOT runs.
  • Can create driveline strain; plan for clutch/trans upgrades soon after.
  • Poor fuel economy under heavy throttle – but that’s expected with 650+ hp.

Where to Buy and Resources

Purchase the Kenne Bell 2.6L Mammoth kit directly from Kenne Bell’s official site or through authorized distributors like Amazon or Summit Racing. For installation walkthroughs and owner experiences, the ChallengerTalk forum has dedicated threads with hundreds of posts and photos. For tuning support, connect with Modern Muscle XL – they specialize in Hemi forced induction tunes and have remote tuning packages available.

Final Thoughts

The Kenne Bell 2.6L Mammoth Supercharger Kit is a proven, high-quality upgrade for any Dodge Challenger owner serious about making big power. With proper installation, a custom tune, and the right supporting modifications, you can reliably achieve 650+ horsepower and enjoy a driving experience that few street cars can match. The twin-screw whine alone is worth the price of admission. Take your time with the install, don’t skimp on the tune, and your Challenger will reward you with years of exhilarating performance.