The Dodge Charger has long been a benchmark for American muscle, blending aggressive styling with formidable performance. For enthusiasts who refuse to settle for stock power levels, forced induction offers a proven path to dramatically higher output. Among the most trusted names in this space is Vaughn Performance, whose supercharger kits are engineered specifically for the Charger platform. With a well-executed installation and supporting modifications, these systems can elevate horsepower from the factory 600 range to an astonishing 850 horsepower—and beyond. This article explores the technology, installation, tuning, and real-world benefits of the Vaughn Supercharger, providing a comprehensive guide for anyone ready to unlock their Charger’s true potential.

How a Supercharger Works

Unlike a turbocharger, which relies on exhaust gases to spin a turbine, a supercharger is mechanically driven by the engine’s crankshaft—usually via a belt. This direct connection gives it instant throttle response, with no lag. The supercharger compresses incoming air before feeding it into the engine, allowing more fuel to be burned in each cylinder. The result is a significant increase in both horsepower and torque across the rev range.

On a modern Dodge Charger, the engine management system must be recalibrated to handle the additional airflow and fuel requirements. This is why a quality supercharger kit always includes or recommends a custom tune. The Vaughn Supercharger kit is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Charger’s factory electronics, ensuring driveability remains smooth while delivering explosive power.

Centrifugal vs. Twin-Screw Superchargers

Two main supercharger designs dominate the aftermarket: centrifugal and twin-screw. Centrifugal units resemble a turbocharger but are belt-driven; they produce boost that builds progressively with engine RPM, ideal for high-horsepower top-end pulls. Twin-screw (or Roots-type) superchargers provide immediate, low-end boost and a distinctive whine but generate more heat. Vaughn Performance primarily offers centrifugal systems for the Dodge Charger, as they pair well with the platform’s high-flowing Hemi engines and allow for impressive peak power numbers without excessive heat soak. The centrifugal design also tends to be easier to install and maintain, making it a popular choice for street-driven builds.

Vaughn Supercharger Lineup for Dodge Charger

Vaughn Performance produces multiple supercharger kits tailored to specific Dodge Charger models, including the SRT Hellcat and Redeye variants. Each kit is engineered to be a bolt-on upgrade, requiring minimal fabrication. The core components include a billet-aluminum supercharger head unit, a drive system with heavy-duty belt and pulleys, an intercooler (air-to-air or air-to-water depending on the kit), and all necessary ducting and hardware.

The entry-level kit is designed for Chargers with the standard 6.2L Hemi Hellcat engine. It can push power from the stock 707 horsepower (or 797 in Redeye form) to around 800–850 at the crank with pump gas. For those seeking more, Vaughn offers a Stage 2 kit with a larger intercooler, upgraded bypass valve, and a more aggressive tune that can exceed 900 horsepower on race fuel or E85. All kits come with a comprehensive installation manual and are backed by Vaughn’s customer support. For more details, visit the Vaughn Performance official website.

Step-by-Step Installation Overview

Installing a Vaughn Supercharger requires mechanical competence, a well-equipped garage, and typically a full weekend. Below is a general outline of the procedure. For exact specifications, always refer to the kit-specific instructions.

  • Preparation and Disassembly: Disconnect the battery, drain the cooling system, and remove the factory intake assembly, supercharger (if equipped), and any components blocking access to the front of the engine. On a Hellcat, this includes the stock supercharger unit and its associated plumbing.
  • Drain Fluids and Remove Accessories: Remove the drive belt, radiator fan shroud, and possibly the radiator itself for clearance. Drain the engine coolant and power steering fluid if necessary.
  • Install the Drive System: Mount the supercharger bracket and tensioner. Install the new crank pulley (if included) and route the heavy-duty belt. The Vaughn kit uses a dedicated belt path to ensure proper tension and alignment.
  • Mount the Supercharger: Position the centrifugal supercharger on its mounting bracket. Secure it with supplied hardware, then attach the inlet and discharge piping. This includes the blow-off valve or bypass valve.
  • Install the Intercooler System: For air-to-water setups, mount the heat exchanger in front of the radiator and route coolant hoses to the intercooler core. Fill and bleed the system. For air-to-air kits, position the intercooler and route charge piping.
  • Reassemble and Connect: Reinstall the radiator, fan shroud, and all removed components. Connect vacuum lines, wiring for boost controller (optional), and the intake tract. Double-check all fasteners and belt tension.
  • Tuning and Testing: Install a custom tune provided by Vaughn or a professional tuner. Start the engine, check for leaks, and perform a break-in procedure as recommended. Finally, a dyno session is strongly advised to verify air-fuel ratios and peak power.

For a more detailed walkthrough, many Charger owners document their installations on dedicated forums. One such resource is the Hellcat Forum, where you can find build threads and troubleshooting tips.

Tuning and Supporting Modifications

A supercharger alone is just one piece of the puzzle. To safely reach 850 horsepower, the engine’s fuel, ignition, and boost control systems must be optimized. Vaughn usually provides a base calibration for their kits, but a custom dyno tune from a reputable shop is highly recommended to account for fuel quality, altitude, and individual engine characteristics.

Fuel System Upgrades: The factory fuel system on a Hellcat can support up to about 750 wheel horsepower on pump gas. Beyond that, you will need larger injectors, a higher-flow fuel pump, and possibly a boost-a-pump or secondary fuel system. Many builders switch to E85 (ethanol) for its octane and cooling properties, which often requires a flex-fuel sensor and dedicated tune.

Exhaust and Cooling: A free-flowing exhaust—such as long-tube headers and a cat-back system—reduces backpressure and allows the supercharger to work more efficiently. Upgraded heat exchangers and a larger radiator are also common to manage increased thermal loads. Vaughn’s Stage 2 kit includes a heavy-duty intercooler system precisely for this reason.

Drivetrain Considerations: With over 800 horsepower, the stock 8-speed automatic transmission (ZF 8HP) can handle the torque if kept in good condition, but upgrading the torque converter and adding a transmission cooler is wise. The differential may also benefit from stronger axles and a reinforced housing for hard launches. For in-depth guidance on tuning, consult a resource like Hemi Tuners.

Performance Gains: From 600 to 850 HP

The jump from 600 to 850 horsepower is not just a number—it transforms the character of the Charger. On the street, the car becomes brutally quick, pinning you into the seat with even half throttle. On the drag strip, quarter-mile times can drop into the 9-second range (with proper tires and suspension), challenging much more expensive exotics.

It’s important to understand that the “600” figure often refers to the wheel horsepower of a stock Hellcat Hellcat (roughly 680 crank); the Vaughn kit targets a net increase of around 150–200 horsepower at the wheels, equating to roughly 850 crank horsepower. Actual results depend on fuel, tuning, and ambient conditions. Many independent dyno tests show consistent gains of 170+ wheel horsepower on 93 octane pump gas.

Torque also sees a dramatic bump—often exceeding 850 lb-ft at the crankshaft—which translates to instant passing power and muscular acceleration from any speed. The centrifugal supercharger’s linear boost curve means the car remains civil during normal driving, yet becomes a monster when you lean into the throttle.

Maintenance and Reliability

Superchargers are robust when maintained correctly. The Vaughn centrifugal unit uses a gear-driven internal step-up, requiring periodic oil changes (every 20,000 to 30,000 miles) with a specific synthetic gear oil. The belt drive should be inspected for wear at every oil change, and the intercooling system should be flushed according to the manufacturer’s schedule.

Beyond the supercharger itself, the entire engine benefits from more frequent oil changes (using high-quality synthetic 0W-40 or 5W-50) and spark plug replacements every 15,000–20,000 miles. The increased cylinder pressure puts greater stress on piston rings and head gaskets, so avoiding detonation through proper tuning and quality fuel is paramount. Vaughn Performance provides a warranty on their supercharger units, and many owners report hundreds of reliable miles when the kit is installed and tuned correctly. For replacement parts and service, Summit Racing stocks many Vaughn components and associated supercharger accessories.

Is a Vaughn Supercharger Right for You?

The Vaughn Supercharger is a serious performance upgrade that delivers genuine 850-horsepower capability in a bolt-on package. It suits the Dodge Charger owner who wants proven, daily-drivable power without the complexity of a turbo system. The centrifugal design preserves factory drivability while providing head-turning output on demand.

That said, reaching the full 850 horsepower goal requires a comprehensive build—including fuel system, exhaust, cooling, and tuning upgrades. Budget-conscious owners may opt for the base kit and enjoy a 700–750 wheel horsepower setup, which is still an exhilarating improvement. For those willing to invest in supporting hardware, the Vaughn kit is a reliable foundation for building a street-legal monster. Whether you are chasing drag strip records or simply want to dominate the highway, the Vaughn Supercharger transforms the Dodge Charger from a formidable sedan into a genuine supercar slayer.