Supercharger Types: Pros and Cons for Performance Builds

If you’re looking to add instant horsepower and torque to your car, a supercharger is one of the most effective upgrades you can choose. By forcing more air into your engine, a supercharger allows for more fuel combustion, which equals more power. But not all superchargers are the same. In this guide, we’ll break down the three main types of superchargers—Roots, Twin-Screw, and Centrifugal—and discuss their pros and cons so you can choose the right one for your build.

1. Roots Superchargers

How They Work

A Roots supercharger uses two meshing lobes to push air into the intake manifold. Known for their iconic blower whine and old-school hot rod appeal, Roots blowers have been around since the early 1900s.

Pros

• Instant Boost – Delivers full boost almost immediately, perfect for low-end torque.

• Classic Styling – Often sits prominently on top of the engine, giving a muscle car look.

• Great for Street Driving – Strong low-RPM performance makes it ideal for daily driving and towing.

Cons

• Less Efficient at High RPM – Can produce more heat compared to other designs.

• Bulkier Size – May require hood modifications.

• Lower Top-End Power – Not as strong at high RPMs compared to centrifugal systems.

2. Twin-Screw Superchargers

How They Work

Similar in appearance to Roots blowers but more advanced, twin-screw superchargers compress air inside the housing rather than just pushing it in. This makes them more efficient and capable of producing cooler, denser air.

Pros

• Better Efficiency – Produces cooler air charge than Roots designs.

• Strong Low & Mid-Range Torque – Excellent for street cars and track days.

• Instant Throttle Response – Little to no lag when accelerating.

Cons

• Higher Cost – Typically more expensive than Roots setups.

• Still Larger in Size – May require clearance modifications.

• Heat Management Needed – Can still generate high intake temps under heavy load.

3. Centrifugal Superchargers

How They Work

A centrifugal supercharger looks like a belt-driven turbocharger. It uses an impeller to compress air and deliver it to the engine. Power delivery is more progressive, increasing with RPM.

Pros

• High Top-End Power – Excellent for drag racing and high-RPM performance.

• Compact Design – Easier to fit under stock hoods.

• Efficient – Generates less heat compared to Roots blowers at high RPM.

Cons

• Less Low-End Torque – Boost builds with RPM, so it’s not as instant.

• Turbo-Like Power Curve – Some drivers prefer the immediate punch of positive displacement blowers.

• May Require More Supporting Mods – To maximize gains, you might need upgraded fuel systems and tuning.

Which Supercharger Is Best for You?

• For street driving and instant torque → Roots or Twin-Screw

• For all-around performance with strong mid-range power → Twin-Screw

• For top-end racing and high horsepower builds → Centrifugal

Choosing the right supercharger depends on your driving style, budget, and performance goals. Roots and twin-screw designs offer instant grunt, making them fun for daily use, while centrifugal systems shine for high-RPM horsepower and racing scenarios.

Final Thoughts

No matter which type you choose, a supercharger is one of the most exciting modifications you can make. Pair it with proper tuning, fuel upgrades, and cooling solutions, and you can transform your car into a serious performance machine.