Can a Naturally Aspirated Engine Be Modified with a Supercharger?
4 Answers
If the original vehicle is equipped with a naturally aspirated engine, it cannot be fitted with a supercharger. Here are the reasons why a naturally aspirated engine cannot be modified into a supercharged one: 1. Since it involves modifying a production vehicle, it is not only prohibited by law in China, but the modification process is also extremely labor-intensive, requiring numerous changes. Specifically, there is no installation space for a supercharger, no supporting components, and the engine control unit lacks the necessary programming for forced induction. 2. Turbocharged engines are not without flaws. While they offer improved fuel efficiency to some extent, they suffer from turbo lag during acceleration, resulting in less linear power delivery compared to naturally aspirated engines. Additionally, the maintenance costs of turbocharged engines are higher than those of naturally aspirated engines in the same class. 3. Turbocharged engines are used in racing, such as in F1, where a 1.5L engine can produce up to 1000 horsepower. However, this comes at the expense of fuel consumption, and when large turbos spool up to the engine's power band, the sudden surge of power can be difficult to control. Consequently, F1 eventually abandoned turbocharged engines. Nevertheless, turbocharged engines have found widespread adoption in civilian vehicles, and with advancements in automotive technology, modern turbocharged engines have significantly improved in terms of durability and smoothness. This trend is expected to continue as a major direction for future automotive engine development. 4. A supercharger is a type of turbocharger. It consists of two tightly meshed blades connected to the crankshaft via a belt. A typical supercharger is about the size of a standard toolbox and is usually mounted on top of the engine. The working principle of a supercharger is similar to that of a turbocharger, both relying on compressing air. However, since the supercharger is directly connected to the engine, there is no delay in power delivery.
Of course you can modify it! I've seen many car enthusiasts convert their naturally aspirated engines to supercharged ones, but this job needs to be done by a professional tuning shop. The supercharger is driven by the engine belt, requiring the installation of the supercharger unit on the intake manifold, along with supporting parts like an intercooler and high-flow fuel injectors. The most critical part is the ECU tuning—you'll need to reflash the ECU program to match the air-fuel ratio and ignition timing. The stock pistons and connecting rods might not handle the boost pressure, so forged reinforcement should be considered. The transmission and cooling system also need upgrades. The whole setup can boost horsepower by 30%-50%, but the cost could be as much as half a used car—think carefully about whether it's worth it.
Technically feasible to install a supercharger, but your wallet will feel it. Last year I checked with tuning shops - basic supercharger kits start at 20,000 RMB, while premium setups can hit 50-60k. Installation requires reworking the engine bay layout, including removing the airbox and rerouting pipes. The most noticeable change is that addictive supercharger whine during acceleration. But naturally aspirated engines weren't designed for forced induction stress - prolonged high RPMs increase cylinder scoring risks, requiring regular high-viscosity oil changes. Expect at least 30% worse fuel economy, losing 100+ km per tank. If you're not keeping the car long-term, you're better off selling it for a factory-turbo model - less hassle and better resale value.
Modifications can boost performance but don't overlook the risks. Superchargers keep engines under prolonged high load, creating massive cooling challenges especially during summer traffic jams. I've witnessed cases where improperly installed intercoolers caused excessive intake temperatures leading to instant engine seizure. Stock brakes may fail to handle the upgraded power, requiring tire grip upgrades too. Transmission clutch wear accelerates significantly, with steel-belt CVTs being particularly prone to slippage. Aging wiring in older cars risks short circuits, necessitating upgraded fuse boxes. When you tally these hidden dangers, buying a used performance car often proves more cost-effective.
