General FAQs

How much is a KraftWerks supercharger kit?

KraftWerks Supercharger kit prices vary depending on the vehicle year, make and model. To check availability and price of the kit for your vehicle, check out the corresponding kit’s product page.

What type of fuel is required with a KraftWerks supercharger kit?

KraftWerks supercharger systems require a minimum of 91 octane fuel. This octane rating is according to the (R+M)/2 standard.

How much horsepower will my KraftWerks supercharger kit make?

We make supercharger systems for many engine sizes and configurations, and each type of engine reacts to forced induction differently. Check out the dyno results for your particular make and model on the kit’s product page. Dyno results shown are displaying the increase of power on that particular vehicle, and are not a guarantee of performance. Variations in engine condition, additional optional equipment and installation, can all alter power figures. Your results may vary.

What kind of 0-60 and 1/4 mile times will my car do?

With so many years, makes, models and variations in setup, it is impossible to give a definitive answer. On average we usually improve 0-60 and 1/4 mile times by 1.5 to 2 seconds. This can change depending on the driver and terrain.

Will I be able to install a KraftWerks supercharger system?

The KraftWerks kits are designed for easy installation and all kits come with detailed installation instructions. KraftWerks kits require anywhere from 4-8 hours of installation time, depending on the system and installer. Copies of our installation instructions are available on each kit's product page.
However, if you think you cannot complete the installation, that’s ok. Contact your local performance shop or automotive dealer to get an estimate. We will also have a recommended installation shop list available from www.kraftwerksusa.com soon.

Will the supercharger void my factory warranty?

It is illegal for a dealership to void your warranty because you have modifications to your vehicle. It is the dealerships responsibility to prove that any modification was the cause of a failure. Some dealerships are more performance oriented and willing to work with customer’s modifications. Consult with your local dealership regarding their warranty process.

How does the supercharger system affect the engine life?

Engine life will be minimally affected by the addition of a KraftWerks Supercharger System. With proper engine care and maintenance, you should have a great engine life.

How does the Rotrex Supercharger work?

The Rotrex Supercharger uses a patented traction drive system. The drive system is comprised of an annulus, three rollers, and a center shaft to the compressor. The patented "ramp effect" in the traction drive increases efficiency and reliability in the drive by regulating the torque transfer capability on demand through self-adjusting planetary rollers.

Do I have to maintain the Rotrex supercharger?

The Rotrex supercharger is a sealed unit that requires no internal maintenance. Because the Rotrex supercharger has its own oiling system, you should check the Rotrex oil reservoir periodically to ensure proper oil levels. The Rotrex oil should be changed every 2 years/50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Feel free to change the Rotrex oil more often, depending on track/race use. Also, be sure to inspect the supercharger drive belt, as you should any drive belt, at every engine oil change.

What type of oil does the Rotrex supercharger use?

The Rotrex uses a unique traction fluid called Rotrex SX100. SX100 works by momentarily increasing viscosity under high surface pressure, enhancing the traction drive performance by securing the optimum friction between rolling elements while cooling and protecting the system. The Rotrex pumps its own oil and does not use engine oil, so there is no need to tap your oil pan. The Rotrex SX100 traction oil is available direct from KraftWerks.

Are additional gauges required with a KraftWerks kit?

KraftWerks supercharger systems come complete and do not require the use of additional gauges. A vacuum/boost gauge will not hurt the system and can be great for additional information.

Do I have to install a turbo timer to cool the system off after it is run hard?

Turbo timers are not needed. The Rotrex supercharger has its own oiling system, which doesn't require the cool down time.

Does a Header and/or Test-Pipe help the Supercharger system?

Header and Test-Pipes can help the engine breathe better, and increase power depending on the application. But when adding a header and/or test-pipe, you MUST ensure that the engine tuning will support it. It is also important to note that headers and test-pipes do not always yield positive results. If you are not sure if your KraftWerks electronics will support such an upgrade, feel free to contact KraftWerks Sales about what upgrades each kit will support. If you are running some sort of High-Boost application, certain exhaust upgrades will definitely help increase power all-around. Also, colder spark plugs and a cooler thermostat can help keep temps down and ensure safety.

What additional parts could I put on to help my KraftWerks-powered vehicle?

We recommend using an upgraded engine oil cooler, if your kit does not already include one. On an automatic transmission vehicle, we always recommend the addition of a transmission oil cooler. Of course none of these are required for proper operation of a KraftWerks kit. THESE ARE NOT REQUIRED!

Does KraftWerks have supercharger systems that are emissions legal?

Depending on which kit you choose for your vehicle. All of our base vehicle applications are CARB-friendly, with a few select High-Boost kits with CARB status! A CARB EO# sticker will be provided in CARB-friendly systems, which should be placed under your hood after installation of your KraftWerks supercharger system.

What is a CARB EO Number?

Automotive parts and accessories that could affect emissions on pollution controlled vehicles in the state of California must undergo a California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions and engineering evaluation. Parts or modifications that are approved have been thoroughly tested by CARB and do not increase vehicle emissions. This CARB approval is granted for a specific vehicle or group of vehicles and is published in a CARB Executive Order, or CARB EO. California has the toughest emission standards in the United States and if a part or modification is CARB approved it will be approved for all 50 States. All of our base vehicle applications are CARB-friendly, with a few select High-Boost kits with CARB status. Every CARB-legal system we ship comes with a sticker that has the CARB EO number. The CARB EO sticker should be placed under your hood immediately after kit installation.

Do I need a CARB EO sticker for my car?

If you live in the state of California or any other pollution controlled state, and intend to license the vehicle for use on public roads, you must have a CARB approved kit. The supercharger system on the vehicle must be linked to a CARB EO number in order to prove that the system is CARB approved. If you don't live in California or the kit is intended for off-highway use only, you may not need a CARB EO#. Check with your local authorities for regulations.

Do I need to get any additional pieces so my kit will operate?

No! There are absolutely no additional pieces required! Everything is included in a KraftWerks supercharger system.

Will I need a thicker head gasket for my vehicle because of the additional boost?

No. A thicker head gasket is not needed with our KraftWerks-tuned kits.

What is a YouTune kit?

A YouTune kit is designed for individuals that would like to custom tune for their race package, want more than our KraftWerks-tuned kits, or for those that want to use a standalone ECU. YouTune kits come with NO tuning electronics or injectors; tuning is left up to the kit owner.

How will my gas mileage be affected with the addition of a KraftWerks supercharger kit?

We usually see an increase in highway mileage on our kits. Fuel economy is largely based on your closed loop control. Closed loop control is based on rpm and load. It really doesn’t matter if you have 310cc injectors or 650cc injectors your highway fuel economy is based on your closed loop control and your volumetric efficiency (VE). Our supercharger uses a bypass valve, which allows the engine to run without seeing any boost until you mash the throttle. So highway cruise conditions keep the engine in closed loop control. Once you mash the throttle all of this changes. At the point where you create boost and the car goes into open loop condition it is your VE that is important. If you want to pass a vehicle in a stock NA car, you must drop a gear. This gets the car up in the rev range where the car makes power. But, these higher revs use fuel, and you are at 100% throttle position using the maximum amount of fuel for an extended period of time. You finally get around the car, but you were at full throttle, high rpm, trying to gain speed, for a long period of time. Now, if you have increased your engines power by 50+%, (improved VE) you will be able to stay in high gear, and pass them by going only part throttle at a much lower rpm, and do it quicker. Once you are back to cruise speed the bypass valve re-opens, and you are at the stock vehicle’s cruise efficiency. If you are driving "spirited", your outcome will be different. This is why you typically see a decrease in the city.

Do KraftWerks supercharger kits come with some type of warranty?

KraftWerks kits come with a limited 2 year warranty on the Rotrex supercharger and all kit components. KraftWerks only warranties components in the supercharger system. The KraftWerks warranty is non-transferable. Race Kits carry no warranty, as part of the kit is built by the consumer.